Ancient wisdom, modern applications!

Welcome to an authentic martial arts experience at the Sunshine Coast’s premier centre for self-defence!

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  • Learn the practical martial arts system of choice used by the world’s biggest metropolitan police department: Tokyo Metropolitan Police (& Riot Squad).
  • Learn the contemporary ground fighting system of choice trained internationally by many of the world’s best fighters (UFC and other).
  • Learn ancient weapons systems of the Japanese samurai.

Unlike any other martial arts venue on the Sunshine Coast, you can learn all these martial arts systems in the one dojo!

WHAT MARTIAL ARTS ARE AT THE YOSHINKAN SUNSHINE COAST DOJO?

The practical, effective and relevant unarmed martial systems (Taijutsu) taught at the Yoshinkan Sunshine Coast Dojo have their roots in the ancient battle martial art of Japanese Jujutsu going back more than 900 years: Yoshinkan Aikido and Carlos Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. Additionally, the ancient samurai weapons art of Shinto Muso Ryu is also taught at the dojo.

Yoshinkan logoYOSHINKAN AIKIDO: Our form of Aikido is the official style practiced by the Tokyo Metropolitan and Riot Police in Japan. It is the ONLY REQUIRED BLACK BELT for all riot police officers in the Tokyo Riot Police Squad. Moreover, all female members of the regular Tokyo metropolitan police force must train in this particular martial art; the self defence and tactics training for corrections officers around the world is often based on this system; and members of Queensland Police Service often train in our system too. This style of martial art is dynamic and a very effective system of self defence.  It is a non-competitive self-defence system focused around evasion, joint locks, body control, strikes, throwing and pinning techniques. It also includes training with and against weapons. Our dojo is affiliated with the International Yoshinkan Aikido Federation.

240731698_10158846879082631_6559540892837300603_nCARLOS MACHADO JIU JITSU: Additionally, our form of Brazilian Jiu Jitsu (The Machado Method) comes from one of the biggest names globally in the art Carlos Machado. This style of martial art focusses on grappling and submissions on the ground, and is an effective system of ground fighting self-defence. It also features heavily in modern Mixed Martial Arts competitions like the Ultimate Fighting Competition (UFC). Our dojo is affiliated with the Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu Organisation in the Texas, United States.

JoSHINTŌ MUSŌ RYŪ JOJUTSU | KASUMI SHINTŌ RYŪ KENJUTSU: The third art practiced at the Yoshinkan Sunshine Coast Dojo is Shintō Musō-ryū. Shintō Musō-ryū (or SMR as it is commonly called globally). It is a traditional school (or koryū) of the Japanese martial art of jōjutsu – the art of wielding the short staff (). The technical purpose of the art is to learn how to defeat a swordsman in combat using the , with an emphasis on proper combative distance, timing and concentration. Within SMR syllabus, the art of Kenjutsu – sword fighting – is also practiced. SMR was founded by the samurai Musō Gonnosuke Katsuyoshi in the early Edo period (1603–1868) and, according to legend, first put to use in a duel with Miyamoto Musashi (known as the greatest Japanese swordsman to ever live). The spreading of Shintō Musō-ryū beyond Japan was largely the effort of Takaji Shimizu Sensei, considered the 25th grandmaster, who, unlike many other traditional martial arts teachers, wanted Jojutsu to be known and taught internationally. With the assistance of his students, Shimizu has spread Shintō Musō-ryū worldwide. Interestingly, the jo has been the preferred weapon of choice by Japanese police since feudal times. Our dojo is affiliated with the Australian Jodo Federation.

WHY DO THESE MARTIAL ART WITH US? IS IT FOR ME?

It can be said of Yoshinkan Sunshine Coast Dojo that it is truly for all ages, genders, walks of life and strength levels.  Since the essence of our systems rely on redirecting the attackers energies back upon them, a focus is placed on technique rather than brute strength, making it relevant to all people of all walks of life!

The efficiency of these martial arts are in mastery of another’s physical attack by training over time to use another’s force against them.  A practitioner learns how to do this over time by working with their training partners in a non-competitive and mutually developmental setting. This relationship is unique to our martial arts.

The Sunshine Coast Dojo is a Japan Honbu (Headquarters) and Carlos Machado (Texas, USA) certified dojo and we are closely affiliated with the top instructors in the world practicing these martial arts today.

