"My first memory of Aikido was while I was at University in the early 80s. A friend had started Aikido with the University of WA club and was practicing movement with a wooden sword. I didn't take much more than a minor interest and continued training in Jujitsu and other martial arts that I was doing at the time.

Many years later I discovered the book 'Aikido: The Dynamic Sphere' in a bookshop. I was so taken by the philosophy and principles of the art that I bought the book (about $60) despite not having any place to learn.

In 1993, Wing Chung and I were becoming bored with our regular social games of squash and decided to restart our interest in martial arts. We searched around for a suitable option. I had a preference for Aikido since I wished to see if the practice matched the theory in the book I owned.

In January 1994 we commenced Aikido at the University of Western Australia under Sensei Brett Nener. One of my distinct memories of that time was the size and variety of the bruises that appeared after each training session. In May 1994 I took six months off from Aikido after my daughter was born.

I restarted Aikido later that year and shortly after moved to Subiaco PCYC in January 1995 where a new dojo was being founded under Sensei John Langley (5th Dan at the time). Wing had continued with Aikido during my absence was intending to train with John at Subiaco and I was happy to join them. After a few training sessions Shaun Duffy joined us. Shaun had trained with John under Sensei Yoshiaki Unno. Wing and I knew Shaun from attending the UWA dojo. Shaun's brother Nathan and his friend Steve Craig joined about that time.

In those early days classes of three or four were not uncommon. Slowly the classes grew and my skills improved. When my son was born in November 1995 I had another eight or so months absence from Aikido.

When I returned in mid 1996 virtually everyone that I had originally assisted had surpassed me in skill. I reached my 1st Kyu (Brown belt) about the time that Wing, Nathan and Steve were preparing for their Dan grade (Black belt).

I commenced running children's classes in 2002 to ensure that my children had the opportunity to learn Aikido.

In 2006, the dojo that is the Institute of Aikido Australia, now has Sensei John Langley, four 3rd dans, six 2nd dans and an ever increasing number of 1st dans. A long road has been travelled from the few white belts starting to learn from John Langley in January 1995. What is more interesting is what the future will bring.

The most satisfying aspect is the friendly spirit of the club with its open attitude to learning. This is a reflection of those who have been instrumental in its success - specifically John, Shaun, Wing, Sete, Fiona and Rob."