Joe Thambu Shihan
A World of Experience and Resources At Your Fingertips
Aikido Shudokan is affiliated across the nation and internationally with dojos around the world. So if you are seeking to extend your training whilst overseas or interstate there are various dojos we can put you in touch with. For those from other locations, there is the opportunity to become uchideshi which roughly translates to “live in student.” No, you won’t be expected to cook or share the fish head with the master as in that Tarantino classic “Kill Bill” but you will be expected to commit to your learning experience with constant training and commitment befitting the honor of such a role.
Founded by Experience, Guided by Integrity
Aikido Shudokan was founded by Joe Thambu Shihan, a highly respected senior instructor with decades of experience in martial arts education, international teaching, and community leadership.
Joe Shihan’s approach reflects a rare balance: deep technical knowledge combined with a genuine commitment to personal growth and ethical practice. Under his guidance, Aikido Shudokan has grown from a local dojo into an internationally recognised organisation, with affiliated dojos and students across Australia and overseas.
What sets this lineage apart is its emphasis on clarity, structure, and purpose. Students are not rushed through ranks or overwhelmed by complexity. Instead, they are guided step by step, building solid foundations that support long-term practice.
This philosophy has shaped generations of practitioners who continue to train, teach, and pass on the art with integrity.
Our Commitment To Teach and Disseminate the Art of Aikido
Our objective is to ensure that the great art of Aikido is shared with as many practitioners who can develop and further this unique fighting art as much as possible around the globe. Shihan Joe Thambu is a celebrated practitioner at the highest levels who is in high demand to conduct regular events in Canada, Poland, Ukraine, Czech Republic, Malaysia and Indonesia to name just a few. Beginning his journey in 1972 he has also trained in Kendo and Shindo Muso Ryu Jodo.
World Class Martial Arts Instruction At Your Doorstep
We have the honor of a true master whose credentials are unparalleled in the martial arts community. You have the opportunity to learn directly from the instruction of Shihan Joe Thambu.
A Timeline of Events and Achievements - Shihan Joe Thambu
1972 – Began training under his uncle, Thamby Rajah – also a pioneer in martial arts
1980 – Emigrated to Melbourne, Australia and established Shudokan Aikido bestowed by Head of Yoshikan Aikido Japan
1983 – Travelled to Japan to further his Aikido training. Whilst in Japan, he trained at the Yoshinkan Hombu dojo in Koganei. While living in Japan he received instruction from teachers including Gozo Shioda, Kyoichi Inoue, Takafumi Takeno, Tsutomu Chida, Hitoshi Nakano, and then assistants Jacques Payet and Tsuneo Ando.
1983 – Established dojo at 308 Saint Georges Road, Thornbury in Melbourne
1993 – Lived and trained at the principal Yoshinkan Aikido school in Tokyo, Japan
1993 – The last person to be graded by Yoshinkan founder Gozo Shioda, before his death in mid-1994. At only 32 years of age, he became the youngest non-Japanese to be awarded a 5th Dan in Yoshinkan Aikido. This record has since been passed onto Thambu’s former student, Jon Marshall, who was awarded 5th Dan in 2006 at Yoshinkan Hombu.
1997 – Blitz Magazine, Aikido Instructor of the Year
1997 – Began Instructing crowd-control and Security officer course at Advanced Security Concepts
2001 – Awarded 6th Dan by Hideo Yamada Kaicho
2005 – Tokubetsu Embushou (Special Demonstration Award), 50th All Japan Yoshinkan Aikido Demonstration
2007 – Awarded 7th Dan by Shioda Yasuhisa
2007 – Awarded title of Shihan (master) by Aikido Yoshinkai International. The first non-Japanese person ever to receive this title
2009 – Inducted into the A.M.A.H.O.F.(Inc) Martial Artist of the Year – Aikido Shudokan Yoshinkan Ryu
2012 – Awarded an honorary doctorate by the Asia Pacific Open University for his lifelong commitment and contribution to the martial arts
2015 – Awarded 8th Dan by Kyoichi Inoue
2023 – Published with co author Marvin Oka, Budo “The Art of Being”
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