Training at the Yoshinkan Sunshine Coast dojo…

  • DEVELOPS COORDINATION, HEALTH & FITNESS
  • INCREASES FLEXIBILITY AND REFLEXES
  • DEVELOPS PERSONAL SAFETY/PRACTICAL SELF-DEFENCE
  • INSTILS DISCIPLINE, RESPECT AND FOCUS
  • FOSTERS COMMUNITY AND HARMONY

WHY MIGHT THIS DOJO BE RIGHT FOR ME?

Classes are taught by university qualified teachers (holding education degrees). Lessons are taught using the latest in education research, and include a strong emphasis on the Gradual Release of Responsibility Model and other high ‘effect-size’ practices such as Feedback For Learning.

The mood of the dojo is inclusive and non-competitive, where all students irrespective of age, ability, race, gender, or faith are treated with respect.

WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING ABOUT THE DOJO? (TESTIMONIALS)

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Check out further testimonials here.

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NEWS & EVENTS

Shochu Geiko – Summer Training Day: Register quick!

Shochu Geiko 2023

New in July 2022 – Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu

240731698_10158846879082631_6559540892837300603_nIt is with great pleasure that we are able to announce this new development at our dojo.

From July 11, classes in Carlos Machado Jiu Jitsu will commence at the Yoshinkan Sunshine Coast Dojo! Come and try this new addition to the timetable as part of the suite of martial arts offered at the dojo! Carlos Machado is one of the biggest names in Brazilian Jiu Jitsu internationally, and I am honoured to be one of his direct students and to teach his curriculum here at the Yoshinkan Sunshine Coast Dojo.

Enquire at the dojo for more details.

New in 2022 – Aiki Insights

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New in 2022! Subscribe now to the new YouTube program ‘Aiki Insights’!

What is Aiki Insights?

It’s a conversation about Yoshinkan Aikido specifically and martial arts more broadly. In these videos we aim to explore all things Aiki in a budo sense and delve into the concepts and principles that make this style of aikido such an effective martial art for self defence and self development.

The presenters are Ryan Slavin (5 Dan Yoshinkan Aikido, 2 Dan WTF TKD and Shintō Muso Ryū Jojutsu Mokuroku) and Lawrence Monforte (4 Dan Yoshinkan Aikido). Between the presenters they possess over three decades of martial arts experience. Both presenters are students of Mori Michiharu Shihan – the last uchideshi of Master Gozo Shioda (Kancho Sensei), the founder of Yoshinkan and direct student of O’Sensei.

Enjoy the conversation in this first edition more by contributing respectfully in the comments and don’t forget to subscribe the the channel.

STREET SELF DEFENCE CLASS

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Yoshinkan Sunshine Coast Dojo

合気道養神館 サンシャインコースト道場

Special class: street style self defence. 6 May, 1:00pm. Limited numbers. Book now as limited numbers available and spots are running out.

This year’s class will be a little different again from past years in that it will focus on the use of Yoshinkan Aikido techniques in a pre-emptive manner. In this we will use Yoshinkan Aikido techniques in an applied manner to initiate the interaction before it escalates – to control a situation and restrain an opponent before they make the first move.

The techniques you will practice in this class are much like the way in which the Tokyo Metro and Riot Police (and other law enforcement agencies or security guards) apply Yoshinkan Aikido basic techniques (kihon waza) for their purposes.

Like last year, it will have a gi and no gi component again too. I hope you enjoy the class!

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AIKIKIDS CLASS!

Yoshinkan_SymbolThe AikiKids class for Term 3, 2022 is now taking enrolments.

If you are interested in your child training in Term 3 of 2022, please enquire at the dojo now.

Annual Demonstration

Yoshinkan_Symbol2022 Demonstration – 17th September

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TRAINING @ THE DOJO

CLASS TYPES:

The following is a brief explanation of the types of classes offered at the Sunshine Coast Dojo, the requirements for participation in them and the times at which they are held:

Kids classes:

Open to children from 5 years old to 12/13 (depending on capability and body condition). Students at the age of 13 will participate in a transition phase from the kids class to the adults class over time.

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Yoshinkan Aikido Classes:

Fundamentals Aikido Classes are open to all levels from the very beginner to the black belt. Classes always focus on basic or fundamental movements and techniques in a heavily structured way, with lots of modelling.

