I have been training with Sensei Mal McRae for only short time (around 2 years at the writing of this) and I am hooked. Mal’s Aikido training is like no other he is truly a gifted teacher, dedicated to his students and our progression. His focus on the Ki aspects of the mind boggling strength and power behind being soft will stay with me for the rest of my life. He has taught me not to resist, don’t try and be strong or fight with strength, not to be tense and instead to place my mind forward past where I want to go. To focus with intention
‘think up to go down’ and broken timing are some principles that have enhanced my everyday life. I implore anyone who is even toying with the idea to come check him out. After just a few sessions the likelihood is you will be both baffled, and enthralled by the empowering strength of harnessing your Ki!
Thankyou Sensei, it is an honour to train with you.
I started training under Sensei Mal back in 2008 to see what Aikido was all about. I’d heard some mixed feedback about Aikido as a martial art, so I decided to try it out for myself.
I’m glad to say I’m still training under Sensei Mal to this day as he is the real deal. His Aikido is effortless, powerful, and effective. My journey in learning Ki Fusion aikido started from looking to learn it for its martial applications but I keep going to learn how the “Aiki” aspect helps us in everyday life.
2nd Dan Zen-Do-Kai Karate
I have been training in various martial arts since I left school 36 years ago at 16. These include boxing, kickboxing, Brazilian ju jitsui, traditional and two free style karate styles. I am currently training in three arts. Zen do kai karate with a present rank of Nidan, Brazilian ju jitsui which I am currently purple belt, and ki fusion Aikido with a current rank of 3rd kyu.
I was introduced to ki fusion Aikido through my friend and training partner Sean Bowring. I first attended Mal Sensei’s traditional dojo in November 2005. I was amazed at his prowess and I came away with a completely different understanding of the martial arts. The techniques demonstrated appear impossible to the layman but once mastered could be executed by a smaller person against a much larger opponent to overcome them effortlessly and effectively by extending ki energy and taking away their centre.
Head Instructor
2nd Degree Black Belt Hapkido
I have trained in Hapkido for over a decade. During this time I was aware of the concepts of Ki energy and its applications in Martial Arts but it was not until meeting and training with Mal Sensei that I became aware of the full and very realistic and practical application of Ki. In over two years I have found Mal Sensei to be a very gracious and patient teacher.
The skills and knowledge which I have learned and continue to develop in using Ki with Aikido principles has directly translated to improving my Hapkido. The principles to which Mal Sensei has introduced me apply not only to the similarities between Aikido and Hapkido but to all areas of training: locking, throwing, kicking, striking and grappling as well as the mental and spiritual aspects of Martial Arts training.
8th Degree Black Belt Hapkido
28 Times World Self-Defence Champion Hapkido/Taekwondo
I have been involved in the Martial Arts for over 39 years, and in this time Aikido Master Mal McRae is one of the best I have seen in this industry. His movement and techniques are of high ability and his understanding of his internal ki is rare to see as effortless power. I believe ki energy is a vital part of self-defence and complements non aggressive techniques that we both will be promoting to Martial Art instructors and students. Mal and I have joined together to offer workshops combining the best of Aikido, Hapkido and Taekwondo and I am very much looking forward to working with an outstanding Aikido teacher.
Yours in Martial Arts,
John Gill
In Ki Fusion Aikido, I've learned about the importance of "ki" and how to cultivate it.
After many years studying with Sensei McRae I’m still enjoying every class (no, not a masochist). Mal’s soft Ki must be seen to be believed, the demonstrations still look like magic. He can execute any technique effortlessly against full resistance, fast or in slow motion.
Mal teaches and demonstrates that we must be relaxed and non-aggressive for aikido to work. It is a great lesson that I started to apply in everyday life, making a conscious effort to relax under pressure.
Started at Tenshin Dojo under Steven Seagal
Former Mr. Universe Body Building Champion
Having trained in Aikido for the last 24 years not to mention the other forms of Martial Arts that I have tried, I have always sought out the best teachers, including my acting coaches and bodybuilding champions. Steven Seagal Sensei and Matsouka Haruo Sensei were my first teachers in Aikido, and they truly embodied and taught me the physical attributes of this marvelous Martial Art. When in Japan I had the privilege to be taught the spiritual and Ki aspect from my Master Abe Sensei. I have to say without a doubt that Mal McRae in my honest opinion embodies both, and is one of the great teachers of our time and I need not look any further.
Mal McRae’s Aikido works and as Steven Seagal Sensei says, if it doesn’t take up dance lessons. I am humbled by his dynamic Aikido and incredible ki power. I highly recommend Mal McRae Sensei to any Martial Artist who is serious about his Art. Mal McRae has taken my Aikido to a different level completely. All I have to say is leave your ego at the door.
Yours in Aiki,
Peter Lindsay
Mal is a genuine, gentle and exceptional leader who does not put himself on a pedestal. Being originally from Japan, I knew some philosophy about Aikido but Mal has taken this to another level and shows us "Ki" in action.
When I first started aikido, it was a real eye opener for me as it convinced me about how effective this martial art is without using a lot of physical strength that is ever present in most other martial arts.
Mal has shown how soft you need to be as well as how devastating aikido is at a high level
I have not looked back since and I would encourage anybody with a martial art background or an interest in martial arts to give it a try. You will be amazed.