Our Instructors

Wayne Sheils, 6th Dan

Wayne Sheils Sensei

Wayne began Aikido in Melbourne in 1978, and has been practicing continuously since that time. In 2004, Wayne moved to the Blue Mountains.

Wayne received the grade of 6th Dan in 2013, and is a shidoin (instructor) in the Aiki Kai organization.

Machiko Hirata, 6th Dan

Machiko Hirata Sensei

Machiko began Aikido in Osaka, Japan in 1977, and has been practicing continuously since that time. In 1986, Machiko moved to Melbourne, Australia, where she joined Aiki Kai(Australia). Before moving to Australia, Machiko spent several months practicing intensively with Kanai Sensei in Boston.

Machiko received the grade of 6th Dan in 2013, and is a shidoin (instructor) in the Aiki Kai organization.

Patrick Connor, 3rd Dan

Patrick Connor Sensei

Patrick began Aikido in Darwin in 1997, and has been practicing continuously since that time. In 1999 Patrick moved to Melbourne, and moved to the Blue Mountains in 2002.

Patrick received the grade of 3rd dan in 2017.