About Aikido Seiryukan

Aikido Seiryukan (AS) grew from Aikido Shinryukan. As such it maintains close links with Takase Sensei and continues with that relationship to today.

AS was established in 1990 after Andrew and Irene Williamson moved from Auckland to Christchurch. Andrew and Irene have been students of Takase Shihan since 1979 and 1981 respectively.

Aikido Seiryukan has grown from a single small dojo with 4 sessions a week, to operating 2 dojos and training around 24 times weekly. AS offers classes for adults, beginners, advanced, children, bokken [wooden sword] and jo [staff]. Over 30 dan grades [black belts] train actively ensuring top quality instruction.

AS focuses on providing top instruction and facilities in Canterbury. Our objectives are unchanged from our commencement:

  1. to develop the quality of training available to students.

  2. to provide regular seminars with top NZ and Japanese instructors.

  3. to improve facilities where Aikido is taught.

In 2025, we changed our name from Aikido Shinrykan Canterbury to Aikido Seiryukan to recognize our separate and unique identity.

The Director is Andrew Williamson (Nanadan – 7th Degree Black Belt), the senior Aikido practitioner in the South Island and Technical Advisor to several dojos in Singapore for Club Aikido.

The Chief Instructor is Irene Williamson (Rokudan – 6th Degree Black Belt), the senior woman training in NZ.

AS is linked to the International Aikido Federation and the World Aikikai Headquarters.

Instructors

Shihan INSTRUCTORS

Andrew Williamson Shihan - Nanadan (7th degree black belt)

  • Director ASC

  • Born 1961. Commenced training 1979 under Takase Shihan in Auckland, New Zealand. Moved to Christchurch in 1989. Established ASC in 1990.

    Award the title of Shihan in 2017.

Irene Williamson Shihan - Rokudan (6th degree black belt)

  • Chief Instructor

  • Dojo-cho: Burnside Dojo

  • Born 1962. Commenced training in 1981 under Takase Shihan in Auckland, New Zealand. Moved to Christchurch in 1990. Established ASC.

  • Awarded the title of Shihan in 2024.

SHIDOIN INSTRUCTORS

  • Gary Crooks – Rokudan (6th degree black belt) – Commenced training 1993 under Andrew Williamson Sensei in Christchurch.

  • Terry Mah – Godan (5th degree black belt) – Gained Godan in 2018

  • Din Mamat – Godan (5th degree black belt) – Gained Godan in 2020

  • Peter Fitzpatrick – Godan (5th degree black belt) – Gained Godan in 2024

  • Peter Clayton Jones – Godan (5th degree black belt) – Gained Godan in 2024

  • Colin Grealy – Yondan (4th degree black belt) – Gained yondan in 2016

  • Warren Reynolds – Yondan (4th degree black belt) – Gained yondan in 2019

  • Chris Lineham – Yondan (4th degree black belt)

  • Steve Redmond – Yondan (4th degree black belt)

Code of Conduct

The purpose of this code of conduct is to establish a positive and respectful learning environment within Aikido Seiryukan. This document applies to all members, instructors and guests training in Aikido Seiryukan dojos or seminars.

Respect and courtesy must be shown. Be mindful of the principles and spirit of Aikido. This includes using proper titles and forms of address, avoiding derogatory language or behaviour.

Discipline in accordance with the principles of Aikido. This includes being punctual, following the rules and etiquette of the dojo, and striving for improvement in all aspects of their training.

Safety must be prioritised during training. This includes following safety guidelines and using protective gear when necessary, as well as avoiding reckless behaviour or actions that could cause harm to themselves or others. Members must act with Integrity, upholding the principles of harmony, compassion, and cooperation. This includes avoiding behaviour that would bring Aikido or Aikido Seiryukan into disrepute.

Cooperation: Members must work together as a team to support each other’s growth and development. This includes helping each other to learn and improve, and avoiding behaviour that would create division or conflict.

Members must take responsibility for their actions and their impact on others. This includes owning up to mistakes, making amends when necessary.

Dojo use: The dojo is available for individuals to practise Aikido outside of scheduled training sessions if permission from Andrew or Irene Williamson has been gained.

Complaints Procedure for Aikido Seiryukan

Informal Complaints: If a member has a complaint about another member’s behaviour or actions, they should first attempt to resolve the issue directly with that member in a calm and respectful manner. If the issue cannot be resolved, the member should bring it to the attention of an instructor or a senior member of Aikido Seiryukan.

Formal Complaints: If a member wishes to make a formal complaint, they should submit a written complaint to Andrew Williamson Shihan or another instructor. The complaint should include a clear and concise description of the behaviour or actions that are the subject of the complaint, as well as any supporting evidence or witnesses. The complaint should include the complainant’s desired outcome.

Investigation: Upon receiving a formal complaint, the instructor or Andrew Williamson Shihan will conduct an investigation into the matter. This may include interviewing the parties involved and any witnesses, as well as reviewing any relevant evidence.

Resolution: Based on the results of the investigation, the instructor or Andrew Williamson Shihan will determine an appropriate course of action. This may include mediation, counselling, disciplinary action, or other measures as deemed appropriate.

Appeals: If a member is dissatisfied with the outcome of a complaint, they may submit an appeal to the instructor or Andrew Williamson Shihan. The appeal should include a clear and concise description of the grounds for the appeal, as well as any supporting evidence or arguments.

