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Instructors

"Progress comes to those who train and train; reliance on secret techniques will get you nowhere. "

O'Sensei

Mike Stanford - 7th Dan

Mike started Aikido at the Northcote YMCA Ki Society, training under John Dawn (2nd dan). After a series of instructors left, Mike became the Instructor for the Auckland dojo, under the Chief Instructor Roger Cruikshank.

When Roger moved to Australia in 1987, Maruyama Sensei appointed Mike Stanford Chief Instructor for the New Zealand Ki Society.

Mike has also studied Iaido, achieving the rank of Shodan. He was also ranked Joden in Ki gradings under the Ki Society. Mike says "For me, Aikido is a way of life"

He admits to being quite aggressive in his youth, and expected things to be done his way both at work and in his personal relationships. "Aikido taught me to look at myself and evaluate myself. I now relate to people better, and my personal and work relationships progressed much more smoothly after I started Aikido. My health improved as well" Mike says.

mike
Craig

Craig Andrew - 5th Dan

Craig began training in martial arts as a 17 year old, studying in the International Jonghap Musul Federation, receiving the rank of 2nd dan. Craig also studied Nam Wah Pai International Kung Fu.

Later, Craig moved to Western Australia for several months and studied Hapkido under an 8 th dan Korean master. When Craig returned to Auckland , looking for a Hapkido dojo, he was unable to find a club. Craig first learned about Aikido when he first saw a Steven Seagal movie. By chance, a short time later, he was passing the Northcote YMCA and saw an Aikido class by Mike Stanford Sensei. He was so impressed he joined immediately and studied with the New Zealand Ki Society, receiving the rank of 3rd dan. Craig followed Mike Stanford Sensei to Aikido Yuishinkai.

While studying Aikido, Craig also received gradings in Praying Mantis Kung Fu, Willow school of Jujitsu, Arnis-de-Mano Philipino Stick Fighting and also trained for several years in Muso Jikiden Eishen Ryu Iaido.

"Having studied and observed many martial systems, for me, aikido is a study of solid mind and body, it is a practical means of handling aggression and is a way of life that enhances fearlessness, wisdom, tolerance and friendship."