Nestled on the edge of the wilderness near Meander in northern Tasmania lies a dojo unlike any other. This purpose-built sanctuary is where the ancient martial art of aikido is practised not only as self-defence but as a way of life.
For Martin Bratzel, who has dedicated 45 years to aikido, the journey is far more than physical. “It’s a dynamic meditation,” he says. “You don’t think, you just move and you are part of that energy of your partner.” At Tenchi Farm, where he and Bodhi McSweeney have built their lives and their dojo, aikido is fused with the rhythms of nature.
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The dojo has become something of a magnet for high-ranking aikido practitioners from around the world, drawn by its setting and its connection to Tony Smibert. He is one of the few non-Japanese eighth dans and a respected figure in the global aikido community.
But the practice is deeply personal. Bratzel reflects on how the philosophy of aikido, built on harmony, peace and non-conflict, resonated with him, particularly as someone of German descent. “I learn about fighting not to hurt anyone, but to grow spiritually,” he explains. “Even something as extreme as facing the anger of someone attacking you… I’m defending myself, of course, but I’m not hating that person.”
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McSweeney, who co-founded Tenchi Farm with Bratzel, shares a similar sentiment. “It’s based on non-conflict,” she says. “It teaches a lot in your day-to-day life of just how to deal with strong energies, whether it be physical or emotional.” Though currently unable to train due to back issues, she remains committed to aikido’s benefits. “After training, you always feel fantastic. It’s a lovely thing to do in a group.”
This ethos extends beyond the mat. The very design of Tenchi Farm reflects aikido’s principles. “It was a very holistic experience,” Bratzel says of discovering the land. “It wasn’t a rational thing. It was a spiritual experience. I knew I’d found a place.” He likens the human body to a tree, with roots, a trunk and a crown, reflecting aikido’s sense of grounded movement and upward flow.
Training sessions are held twice a week in nearby Deloraine, with special events throughout the year at Tenchi Farm, including the annual cherry blossom training, or hanami geiko. The dojo also welcomes national and international visitors, such as the upcoming visit from a senior instructor from Tokyo’s Hombu Dojo, focusing on teaching aikido to children.
While the physical benefits of aikido include better posture, stronger muscles and improved coordination, its impact reaches further. Bratzel believes it activates one’s life force, aligning it with others. “The aim is to activate that life force and bring it in harmony with the other one,” he says. “That is a strong part of it.”
There is also a universal accessibility to aikido that appeals to both the young and the elderly. “It’s based on natural movement,” Bratzel explains. “I move like a 69-year-old, but I move in a natural way for a 69-year-old body.” They are exploring ways to invite older participants into a slower, more meditative version of the art.
Starting aikido, they say, is simple. Watch a class, become an interim member and slowly integrate into the practice. “Aikido attracts friendly people by and large,” says Bratzel. “So when a beginner comes in, everyone is really happy to look after them.”
