In 1998, Berin travelled to Japan to practice with Takeda Shihan and to represent
Australia at an international Aikido demonstration held in Kamakura. During this
visit, he was invited to return and study at the Shonan Aikido Renmei. In 2000, he
moved to Japan and spent 3 years studying intensively under Takeda Shihan and his
senior students, becoming the first Australian to have ever done so.
With the encouragement of his teacher, Berin returned to Sydney 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. He is currently ranked 4th dan through Aikikai Japan, and is a fully-insured and accredited instructor through the Martial Arts Industry Association. Berin is also author of the AKI Japanese Aikido Glossary.
Berin Mackenzie with uke Nick Hoyle ryote dori tenchi nage
Berin Mackenzie with Philippe suwari waza kokyuho
Berin Mackenzie with Chicko Xerri enbukai, yudansha gasshuku
Berin Mackenzie with Christian Diaz shomen uchi kokyu nage