Chicko Xerri sensei, an Australian senior Instructor of the Aikido Kenkyukai International Network and head of AKI Fudoshin Dojos Australia, teaches with an Aikido background since 1974. Has studied with only Japanese Masters in Australia and Japan. 10 years with Sugano Seiichi shihan, Aikikai Australia and presently with his Mentor of 24 years Takeda Yoshinobu shihan 8th dan Shonan Aikido Renmei Kamakura Aikikai Japan.

After spending two years of basic study with Hoa Newens and David Scott at Flinders University Adelaide Aikikai, I moved to Sydney to study under the personal direction of Sugano shihan and senior students Brian Dibble, Rodger Savage, Hanan Janiv and Rick Johnson and remained a regular member until Sugano shihan left Australia for Belgium.

The Woolloomooloo dojo was the focal point for Aikido in Australia at that time and the training was of a high standard. The dan grades were taught well and they passed on their knowledge willingly to the lower ranks. There were only few lower grade students in the dojo in those early years which translates to our basic training to be directly in the hands of, at that time Australias' most experienced Black belts and Sugano shihan himself.

I remained with Sydney Aikikai until late 1983. In the same year Takeda shihan and Kamakura Aikikai offered a new and stimulating change to the sensations experienced through the movements of Aikido. Since that initial awakening the perception of Aikido was profoundly altered and the feeling within the practise opened and expanded the imagination to perceive what was before a hidden realm to what is now deep and accessible within a love for the art.

Over the years and in between rigorous and lengthy training in Australia and Japan with Takeda shihan and senior sempei I have established several successful training centers to further promote and help expand the Aikido networks of our collaboration with Takeda Yoshinobu Shihan. The latest being Fudoshin Dojo branches in Western Sydney from 1992 - 2000 and Sunshine Coast (Noosa Heads) from 2000. Earlier Dojo had no formal name and were generally under the umberella of other groups PCYC and Judo clubs ect Woollongong PCYC 1982-84. Sunshine Coast 1984-91, Noosa Heads PCYC, Palmwoods Judo dojo , Verriadale Hall, Maroochydore Living Arts Center and Chambers Island dojo were all early dojo. Practice in Fudoshin dojo is alive and spirited with a definite sense of reality, an emphasis on high level Ukemi; expressed through the body arts and involving sword and a variety of weapons. Sword, Bokken, Shoto and Jo training are at advanced levels. The basic traditional method is elevated through a heightened sense of human intuitive instinct. With out this the traditional method and kata form of training will leave Sword, Bokken and Jo to be an in effective procedure. "(This training will let you know if your techniques are alive or dead)" This level of training is passed on to more experienced students and is conducted; with emotional content in a safe formal; manner. Our training method is of premium standard within our National collective dojo. Students who have passed through the Fudoshin dojo method of Aikido training to Yudansha Level are; confident through being instructed at discovering and developing their own and unique Aikido essence. They are known and highly regarded for their skillful manner within Aikido movements. This is non voilent, high level self defence regardless of body size and gender, involving sophisticated samurai skills and Budo mentality with the ability to adapt to Japanese martial styles effectively.

I am enthusiastic to express my Aikido experience with all who are willing and interested in developing further their understanding of Aikido outside their present perseption and current development in Budo training. I am open to any invitation to pass on this personal knowledge freely through open seminars and group workshops at any time.

I have taught Aikido within Australia the USA and Europe, particularly Spain and Malta I am a registered member with the AIKIKAI FOUNDATION (AIKIDO WORLD HEADQUARTERS) Shinjuku Japan. All grading and certificates are recorded and endorsed in Japan by Takeda Yoshinobu Shihan and Doshu UESHIBA. I currently hold the rank of 5th dan with 34 Aikido years experience.