Instructors

Colin Hackett Shidoin: Chief Instructor Central Coast Aikikai

President of the Australasian Aikikai

Colin started Aikido in 1972 with the Aikikai of Great Britain later to become the British Aikido Federation (BAF) and later the United Kingdom Aikikai (U.K.A.)

Colin Sensei was fortunate enough to train under Chiba Sensei until his return to Japan. He has also trained under many guest instructors invited by Chiba Sensei.

Through the tutelage of Sensei William Smith (one of Chiba Sensei’s protégé) he obtained Shodan with Shibata Sensei in 1984. Nidan with Chiba Sensei and Sandan with Sensei William Smith, then being awarded Yondan in 1999 again by his mentor in England. Promoted to Shidoin (Senior Aikido Instructor) of the UKA in 2000.

In January 2010 Sensei was promoted to Godan (5th Dan), and as of January 2017, Sensei Colin was appointed to Rokdan (6th Dan) as per Hombu traditional new year’s celebrations (kagamibiraki).

Colin formed Central Coast Aikido on his arrival to the coast in 1998 with the sole purpose of establishing an Aikido dojo with a good standard of instruction and practice on the coast that is second to none.

He has a strong interest in the weapons side of Aikido and also in the art of Sword drawing known as Iaido.

Colin is the Chief instructor of the Australasian Aikikai & also the President of the Management Committee.

Andrew Cronin

Andrew has been learning Aikido from Colin Hackett Sensei (6^th Dan Shidoin) on the Central Coast since 2003. He was awarded 3^rd Dan in 2015 and Fukushidoin in 2013.Andrew has travelled many times to Japan and New Zealand and also to New Caledonia, England and the United States to train in Aikido.

Andrew is the main instructor at Kowakan Dojo (http://kowakanaikidocentralcoast.com/). Andrew also teaches Aikido and Iaido at the Central Coast Aikikai Niagara Park Dojo

Scott Gledden

Scott has studied various martial arts since the age of 9. He has been part of Central Coast Aikikai since 2001. Scott has also trained in Japan and the UK. He is very experienced with teaching both kids and adults. Scott currently holds the grade of 3rd Dan and Fukushidoin.

Scott teaches at Renshinkan – Niagara Park Dojo.