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Newcastle Aikido

7 Bennett St, Hamilton NSW 2303, Australia

5.0 (47 reviews)

Photo Gallery

Two individuals are practicing martial arts on a mat, with one performing a throw on the other.
An older male instructor in a white gi leads a martial arts training session with students.
A black and white image shows a large group of men kneeling on mats in what appears to be a martial arts training session within a gymnasium.
A young boy in a white gi sits in a meditative pose on a blue jiu-jitsu mat.
A group of young children are practicing Jiu-Jitsu techniques on mats in a martial arts gym.
Two children are practicing a jiu-jitsu move on mats in a clean and minimalist training space.
A close-up shot shows hands rolling up a wooden yoga mat against a brick wall.

About Newcastle Aikido

Newcastle Aikido is a traditional martial arts dojo in Hamilton offering authentic Japanese aikido, weapons training and iaido swordsmanship to students of all ages and experience levels. Far more than a fitness studio, it presents itself as a second home, where newcomers who arrive nervous are quickly welcomed into a warm, nurturing environment grounded in respect for tradition and a strong focus on personal development. The instructors are experienced senior grades who are described by long-term members as knowledgeable, patient and genuinely attentive to each student's martial, physical, social and personal growth. Families are a core part of the community, with dedicated children's programs sitting alongside adult classes, transformation courses and meditation practice.

Complete beginners are explicitly catered for, and the supportive culture means people of every starting point feel comfortable stepping onto the mat. For Newcastle residents seeking discipline, mindfulness, self-defence skills and a tight-knit community rather than a transactional gym membership, the dojo offers a structured pathway from first class through to advanced practice. Its blend of tradition, individual attention and community spirit has kept students returning for years.

Classes & Programs

Body Arts (beginner, intermediate, advanced aikido)Weapons trainingIaido (Japanese sword)Aiki KidsChiisai-Kai (ages 4-7)Zazen meditationMisogiBECOME 6-Week TransformationBlue Zone Dojo (strength and balance)Uchideshi full-time student programCorporate coaching

Trainers & Coaches

Darius Wingate-Pearse Chief Instructor, 6th Dan
Hideaki Kobayashi Adults/Kids Instructor, 4th Dan
Pierre Gouhier Adults/Weapons Instructor, 4th Dan
Alison Fetscher-Smith Iaido Instructor, 2nd Dan
Taylor Pettinari Kids Instructor, 1st Dan

Facilities & Amenities

Matted training space

Who It's For

Complete beginnersChildren (from age 4 via Chiisai-Kai and Aiki Kids)FamiliesAdults seeking self-defence and disciplineThose interested in meditation and personal development

Location

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I start aikido as a complete beginner? +

Yes. The dojo runs beginner-level Body Arts classes and is repeatedly described by members as welcoming and supportive for first-timers, including those who were nervous turning up.

Are there classes for children? +

Yes. There are dedicated kids programs including Aiki Kids and Chiisai-Kai for ages 4 to 7, taught by instructors experienced with children.

Do you teach weapons or sword work? +

Yes. The dojo offers weapons training and Iaido, the art of the Japanese sword, alongside its core aikido classes.

What else does the dojo offer beyond aikido? +

Programs include Zazen meditation, Misogi, a BECOME 6-week transformation course, Blue Zone strength and balance sessions, and corporate coaching.

Pricing Information

Contact for pricing

Contact for pricing

Estimated starting price

• Pricing varies by plan and commitment

• Casual day passes often available

• Ask about free trials and student rates

Gym Information

Location Type

N/A

Style

martial arts, jiu jitsu

Google Rating

5.0 ★

Location

NSW

What to Know

  • Arrive 10–15 min early on your first visit
  • Bring a towel, water bottle and clean shoes
  • Check timetables and book classes ahead

Nearby Gyms

Gyms in Sydney

Newcastle Aikido is one of NSW's fitness studios, offering professional training services for all fitness levels. Located in 7 Bennett St, Hamilton NSW 2303, Australia, this studio provides high-quality training and fitness services for both beginners and experienced athletes.

As part of the Sydney fitness community, Newcastle Aikido contributes to the local fitness scene. Whether you're looking for personal training, group classes, or specialist coaching, this studio offers a professional and welcoming environment for your next workout.