Author Archives: Niki Vetten

RIP Fujimoto Shihan

Photo of Fujimoto Shihan

Yoji Fujimoto Shihan, 8th Dan


We are sad to announce the passing of Yoji Fujimoto Shihan today, after a long illness.
Shihan Fujimoto played a large role in the development of Aikido in South Africa and in Joburg Aikido’s Sensei Darko Vucetic’s own learning, when he trained under him for many years.
His clear, technical style and disciplined influence will be missed

Gilbert Sensei visiting in January and February 2012

Sensei Gilbert Maillot (5th Dan) is once again visiting from France. He will be in South Africa at the end of January and hold classes in Paarl, Stellenbosch and either Durban or Johannesburg. Here is a summary of his projected training program:

  • 30 Jan – 2 Feb: Classes at Johannesburg School of Aikido dojo during normal training times
  • 3 – 9 Feb: Weekend camp in Cape Town, either at University of Cape Town or Stellenbosch dojos, 3-5 Feb, Classes during the week at Cape Town dojos
  • 10 – 12 Feb: Weekend camp in Paarl
  • 13 – 16 Feb: Training in Johannesburg at our dojo
  • 17 – 19 Feb: Weekend camp in Durban at the University of Natal, Westville Campus.

All are welcome. There will be a mat fee of R50 for weekday classes (this is in addition to monthly training fees at respective dojos) and weekend training camps are R450. A daily rate can be negotiated for those unable to attend the entire weekend.

Enquiries: please call David on (082) 606 1335

Typical weekend camp program Continue reading

December News

This year, Sensei Darko is closing the dojo on 13 December. He is going to Belgrade to visit friends and family and he will be holding an Aikido seminar in Zagreb.
Classes will start again in Johannesburg on 10 January 2012.

The club will be holding the end-of-year get together on Friday 2 December at Pizza Place and Garden cafe: 14, 1st Avenue, Linden in the Linden View Centre. Please RSVP with Sensei as soon as possible to give him an idea of numbers
Starting time: 18 – 18:30

Closing the Wendywood Dojo

We regret to announce that the Wendywood dojo has closed , with immediate effect. This is due to the change of management at the Recreation centre which has made our future there uncertain. Sensei Darko will be teaching at the Northcliff dojo on Tues, Thurs and Fri  evenings instead. All students are welcome to come and train in Northcliff instead

Invitation to an Aikido Book Launch

Invitation to Swordmaster's Apprentice book launchEdward Burke is a student at our Dojo who has travelled the world practising Aikido. He trained with Chiba Sensei in the USA as an uchi deshi. He has written a book about his experiences called The Swordmaster’s Apprentice.

His book will be launched on Tues, 20 September 2011 at Exclusive Books
Shop HL19, Melrose Arch Piazza,
Melrose Boulevard, Melrose North
Time: 18h00 for 18h30

Anyone who is interested in attending is welcome to come along, please RSVP: melrosearch@exclusivebooks.co.za or 011 684 1260 by Friday, 16 September 2011

We look forward to seeing you there.

Seminar with Sensei Gilbert Maillot in September

Sensei Gilbert Maillot (5th Dan) is visiting South Africa once again and will be holding seminars in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. In Johannesburg, Wits Aikido Cub will be hosting him at their dojo on Wits University Campus on 3-4 September 2011. Training will be on

  • Saturday 3: 9h00-12h00 and 15h00-17h00
  • Sunday 4: 9h00-12h00

Cost of seminar is R400 for all sessions. A single class fee can be arranged

For more details please contact us on this site or call David on (082) 606 1335

New Dojo in Cresta Area

Sensei Darko is starting a new Aikido club at Alchemy Health and Fitness Centre in Northcliff from 1 August 2011. Classes will be on Tuesdays,Thursdays and Fridays from 18h30 – 20h00. Please call him if you wish to enroll and see the classes section for a map to find Alchemy