World Combat Games - Riyadh 2023

Luke Derham represented Aiki Kai Australia.

Luke Derham (Sandan) recently travelled to the World Combat Games in Riyadh in October 2023.  The World Combat Games, an international multi-sport festival bringing together ancient traditions, exciting competitions and sport demonstrations, will feature 16 combat sports, including Aikido https://www.worldcombatgames.sport/aikido/, martial arts competitions, sports demonstrations and educational conferences hosted by leading martial arts experts. Tune in from Oct 20 to Oct 30 for the games!

Luke began training in Aikido at a young age, and he devoted himself to it fully when he turned 19. He was awarded Shodan by Sugano Shihan, and continued his journey travelling to New York as a live-in student at the New York Aiki Kai's Uchideshi program, where he trained under the guidance of Yamada Shihan and Sugano Shihan.

Luke has continued his commitment to Aikido, awarded the Fuku-Shidoin assistant instructor certificate, and he has been sharing his knowledge and teaching Aikido since 2009.  Luke works to actively promote Aiki Kai and Aikido in Australia through social media and digital mediums, recently developing a series of short clips and media posts to develop and support Aiki Kai Australia.

We look forward to updates from Luke at the Games, and some great social media posts! 

Aiki Kai Australia has been contributing to and sending representatives to the World Combat Games since the inaugural games in 2010. Pictured here is Jikou Sugano, Tristan Derham, and Julie Boydell at the 2018 Games.