The faces of Capalaba

Tony Neal 3^rd Dan - Founding Instructor

Sensei began Aikido when one day he realised that he might not always be as strong as he is today and sought something that would develop his abilities as he got older. His introduction to Aikido came through nearby Cleveland dojo with Sensei Hansen and Sensei Loader and soon developed into a serious commitment to Aikido. Tony will be moving to NSW to operate a sister club for Capalaba Yuishinkai.


Darren Cowles 2^nd Dan - Instructor

Founding instructor of our club along with Sensei Tony Neil, Darren has a long history of involvement in law enforcement which injects reality into every technique
he teaches


David Shield 2^nd Dan - Instructor

David has studied Yuishinkai Aikido under various instructors and brings flexibility and natural talent to his role as a martial artist. David has a strong love and understanding of the Japanese sword arts on which we are based.


Craig Ellis 1^st Dan - Instructor

Craig is our specialist instructor for Aikikids classes and brings patience, understanding and boundless energy to this role. Craig professes that experience in teaching kids reveals, that they teach us more than we teach them.


Andy DeFrancis 1^st Dan - Instructor

Andy provides our club with a wealth of experience as a Dan ranked instructor in other styles and the skills of a professional educator. Andy has developed strong links with other dojo's through which he acts to strengthen the techniques we bring to our students.


John Gam 1^st Dan - Instructor

John also brings a multi style approach to Yuishinkai having previous experience in teaching different martial arts and self defence styles. John recognises the growth of akidoka and there technique, as they grow in the art, their technique becomes more relaxed and more effective.


Christie Sutcliffe 1^st Kyu - Assistant Instructor

Christie acts as the assistant instructor for the Aiki Kids class and provides calmness and centred technique that acts as an example for all who train with him.