Industry Accreditation

Every one of our instructors at Aikido Sydney City is fully insured and individually accredited by the Martial Arts Industry Association (MAIA), the peak industry body for martial arts in Australia. We operate under their National Code of Practice, and are bound by the Instructors Code of Ethics. We have each undergone training in martial arts coaching, first-aid and risk management, as well as police background and working with children checks.

Chief Instructor

Berin Mackenzie, 5th dan, Dojocho Aikido Kenkyukai Sydney City

Berin Mackenzie (5th dan) has been studying Aikido for more than 20 years. He began his training at the age of 15 and made his first visit to Japan to study with Takeda Shihan in 1998. In 2000, he relocated to Japan to pursue his practice at the AKI Honbu Dojo, and was privileged to spend three years of intensive study with Takeda Shihan and his senior students. With the encouragement of his teacher, he returned to Australia in 2003 and began sharing his unique Aikido experience. He maintains a close connection with Takeda Shihan and returns to Japan several times each year to further his study.

Berin is known for his joyful, dynamic and creative approach to his practice, emphasising softness, sensitivity, connection with his partners and freedom in movement. His passion for Aikido has taken him all over world, including Canada, the USA, Indonesia, Uruguay, Chile and Argentina. Berin is also author of the AKI Japanese Aikido Glossary.

Assistant Instructors & Sempai