The Adelaide Academy of Combat and Defence is a school that concentrates on teaching martial arts in a friendly and non-threatening environment that is suitable for all people of any age, gender or physical makeup. AACD's focus is always on personal development, it focuses purely on the benefits of training for each of it's students, as each of them have different needs.
In this way, the Adelaide Academy of Combat and Defence is different from many other schools. Rather than just shouting commands for the students to follow, the AACD believes that the most beneficial training is that where the students think for themselves and grow accordingly. For this reason, we encourage a two way communication between students and instructors which promotes involvement and encourages students to express their ideas.
History
The Adelaide Academy of Combat and Defence began in 1997. At that time, it was known as the Shotokan Karate-Do Association. The school was founded by Sensei Brian Donaldson (4th Dan) and concentrated on the teachings of Traditional Shotokan Karate-Do. Shotokan Karate-Do is not a "made-up" mix of different martial arts, but rather one of the four styles of Karate still accepted today as being a recognised Japanese art.
While the main focus of the school is still Shotokan Karate-Do, it was believed that the students could benefit from other aspects of Martial Arts. For this reason, in 2001, the name Adelaide Academy of Combat and Defence was given to the club. Zanshin Kobudo was included in the available list of classes for students and occasional self-defence seminars began to be offered to the public. In January 2004, Combat Hapkido was also added to the list of available classes. Today, the Adelaide Academy of Combat and Defence is still running strong with a practical and respected repertoire.