Michael Stoopman Sensei
Michael Stoopman Sensei started learning Aikido in 1966 along with Judo. During the course of studying Aikido for a short time
he took classes in Karate & Jujitsu to better understand how these arts interact with Aikido techniques. In 1985 he changed
Aikido styles when the Ki Society became established in Australia. He has been studying and teaching Ki Aikido ever since. Stoopman
sensei’s main teaching focus is the learning of happiness by understanding ourselves, our environment and how our mind and body
interact. Stoopman sensei’s studies in Ontology (science of being) & Cosmology (nature of the universe) help him articulate his
understanding of Ki and how it relates to the philosophy of Aikido.
Phillip Kohn Sensei
Phillip Kohn Sensei has been practicing Aikido since 1988, almost exclusively at Shinkondo Dojo. He thought it was interesting to try a
martial art that claims to use an opponent's speed and strength against them. He tried it and found it teaches that and so much
more. Even after teaching for almost ten years he still enjoys being a student and tries to bring a relaxed and open attitude to
his classes and his training.
Shaun De Cruz Sensei
Shaun De Cruz Sensei has been involved with Aikido since 1994, having become drawn to the non-violent, harmonious philosophy of the discipline.
He views Aikido as a path anybody can walk, to polish their spirit and realise their full potential. These days, not much keeps
him away from the joys of the dojo mat, not even a hospital bed!
Currently a university student, he sees the dojo as a refuge from the multitudes of textbooks that just seem to keep piling up. Whenever time and funds permits, Shaun can be seen donning a rucksack and heading to remote wilderness areas, seeking solitude and contemplation.