Newcastle Aikido

MEET DRAHC 🙌🏼

Drahc has recently joined our team, helping us behind the scenes with operations and admin.

He’s helping us streamline the way we work, keep things organised and make some of those little processes a whole lot easier.

Drahc is curious, practical and always looking for a better way to do something.

He’s the kind of person who sees a messy process and thinks, surely we can make this easier.

And we’re very glad he does 🙏🏻

There’s a lot that happens behind the scenes to keep a dojo running, and having someone who enjoys getting stuck into the details has already made a real difference.

You’ll also start hearing from Drahc from time to time, so we thought it was about time you got to know the person behind the messages.

But more than anything, we’re really happy to have Drahc as part of the team.

He’s helping take care of the things that need taking care of, making life a little easier for everyone, and quietly getting things done.

We’re pretty lucky to have you, Drahc. 🐺

And if you want to know a little more about him, swipe through. →

SEPTEMBER 5.

You keep saying you’ll do something for yourself.

When work settles down.
When the kids need you less.
When you have more time.
When you feel fitter.

But that time rarely comes.

If you’re stuck in your head, stuck in the same routines, or simply craving something that challenges you in a different way, this is your chance to start.

BECOME is six weeks of traditional Japanese martial arts designed for beginners.

You’ll move. You’ll learn. You’ll be challenged.
And for a few hours each week, you’ll have somewhere to put everything else down.

The last intake sold out in 2 weeks.

If you’re thinking about it, just do it.

BECOME starts September 5.

DM BECOME and we’ll give you the details.

Newcastle Aikido ~ etiquette and terminology series.

Kohai (後輩) is often translated as “junior” or “one who follows.”

But being Kohai isn’t about being lesser. It’s about being newer to the journey.

A Kohai learns by observing those who have walked the path before them. They ask questions, make mistakes and keep showing up.

Every Senpai was once a Kohai.
Every expert was once a beginner.

Being new gives you something valuable: the opportunity to learn with curiosity, humility and an open mind.

Questions are welcomed.
Mistakes are expected.
Growth is encouraged.

Through effort and perseverance, today’s Kohai becomes tomorrow’s Senpai.

This series explores the Japanese words you’ll hear around the dojo. They’re more than terminology — they’re principles that shape the way we train and, over time, the way we live.

BLUE ZONE DOJO OPEN DAY

Sunday, August 30

Come and experience a different approach to getting stronger, moving better and living well for longer.

Set inside our Aikido dojo, Blue Zone draws on Aikido philosophy and Japanese movement practices, combining strength, mobility, balance, coordination and mindful movement.

A different way to move. A different way to train.

Come along to our Blue Zone Open Day, have a go and see what it’s all about.

Places are strictly limited to 10.

DM BLUE to save your spot.

MEET RACHELLE 👋

If you’ve been around the dojo for a while, chances are you’ve crossed paths with Rachelle.

She’s been part of our dojo since 2011, a busy mum of four, and these days she wears a few different hats around here.

You’ll find her on the tatami or helping us behind the scenes with operations and admin, as well as teaching some of our Chiisai Kai classes with the littlest members of our dojo.

But more than anything, Rachelle is one of those people who quietly gets in and contributes.

She’s part of the fabric of this place - the community, the work, the chaos, the laughs and all the little things that make a dojo feel like more than just somewhere you train.

We’re pretty lucky to have her.

And if you want to know a little more about Rachelle, swipe through. ❤️

Three weeks at the dojo with Anna.

Our visiting uchideshi from Wrocław spent three weeks with us - training, sweating, laughing, eating, learning and becoming part of the rhythm of the dojo.

Along the way, she captured some beautiful moments of our people.

I love seeing the dojo through Anna’s eyes.

Thank you for being part of our little world, Anna. 🤍

There’s more to come from Anna’s time with us 📷

10 PLACES HAVE OPENED UP.

Looking for something that helps your child get off the screens, move their body and build confidence?

Our kids’ Aikido program is for ages 8–17 and gives them a place to:

🥋 Build confidence
🥋 Handle school pressure
🥋 Learn practical skills around bullying & conflict
🥋 Make new friends
🥋 Get active and have fun

Daily 4–5pm + Saturday 9–10am
Unlimited classes.

Only 10 places available.

If you think your child would love being part of this crew,
DM KIDS and we’ll send you the details

MEET HIDE ❤️

Swipe →

Nearly 20 years of Hide. ❤️

Curious.
Creative.
Kind.
Always learning.

We absolutely love you, Hide 🐺