Reviews of Melbourne Aikijujutsu Club

The teacher was out so Acer the asian assistant was running the show. Lots of weapons and squats then one technique for the rest of the class. Hard work but everyone was friendly. I didnt have the correct change so he told me to pay next time but didnt get to go to the next lesson as work sent me to Qld.

Sorry Acer mate I'll fix you up when I'm back. Jona.

The sensei's name is Jules not George. He is actually a bit gruff not charming, but as a teacher he is top class. No flashy moves or showing off, so I think he knows a lot more than he lets on. And you got to spend time with him because there are only a few students. Very powerful and direct but still sensitive.

Yeah the students can throw hard, but really judo throws are harder. What I like about this lot though is that they're not conceited. They have high respect for judo and love it when a judoka (like me) turns up. Yeah I agree that it's quite relaxed. You do the bow and claps and whutnot but the atmosphere is very informal.

The strikes are mostly palm strikes and something that looks like uppercut but not as straightup, but I've only been a few times. One time we practiced taking turn holding punching bags while the other strikes. Some of them can really put on lots of power behind those palms, even over short distance.

I wouldn't call the warmup strenuous. It's vigorous but if it is strenuous then a typical judo warmup would knock you out.

Yeah the dojo should be on the heritage list.

Got work and injuries (not inflicted by this club) otherwise would continue training.

Did aikido and dabbled in judo a few times before ventured into this one. Not training now but would have liked to come back given more free time. Overall a charming little dojo if not a little disorganised. On first visit no one seemed to know how much to pay. But that's community clubs for you. George(?) the sensei is quite a technical teacher and obviously very skillful. The students are friendly n haven't got attitudes, perhaps a bit too easygoing and irreverent if you have come from a formal budo club. Can throw hard though. They took it easy on the beginners, but with me they powered it up when they knew I could take falls. Randori has format like aiki randori but tend to be more scrappy and playful; the odd unexpected or countertechniques or a bit of resistance is not unusual.

The joint itself is like a rickety weatherboard ex-church that feels like it's going to fold eachtime someone gets thrown. The mats are old and hard.

You'll have a good workout. Warmups have a few unusual strenuous exercises, like lots of sumo squat first thing.