Two Aikido masters have begun sharing their love of the martial arts with the Bega community after a top honour recently.
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The husband and wife duo of Guy Fripp and Ruth Treyde were both awarded the top honours of becoming sixth dan experts in Aikido at the National Aikido Summer School in January.
The Tathra-based pair were the only two people to be named to reach a sixth dan level country-wide this year.
“It’s a significant and rare honour,” Ms Treyde said.
“We’ve been training and studying for more than 35 years.”
Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art developed during the last century by Professor Morihei Ueshiba, who was still perfecting the art until the 1960s.
It is non competitive and practices ways to control aggression without causing harm or injury. It is based on circular flowing movements that redirect the momentum of the attack finishing in a throw or joint lock.
Ms Treyde said both she and Guy developed a love for the form many years ago while at the Australian National University (ANU).
“We started training in 1982, but we’re still practicing today under the guidance of Hanan Janiv [a seventh dan Shihan of the art],” Ms Treyde said.
The pair have also taken part in numerous training schools under the watchful vigil of the late Seichi Sugano, an eighth-dan master from Japan who was pivotal in introducing Aikido to Australia.
The pair are well-versed in all aspects, including teaching, with each holding Shidoin certificates and hosting lessons at the ANU for more than 15 years.
Their new Bega dojo is fully associated with Aiki Kai Australia, the governing Aikido body.
Mr Fripp said the duo had retired to Tathra and made the coastal change from living in Canberra, but had been enticed back into coaching through Katie and Steve Ryan at Bega’s Funhouse Studio.
Regular classes are now held at the Funhouse and the pair are inviting anyone interested in taking up the martial art to head along and watch a session.
“You’re more than welcome to come and watch a class,” Ms Treyde said.
“Adult classes are held Mondays and Tuesdays at the Funhouse from 5.30 to 7pm.”
There is a possibility of hosting junior sessions before the adult class on both days.
More details can be found at www.aikido.org.au.