Advanced Aikido Classes are open to those who have graded to an acceptable level of proficiency (approx. 5th Kyu depending on student abilities), demonstrate safe and capable ‘ukemi’ (breakfalling) skills, and those who display a good level of fitness. These classes assume students have a solid grounding in Yoshinkan Aikido fundamentals and can explore more difficult techniques and principles.

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Carlos Machado Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Classes

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is one of the most dynamic contemporary martial arts in the world and our team at Carlos Machado Jiu-Jitsu Sunshine Coast is excited to bring it to you from the the curriculum of one one of the most senior and experienced names in BJJ in the world.

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Shintō Musō Ryū Classes

Open to adult students who demonstrate the desire to deepen their training and life experience. Students in this traditional Japanese weapons class take on significant commitment through endless patience, sincerity and a willingness to learn things that are completely different from what they have done or learned in previous experiences. Furthermore, over time students in this class train with the expectation of developing a life based heavily on the Gojō – a value system with ‘benevolence’, ‘justice’, ‘etiquette’, ‘knowledge’ and ‘trust’ at its core.

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DOJO LOCATION

2/4 Lynne Street, Caloundra. Queensland.

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INSTRUCTOR PROFILE – Ryan Slavin

“I opened the Sunshine Coast Dojo to establish a student base that is strong, resilient and disciplined, and to enhance people’s lives. I additionally aim to foster community that focuses on the collective needs of the people of Caloundra, and more broadly the Sunshine Coast.”

RYAN SLAVIN SENSEI has been training in martial arts for over 30 years.

Ryan firstly began his martial training in 1994 in the Korean art of Tae Kwon Do where he attained 2nd Dan under Darryl Gowlett and Michael Tan (8th Dan). During this time he took part in numerous competition fights and was never beaten in Queensland (State Champion for the years he competed). Furthermore, he won a silver medal at the Australian National TKD Championships.

In 2001, Ryan moved to Japan to immerse himself in Japanese culture and explore Japanese martial arts. There he trained in the traditional Japanese martial art – or koryū – Yagyu Shingan Ryū Taijutsu – Jujutsu; Kenjutsu; Bojutsu. On return to Australia, Ryan began training in Shintō Musō Ryū Jōjutsu (SMR) and Yoshinkan Aikido.

In 2005 he returned to Japan to pursue academic study at Nagoya University and further his training in Shintō Musō Ryū Jo. At this time he received the SMR rank of shodan from Nishioka Tsuneo Sensei. Much later after returning to Australia, in 2018 he received the SMR Oku Iri Certificate and the rank of Sho Mokuroku under Glen Henry Sensei (Menkyo Kaiden). Ryan continues to train with Glen Henry Sensei still today.

In Yoshinkan Aikido, after 20 years of continuous connection to training under Michiharu Mori Shihan (8th Dan Uchi Deshi to the late Gozo Shioda Kancho – the founder of Yoshinkan Aikido) at the Brisbane Yoshinkan Aikido Dojo, Ryan received the rank of 5th Dan in 2019. Ryan now holds an International Yoshinkai Aikido Federation Instructor license.

Upon relocating with his family in 2012 to teach at a college on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast, Ryan responded to his instructor’s advice of opening a traditional Japanese martial arts dojo to aspire to the goal mentioned in the opening paragraph above. Still, Ryan continues under the tutelage of Michiharu Mori Shihan at the Brisbane Yoshinkan Aikido Dojo today while directing the Sunshine Coast Dojo. Ryan is one of Mori Shihan’s most experienced ‘uke’ (attackers who receive the techniques).

In 2022, Ryan also became a direct student of Master Carlos Machado in the art of Jiu Jitsu. (Carlos Machado is cousin to the famous Gracie family of Gracie Jiu Jitsu. His main instructor throughout his life was his cousin Carlos Gracie, Jr., but he has also trained with Helio Gracie, Carlson Gracie, Rolls Gracie, Rickson Gracie, Crolin Gracie, Rillion Gracie and his brothers.)

In addition to his martial arts qualifications, Ryan holds an undergraduate degree in Linguistics, a post-graduate degree in Education (teaching) and a Masters degree in International Relations/Global Politics. Ryan teaches at one of the Sunshine Coast’s most prestigious colleges and is a published author of a variety of  educational texts with Cambridge University Press.