Aikido Seiryukan grew from our parent organisation Aikido Shinryukan. As such it maintains close links with Takase Sensei, the head of Aikido Shinryukan, and continues with that relationship to today.

Aikido Seiryukan was established in 1990 after Andrew and Irene Williamson moved from Auckland to Christchurch. Andrew and Irene have been students of Takase Shihan since 1979 and 1981 respectively.

The organisation has grown from a single small dojo with 4 sessions a week, to operating 2 dojos and training around 24 times weekly. We offer classes for adults, beginners, advanced, children, bokken (wooden sword) and jo (staff). Over 30 dan grades (black belts) train actively ensuring top quality instruction.

Aikido Seiryukan focuses on providing top instruction and facilities in Canterbury. Our objectives are unchanged from our commencement:

1. to develop the quality of training available to students.

2. to provide regular seminars with top NZ and Japanese instructors.

3. to improve facilities where Aikido is taught.

In 2025, we changed our name from Aikido Shinrykan Canterbury to Aikido Seiryukan to recognize our separate and unique identity.

The Director is Andrew Williamson (Nanadan – 7th Degree Black Belt), the senior Aikido practitioner in the South Island and Technical Advisor to several dojos in Singapore for Club Aikido.

The Chief Instructor is Irene Williamson (Rokudan – 6th Degree Black Belt), the senior woman training in NZ.

Aikido Seiryukan is linked to the International Aikido Federation and the World Aikikai Headquarters.