Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba. On a purely physical level it is an art involving throws and joint locks that are derived from Jujitsu and some throws and other techniques derived from Kenjutsu. Aikido focuses not on punching or kicking opponents, but rather on using their own energy to gain control of them or to throw them away from you. It is not a static art, but places great emphasis on motion and the dynamics of movement. O Sensei emphasized the moral and spiritual aspects of this art, placing great weight on the development of harmony and peace.
The word ‘Aikido’ in Japanese is made up of three characters or kanji.
The first and most important is ‘Ai’ which means to meet, to come together, ‘to harmonise’.
The second kanji is ki which means literally steam or vapour, but has come to mean in modern Japanese, the mind, the soul, the spirit. In the larger context ‘Ki’ means ’spirit or force of the Universe’, and not just the spirit of mere human beings.
The third and last character is ‘DO’ which means ‘the way’, as in Ken-Do or Ju-Do, to signify that the study of Aikido does not involve only techniques based purely in self defence, but includes positive character building ideals which people can incorporate into their daily lives.
Henshin Aikido Dojo
Henshin Aikido Dojo was formed in March 2009 by Ray Butcher as part of Defend University Ireland Training Studios. (The club was formerly known as Swords Aikido which was founded in May of 2000)
Henshin Aikido Dojo is affiliated to the California Aikido Association (CAA) Division 3 under the leadership and guidance of Robert Nadeau Shihan (7th Dan). The CAA is affiliated with Hombu Dojo, Aikido Headquarters, in Tokyo, Japan. All Dan grade certifications come from Aikikai Aikido World Headquarters Tokyo, Japan.
Our Aikido training is carried out in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Henshin Aikido’s focus is on technique and dynamic movement and the principles as set out by the founder O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba. Emphasis is placed on atemi (striking) and practical application. Bokken, Jo and Tanto are also incorporated as part of our Aikido training.
Brief History of Ray’s Aikido
Ray started his Martial Arts career at the early age of 10 in the local community Judo Club. After 3 years studying Judo, he then started to study Karate and over a period 10 years studied Kempo Karate, Taekwondo, Kantanni Karate Do and SKI Shotokan Karate.
In 1989 Ray emigrated to Australia and continued his study of Shotokan Karate. He always had an interest in Aikido, and while looking for a change in direction he found an Aikido club in Sydney under Aikikai Australia and began practicing in March 1990. In 1996 he received his Shodan under Aikikai Australia Shihan Sugano Sensei.
Ray returned to Ireland 1998 and started training in Phibsboro Aikido Dojo with Cyril Lagrasta. Aikido enthusiast Mario Mc Cormick made an enquiry to see if anyone was interested in opening a club in Swords, Co Dublin. As Ray lived in Balbriggan at the time, he was offered the chance to open a club and gladly accepted. With the help of some members from Phibsboro Aikido Club, Swords Aikido was formed in May 2000.
Ray ran, built and maintained Swords Aikido until the Henshin Aikido Dojo was formed in March 2009, as part of Defend University Ireland Training Studios.
Ray received his Nidan in April 2003 and his Sandan in December 2006. Both Nidan and Sandan Aikikai grades where awarded by Sensei Philippe Gouttard, under Shihan Christian Tissier Sensei F.F.A.A.A. Fédération Française d’Aïkido, Aïkibudo et Affinitaires.
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Classes are on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday, check our timetable
Want to do an Aikido beginner’s course? See here for more details
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