Ki Aikido in Auckland

Mind-Body Coordination for Calm and Confidence

A practice for everyone, any age, any fitness level
Non-competitive environment focused on personal growth
Learn to manage stress and build genuine confidence
Beginners welcome, your first class is free

We are a registered New Zealand charitable trust (CC64768). Our purpose is to advance education and community benefit through the teaching and practice of Ki Aikido — which is why the first class is free, fees are reduced on the basis of need, and nobody is turned away for lack of means.

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Who We Are

The Association of Ki and Aikido is a registered charitable trust (CC64768). It has no owners and distributes no profit; it exists to put this practice within reach of people who would otherwise never get to it. Here is what guides how we teach.

Authenticity

We teach Ki Aikido in its complete and original form, as developed by Master Koichi Tohei — never adapted or simplified for commercial purposes.

Inclusivity

Age, fitness level, background, and experience are not barriers. We welcome all communities across Aotearoa, including those who have never considered a martial art before.

Personal Growth

There is no competition in Ki Aikido. Progress is measured against your own potential, in a supportive, non-competitive environment.

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Why Choose Ki Aikido?

The Practice

Classes begin with mind-body coordination training focused on relaxation and Ki development, followed by Aikido practice where we maintain this coordinated state through movement. Our health is deeply connected to how we move, and correct movement enhances wellbeing.

The goal is not just a strong body, but a strong mind—developed through forms, breathing exercises, and meditation working together.

Mind-Body Unity

We study mind and body as one unified whole because they constantly affect each other. When your mental state suffers, your body reflects it, and vice versa. We use the body to correct the mind—as the saying goes, “Mind controls the body, and the body is the shadow of the mind.”

Simple posture correction creates a more stable, calm mind. Physical tensions create mental tensions; breaking this cycle is fundamental to our practice.

Progress Through Testing

Evolution happens through Ki testing—evaluating the mind's state through the body. Since it's difficult to assess mental strength without concrete feedback, we use the body as our instrument.

Calmness enables precision. A calm mind is a precise mind. Only through calmness can you move quickly and think clearly and deeply.

For Everyone

Because this is a practice of the mind, Ki Aikido suits everyone. We focus on individual evolution against your own potential, never comparing practitioners to each other. There is no competition in being calm.

Each person's goal is reaching their maximum potential through fundamentals anyone can apply. This is an art and practice that never ends.

What we practice

Ki Development

Development is the cornerstone of our practice, where we practice effective methods of relaxation and Ki cultivation aimed at improving overall physical and mental health.

Through this training, we study the movements we make in daily life, from how we stand and sit to how we perform the most basic actions, applying principles of mind-body coordination to everything we do.

The study and development of Ki builds a strong foundation for Aikido practice while enhancing your wellbeing in all aspects of life.

Ki Aikido

Aikido techniques are a natural continuation of mind-body coordination and Ki Development training. Through Aikido, we study how to perform increasingly complex exercises, using Aikido techniques as a simulation of stress and challenge.

We learn how to maintain a calm mind and coordinated body even under pressure.

The profound goal of Aikido is physical and mental perfection, resulting in the capacity to be continuously protected from all forms of aggression—not just physical ones.

Ki Breathing

We develop the ability to achieve a calm mind and healthy body through deepening our breathing practice.

Breathing has a direct connection to health and mental calmness. Through coordination exercises, relaxation techniques, we develop mastery over this essential function.

Ki Meditation

Ki Meditation is a practical method to achieve and maintain calmness in daily life and extreme situations.

This practice teaches you to keep your mind present rather than dwelling in past or future. It's a practical way to learn true presence, completing your Ki Development and Aikido practice.

Cristian Filimon Sensei, 4th Dan Ki Aikido instructor in Auckland

Who will teach

I am Cristian Filimon Sensei. My Ki Aikido journey began in 2009. After years of dedicated practice, I began instructing in 2017.

