our club

Our Club

We are a New Plymouth based club practicing the traditional Japanese martial art of Aikido (the way of peace or sometimes referred to as the way of harmony). We follow the Tomiki style of Aikido which is considered to be one of the competitive forms of the art. Both free hand and weapon techniques are practiced in kata form and randori (free movement). The style was developed by Kenji Tomiki, a direct student of the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba.

The club has been in existence in Taranaki since 1970. It first opened in Bell Block before moving to its present location in New Plymouth. Our club head instructor is Terry O'Kane (2nd Dan). We train once a week on Tuesdays for 2 hours during school terms.

We are a friendly club and welcome new members aged 12 years and older to try Aikido. Any queries can be directed to Danny on 022 029 5083 or via email tomikiaikidonp@gmail.com.

History

The Tomiki Aikido New Plymouth club (formerly known as the New Plymouth Aikido Club) started in the Bell Block Hall in 1970 after the arrival of Joe Martin from the UK.

Original members

Joe Martin

Jarrod Martin

Kevin English (1970 – 1985)

Bill Lawson (1975 – 1980)

Billy Lawson Jnr

Michaela Valentine

Murray Keast

Tony Shields

Enter Geoff Allen and Terry O’Kane 2^ND Dan JAA

Enter Jeanette Parker 3^rd Dan JAA (? – 1996) Relocated to Wellington in 1996 and started the Island Bay Aikido Club. After retiring in 2002, the club came under the direction of Shodokan Aikido Australia and is now called Shodokan Aikido Wellington.

Links to: Pepi and John Waite Japan Aikido Association, British Aikido Association

Acknowledgements to people who have contributed to the club

John Langham Rubin Perenara

Jinichi Nishimura Dave Hutchinson

Ron Applegarth Mike Neho

Mike Stamford Maria Kapa

Malcolm McKercher Scott Richardson

Dave Lynch Declan Sheridan

Lineage

Terry O’Kane – Jeanette Parker – Hiroyuki and Naomasa Obaras - Ohba Sensei

Linked to Nariyama Sensei and Shishida Sensei

Current lineage

Terry O’Kane – Pepi and John Waite (Kikusui Kai Aikido Club Auckland)