Here at Henshin Aikido we have classes for both adults and juniors (8-15 year olds). Adults can train in the morning and evening, we have 6 classes per week for you to choose from.
Our 4 week Aikido Beginner’s Course runs on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 8pm, there’s no start date, you can start whenever you want and when you finish the 4 week course you can join into any of our Aikido classes.
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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 May 2000 by Ray Butcher. (The club was formerly known as Swords Aikido)
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. 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 and with the help of some members from Phibsboro Aikido Club, Swords Aikido was formed in May 2000.
Ray received his Nidan in April 2003, his Sandan in December 2006 and he received his Yondan in May 2013 from Patrick Cassidy Sensei.
In March 2009 the Aikido club moved to our full-time dojo at Balance Ireland in Clonshaugh. The club has flourished since our move, we have gone from 2 classes per week to 6 classes per week for adults and we now have a Junior Aikido program for 8-15 year olds….
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Aikido class times? check our timetable
Do you want to do an Aikido beginner’s course?
See here for more details
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Do you need Aikido weapons or a weapons bag? Contact us… !
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