Simon Pearce began Aikido training in January 1990 whilst an exchange student at the University of California, Santa Cruz under the campus instructor Jerilyn Munyon Sensei. On returning to Australia later that year he became a member of Aiki-Kai Australia and continues to train with it's senior instructors under the direction of Sugano Shihan (8th Dan). In 1995 he was awarded Shodan level and started teaching in dojos in Melbourne's western suburbs.

In 1997 he was employed by the Kyoto prefectural government as an assistant English teacher. Whilst in Japan he continued his training mainly at the Oomoto Kyo dojo in Kameoka and at the historic Budo Centre in Kyoto city as well as Hombu dojo in Tokyo. He also deepened his study of Japanese art, language and culture there. 

Returning to Australia in 1998 he continued training and teaching at the Aikido Victoria Footscray Dojo. In 1999 he was graded to Nidan level and accredited as a Level One coach with the Australian Coaching Council. During this period he also taught Aikido Beginners' Courses for the Council of Adult Education.

Simon's passion for both Aikido and teaching saw the establishment of the Aikido Victoria Brunswick Dojo in 2000, with a vision of introducing a new generation of students to the fascinating art. The dojo has flourished ever since producing a number of accomplished students of all ages and from all walks of life, some of whom are now acomplished Black Belts and instructors in their own right. 

Graded to Sandan in 2005, Simon still sees himself as much a student as he is a teacher of the art and gets as much inspiration from his students as his does from his senior mentors. Most recently he has been employed in several schools teaching student welfare and development programs as well as being a student support officer.

If Aikido is a journey he feels immense gratitude for those he continues to share it with. Graded to Yondan in 2014 the journey continues...