Jean-Christophe Merlant
Jean-Christophe started Aikido in 1982, training under the instruction of Michel Becart Shihan 7th dan, in Paris. From 1964, Michel Becart followed the teaching of Noro Sensei, Tamura Sensei, Chiba Sensei and Yamada Sensei. Jean-Christophe was graded Shodan in 1991 under Tamura Sensei and has been training in Australia ever since, following Sugano Sensei’s instructors for a period as well as Paul Sinkinson Sensei and Rosso Fernandez Sensei, Chief Instructor Auckland Aikikai.
Jean-Christophe is also a member of ACNA (National Cultural Association of Aikido) created in 1980 by Michel Becart.
Tiong Chandra
Tiong started his aikido training in 1998 with Aikikai Australia, under the umbrella of Sugano Shihan. Extensively training under various instructors in Australia, in the last 15 years he has trained under the guidance of Paul Sinkinson Sensei. He has attained his shodan, nidan and sandan from Rosso Fernandez Shihan. More recently, Tiong trained for over a year in Singapore at Philip Lee Shihan’s dojo and has trained at Hombu dojo in classes run by Doshu and some of the shihans.