We are delighted to announce that Michael O’Donovan (4th dan), with other friends from Dublin Aikido, will give a one-day seminar in Galway on Saturday 4 December 2021.
Continue reading “Dublin Aikido in Galway 2021”Dublin Aikido in Galway 2021
Shoshin—beginner’s mind in 2021
Watch a small child learning to tie her shoelaces: intense concentration, completely absorbed in the task, despite many failures and repetitions. And eventually success.
Continue reading “Shoshin—beginner’s mind in 2021”Aikido training: a guide for the perplexed
All sports have their traditions, whether it’s rules of play, training costumes, or expected standards of behaviour. In that respect, aikido is no different.
However, since aikido is rooted in Japanese culture, it can be difficult to understand for people who are unfamiliar with traditional martial arts, at least in the beginning.
This is not something to worry about if you are thinking of starting. Everybody should figure out the basics of what aikido is about after a few training sessions. However, if you want to know more, here is a short explanation, based around two key concepts, kihon and ukemi.
Continue reading “Aikido training: a guide for the perplexed”Is aikido effective?
Beginners sometimes ask about self-defence. ‘Is aikido effective?’ It’s a fair question, but, in my opinion, there is no straightforward answer. Here are just a few personal reflections.
Continue reading “Is aikido effective?”Reflections on training in the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, Tokyo
Over two days in August 2013 I had the chance to do some training in the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo. I visited the dojo after a week-long work trip, when I had just a few free days. It wasn’t my first time at Hombu. I had made another short visit during a brief stay in Tokyo in 2002. After such an interval I could only recall a few vague impressions (e.g. Doshu’s extremely busy 6.30am class, the explosive power of Yasuno shihan). And since my own level has progressed since then I hoped I could take something more from this experience.
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