DOJO HISTORY
Melbourne Aikikai was founded in 1977 by the late Tony Graziano, with classes from 1977 to 1980 held at the Melbourne YMCA. Graziano Sensei received his shodan in 1979 under Dr. H.T. Walker and in 1980 moved to Ohio, where he trained at the Cleveland Aikikai. During that time, classes were held at a private home in Melbourne.
 

In 1981, Graziano Sensei, returned to Melbourne, received his nidan, and in 1983, the school was moved to the Imperial Courts Racquet Ball Club near the Melbourne airport. The Dojo in Indian Harbour Beach was opened in April 1984.  Melbourne Aikikai is currently located on A1A in Satellite Beach.

Tony Graziano served the public as a law enforcement officer for twenty-three years, first for the Melbourne Police Department, and then for the Brevard County Sheriff's department. Accordingly, self-defense was an integral part of his life outside of the Dojo.

There are times when God chooses to take us early from this existence into the next. God chose to take Graziano Sensei on May 2, 1995 after a courageous battle against cancer. At the time of his death, he held the ranks of nidan in Shotokan karate, godan in Iaido, and godan in Aikido. He was loved by many and respected by all who knew him.

In September 1994, after the discovery of his illness, Graziano Sensei chose to turn Melbourne Aikikai over to William Vintroux. Additionally, he promoted Ross Torquato to the position of assistant chief instructor to Vintroux Sensei.

Vintroux Sensei began training Aikido in 1983 under Walker Sensei at Sand Drift Aikikai in Titusville, Florida. In 1986, Vintroux Sensei began training under Graziano Sensei at Melbourne Aikikai. Today, Vintroux Sensei continues his study of Aikido. His philosophy is much like Graziano Sensei's:

"Many things can be learned and enjoyed through the practice of Aikido, however, the roots must still be that of a strong, effective martial art."

In Aikido, there is a broad range of differing training styles and philosophies that are sometimes characterized as "soft" or "hard." Vintroux Sensei intends for Melbourne Aikikai to be a place where anyone can train at the intensity level which he or she feels comfortable. However, in the interest of safety, when training partners' styles conflict the "harder" style will always yield to the "softer" style.

Melbourne Aikikai Today

Melbourne Aikikai is operated for the practice and promotion of the martial arts. It is an association of students of Aikido and Iaido who also host AikiJustsu and Karate schools. The Aikido and Iaido instructors are not paid. These Sensei teach because they enjoy it and, in the tradition of the martial arts, have an obligation to pass on the knowledge that they have acquired. In order keep our dues low and to allow our instructors to concentrate more fully on teaching, a group of sempei (senior students) undertake most of the responsibilities of the day-to-day running of the Dojo. All labor associated with operating the school, however, is donated by the students.

Melbourne Aikikai and You

We, the members of MAK, take pride in being a friendly school and we welcome all serious students, regardless of their previous or present affiliation with other martial arts styles, or affiliations. We keep our monthly dues as low as possible. We also do not require our students to sign long term financial commitment contracts. However, we do ask that our students pay their monthly dues consistently and on time.
Acceptance into our school carries obligations other than serious training. We give, and expect all students to give of their time and energy to clean the Dojo and to assist in the general operation of the Dojo whenever necessary. We also expect students to represent themselves well within the community.

We invite you to come visit us at Melbourne Aikikai

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