To view the histories of the Aikido and Shinto Muso Ryu, please click on the appropriate link to the right.

The guiding principle for AMAI Traditional Martial Arts is a simple one – “Mastering the Art of Life”. It encompasses the purpose behind the formation of AMAI Traditional Martial Arts (non profit) in 1992 and describes the nature of the organisation.

The Aikido Institute (now AMAI Traditional Martial Arts) commenced full time classes to adults, youth and children in the martial art of Aikido in 1992 through an affiliation with the International Yoshinkai Aikido Federation under Shioda Gozo Sensei.

In 1997 the Institute commenced a relationship with the Shinto Muso Ryu (SMR) through Nishioka Tsuneo Sensei, Headmaster of the Sei Ryu Kai. Nishioka Sensei travelled to Australia many times to oversee the development of the art in Queensland. In the year 2000 classes in the various arts associated with SMR commenced. These included Jodo / Jojutsu, Kenjutsu, Iaijutsu and Tanjojutsu etc.

Under Nishioka Sensei’s supervision and guidance, the Institute modified its original Yoshinkan base to incorporate Koryu principles. These included emphasising the correct role and mindset of Uke (Uchidachi) in the unarmed practice. In Keiko (as opposed to renshu), the uke is the senior partner while the shitei learns the technique. From this role the senior can constructively guide and test the shitei while providing correct and meaningful attack and assuming the dangerous role of accepting the technique.

The result of this blend of Koryu principles with modern Aikido was:

• strong, technical sword competency
• staunch and resilient spirit
• focused and powerful Aikido technique
• a life-time pathway from Aikijujutsu to Aikido to Aiki as students progress and/or age

In 2008, AMAI Traditional Martial Arts was established to extend the base of the Aikido Institute to a national level. This name change not only demonstrates the shift from Aikido to a number of Traditional Martial Arts, but also allows individuals, dojos, groups and associations to affiliate with the national body…

“Thanks to the wonderful support and teaching of Nishioka Sensei over the past decade, we provide regular classes in the arts grouped under the Shinto Muso Ryu banner. Nishioka Senseis’ influence has also vastly modified the approach we have taken to Aikido, building on the base provided by Yoshinkan Aikido to now be strongly integrated with Koryu and in particular, sword principles and practice.”

In 2009, AMAI Traditional Martial Arts formally adopted the new Shinto Muso Ryu Aiki syllabus. Shinto Muso Ryu Aiki re-incorporates the fundamentals evident in Yoshinkan Aikido with the Riai (principles) of Koryu weapons system that is the essence of Shinto Muso Ryu. This amalgamation provides the foundation for a Sogo Budo (complete martial system)

... "This is not a new idea or way of Keiko - it is a return to the original path from Bujutsu to Budo with the Japanese sword restored to its central role" – Nishioka Tsuneo Sensei

AMAI has two branch Dojos located in Cooroy (QLD) and Armidale (NSW). The Chief Instructor is David Dangerfield Sensei. His Aikido career has been distinguished by his willingness to seek out all major styles of Aikido and work to bring the elements together around a central core. He has trained at the Yoshinkan Hombu Dojo in Tokyo and at the Founders Dojo in Iwama under Saito Morihiro Shihan. He has studied Shinto Muso Ryu as a direct student under the Headmaster, Nishioka Tsuneo Sensei, receiving his Shomokuroku in 2006.

“The spirit of Aikido is not concerned with winning or losing. The basis of training must be to enhance the quality of your life. In dwelling on the surface aspects only, we will be drawn inevitably towards comparisons and competitiveness. By letting go of the fear that is winning and losing and in adopting a spirit of openness, together we can experience the sense of freedom and joy that is Budo.”

David Dangerfield Sensei.