Welcome to Newcastle Aikido
Full-time traditional dojo and community hub.
Learn the way of harmony
The focus of Aikido is the non-violent resolution of conflict, where the underlying principle is to join with an attacker's force. Useful on and off the mat, it can lead to the reconciling of different points of view as students learn to respect others by way of mutual physical contact.
Our classes
We run beginner, intermediate and advanced classes, as well as a world-class kids’ program six days a week.
BODY ARTS
WEAPONS
AIKI KIDS
IAIDO
ZAZEN
MISOGI
“The main driving motivation for doing Aikido is to develop myself mentally, physically, and spiritually on this life journey and build relationships. Training is hard, and it should be. But I feel if you can conquer some of your fears, hates, or doubts on the mat, it makes modern life a piece of cake.”
– Michael, 27
Why learn Aikido?
Physical benefits
Aikido provides whole of person training with an emphasis of mind/body coordination, agility, flexibility and core strength.
Mental health
The combination of body arts, weapons and Zazen meditation help build resilience, perseverance, confidence and mental relaxation.
Self-defense
Increased self and situational awareness. Practical self-defense without inducing harm or lasting damage.
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Darius Wingate-Pearse
CHIEF INSTRUCTOR, 5TH DAN
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Hideaki Kobayashi
ADULTS/KIDS INSTRUCTOR, 4TH DAN
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Pierre Gouhier
ADULTS/WEAPONS INSTRUCTOR, 4TH DAN
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Alison Fetscher-Smith
IAIDO INSTRUCTOR, 2ND DAN
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Taylor Pettinari
KIDS INSTRUCTOR, 1ST DAN
Upcoming events
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Shugyō
13TH DEC - 24TH JAN
Shugyō is where members lean in — more training, more intention, more accountability.
It’s a season designed to stretch you, focus you, and reconnect you with why you train in the first place.A season that changes you from the inside out —
and reminds you what you’re truly capable of. -
New Years Training
31ST DEC, 6:30PM
All members are encouraged to join us for a powerful end-of-year session.
Bring your bokken, your focus, and a courageous spirit as we close out 2025 on the mats together.Let’s finish the year the way we aim to live it: present, connected, and training with purpose.
See you on the tatami. Let’s begin. -
6 Week beginners program
31ST JAN - 14TH MARCH
Our next BECOME 6-week beginner training journey at Newcastle Aikido is beginning soon.
This program is designed for people who want to rebuild their physical strength, sharpen mental clarity, and find a deeper sense of calm under pressure.Click below to learn more and see if this season is for you.
“Why do I train Aikido? It’s hard to articulate because everything is expressed and understood on the mat. You can’t hide from yourself in the dojo; maybe that’s why I train… Aikido brings about a strength I struggle to find anywhere else. I feel Aikido is for people who want to know the depth of their character. People who want to really understand what it means to have resilience.”
– Taylor, 30