Final Decision: The instructor or Andrew Williamson Shihan will make a final decision on the matter, taking into account the results of the investigation and any relevant factors. The decision of the instructor or Andrew Williamson Shihan will be final and binding.

A Brief Introduction to Aikido

Aikido History

Morihei Ueshiba (1883 – 1969) developed aikido in the early 1900s after many years of research, practice and development. As a youth Ueshiba Sensei, or O-Sensei (Great Teacher) as he was called, applied himself to many arduous years of training in Budo (Japanese martial arts) learning jujutsu, the spear, staff, Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu, and enjoyed the reputation of being unbeatable with the sword.

Although he became very strong, O-Sensei was troubled with the idea that winning at someone else’s expense was not really winning. O-Sensei came to realise that true self-defence was winning over the discord within yourself. Though an acknowledged master, O-Sensei continued to practice strenuously and Aikido was born as a way to avoid harm while not inflicting permanent injury on an aggressor. Aikido is clearly not only an effective self-defence and healthy exercise but also a way (do) to understand conflict in society.

The present site of the Aikikai Foundation in Tokyo is the cradle of Aikido. The Aikikai Foundation is the head office of the International Aikido Federation, the world centre for developing Aikido and the only Aikido organisation recognised by the Japanese Ministry of Education. The position of Ni-Dai Doshu [2nd Headmaster] was assumed by Kisshomaru Ueshiba in 1969 upon the death of O-Sensei. Doshu became the President of the International Aikido Federation in 1976 at its first congress. Mr Kisshomaru Ueshiba passed away on 4 January 1999. O-Sensei’s grandson Mr Moriteru Ueshiba assumed the position of San-Dai Doshu in February 1999.

Aikido is unique among Japanese martial arts because as suggested by the name which means “the way of spiritual harmony”, it brings the attacker under complete control by blending with his oncoming force. Aikido is an effective self-defence, and healthy exercise beneficial to everyone.

Aikido history

Morihei Ueshiba (1883 – 1969) developed aikido in the early 1900s after many years of research, practice and development. As a youth Ueshiba Sensei, or O-Sensei (Great Teacher) as he was called, applied himself to many arduous years of training in Budo (Japanese martial arts) learning jujutsu, the spear, staff, Daito Ryu Aiki Jujutsu, and enjoyed the reputation of being unbeatable with the sword.

Although he became very strong, O-Sensei was troubled with the idea that winning at someone else’s expense was not really winning. O-Sensei came to realise that true self-defence was winning over the discord within yourself. Though an acknowledged master, O-Sensei continued to practice strenuously and Aikido was born as a way to avoid harm while not inflicting permanent injury on an aggressor. Aikido is clearly not only an effective self-defence and healthy exercise but also a way (do) to understand conflict in society.

The present site of the Aikikai Foundation in Tokyo is the cradle of Aikido. The Aikikai Foundation is the head office of the International Aikido Federation, the world centre for developing Aikido and the only Aikido organisation recognised by the Japanese Ministry of Education. The position of Ni-Dai Doshu [2nd Headmaster] was assumed by Kisshomaru Ueshiba in 1969 upon the death of O-Sensei. Doshu became the President of the International Aikido Federation in 1976 at its first congress. Mr Kisshomaru Ueshiba passed away on 4 January 1999. O-Sensei’s grandson Mr Moriteru Ueshiba assumed the position of San-Dai Doshu in February 1999.

Aikido is unique among Japanese martial arts because as suggested by the name which means “the way of spiritual harmony”, it brings the attacker under complete control by blending with his oncoming force. Aikido is an effective self-defence, and healthy exercise beneficial to everyone.

Aikido and Other Budo (Martial Arts)

“What is the difference between Aikido and Judo? And what about Karate?”

These questions are always asked during Aikido demonstrations.

Of course there are technical differences which become clear during training. Generally speaking, we say that Judo employs techniques of holding at the sleeves or collar and takes advantage of opportunities to throw the opponent. In Aikido, the moment of contact (ki-musubi) is the decisive time for action; there is no grappling or jostling with each other.

In Karate the differences are even clearer. In general, Karate utilises thrusting and kicking, mostly in straight lines, though circular movements are also included. Aikido does have thrusting and straight-line movements, however the essence of Aikido technique lies in circular and spherical motion.

Movements in Aikido can be more commonly found in Japanese swordsmanship than in other martial arts. O-Sensei did make the point, however, that those who study Aikido, if holding a weapon, must manoeuver according to Aiki principles.

Aikido, if performed correctly, should not simply be a training in forms (kata). Rather, Aikido should be infinitely versatile, the technique mirroring the situation, timing, power and feeling of the attack.

Aikido is not a sport or competition. Rather training is always conducted with a partner but we work together to achieve the common aim of improving ourselves.

Aikido and Self Defence

The techniques of Aikido are used for self-defence in the following ways:

  • Using natural circular motions to harmonise with the attacker’s force and subdue him.

  • Controlling an attacker through vulnerable points on his body.

  • The use of “ki” or “Kokyu Ryokyu” (breath control) developed through training.

Aikido and Health

Correct and diligent training improves the general condition of the body including the skeletal structure and joints, breathing and blood circulation. The fitness and positive mental attitude developed from training assists in everyday life.