In 2025, I relocated to New Zealand, and in 2026 I founded The Association of Ki and Aikido.

Through this association, I am dedicated to sharing Ki Aikido and helping people create meaningful change in their lives. My focus is on teaching practical methods for mind-body coordination and showing how these principles can be applied in everyday life.

Common Questions

What is Ki Aikido?

Ki Aikido is the art of mind-body coordination — a Japanese practice developed by Koichi Tohei that pairs Aikido technique with the study of Ki: breathing, posture, and a calm, coordinated mind. You don't need strength or prior experience to begin. Most people start by noticing how a settled mind changes the way the body moves.

What's the difference between Ki Aikido and Aikido?

Ki Aikido shares its roots with traditional Aikido — Koichi Tohei trained directly under Morihei Ueshiba, Aikido's founder, before establishing Shin Shin Toitsu Aikido. The difference is emphasis: Ki Aikido places Ki development — breathing, meditation, and mind-body coordination exercises — at the centre of practice, alongside the physical technique.

Do I need any prior experience to start?

No. Ki Aikido is suitable for anyone, regardless of age, fitness level, or background — it adapts to each person's capabilities. Most people who walk in have never trained in a martial art before. Your first class is free, with no obligation to continue.

Is Ki Aikido safe? What about injuries?

Ki Aikido is a non-competitive, partner-based practice — there's no sparring or fighting. Techniques are practised together, at a pace that suits both partners, with safety and mutual respect as the foundation. Full guidelines are on our dojo etiquette page.

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What to Expect

Arrive Early

Please arrive at least 15 minutes before class to give yourself time to change and to receive an introduction.

What to Wear

Comfortable loose-fitting clothing. Bring slippers for off the mat. Training is done barefoot on the mat.

Class Structure

Warm-up → Ki Development → Aikido techniques → Breathing / Meditation Exercise.

First Timers

Beginners will receive an introductory session where you'll be introduced to the art and practice.

Inclusivity & Physical Practice

We aim to create a welcoming environment for everyone. However, Ki Aikido is a partner-based martial art where physical contact and partner rotation are fundamental parts of training.

As a Japanese art, we also use formal forms of greeting, including bows from standing or kneeling postures. Students are expected to train with a variety of partners regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, religion, or background.

If, for personal, cultural, or religious reasons, someone is not comfortable with the above rules, unfortunately we may not be able to accommodate participation in regular practice.

For full guidelines on bowing, mat conduct, and uniform care, see our dojo etiquette page.

Class Schedule

332 Great North Road, Grey Lynn, Auckland, New Zealand

Wednesday

7:30 PM - 9:30 PM

CLASS TYPE

Ki Development & Ki Aikido

All levels welcome • Beginners encouraged

Friday

6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

CLASS TYPE

Ki Development & Ki Aikido

All levels welcome • Beginners encouraged

Classes run year-round including public holidays

Need-based support

Financial circumstances should never prevent someone from learning Ki-Aikido

We understand that aikido is a long-term commitment and that life can sometimes present challenges. If cost is a concern, please speak with us—we’re committed to finding a solution that works for you.

Why Ki Aikido?

Authentic Japanese Art

Ki Aikido is a Japanese art developed by Koichi Tohei, combining mind-body coordination (Shin Shin Toitsu Do) with Aikido techniques.

More Than Self-Defense

The challenge today isn't physical self-defence, it's managing stress, maintaining concentration, and developing confidence in yourself and your decisions. Ki Aikido helps you develop exactly these skills: how to acquire them and how to keep them.

Non-Competitive Environment

Ki Aikido is personal development, your only competitor is yourself. We focus on individual growth relative to each person's potential. Practitioners progress through a grading system that examines their understanding of the art.

Suitable for All Ages

Ki Aikido is suitable for anyone, regardless of gender, age, religion, or beliefs. The art is inclusive of all backgrounds and can be practiced even by those with minor physical limitations. It adapts to each person's capabilities and circumstances.

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