Posts

Balbriggan Dojo. 9 February 2025

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Today at the Balbriggan dojo, we focused on the members' requests and techniques related to those requests. Tai no Henko Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare Morotedori Kokyuho Tsuki Kokyunage Tsuki Kotegaeshi Tsuki Kotegaeshi Henka Katatedori Kaitenage Soto Shomen Uchi Koshinage (Sankyo) Zagi Kokyuho We welcome practitioners of all levels and ages to join us at Takemusu Aikido Society. Whether you’re taking your first steps in Aikido or refining your skills, our classes offer something for everyone. For more details, visit our website at  www.aiki.ie . #aikido #todaypractice #aikidodublin #aikidoireland #iwamaaikido #iwama #aikidoaikikai #takemusuaiki #ourpractice #aikidofingal #aikidobalbriggan #balbriggan #takemusuaikidosociety #osaewaza #balbriggan #nagewaza #bukiwaza #koshinage

Ringsend Dojo. 5 February 2025

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This Monday Ringsend & Irishtown Community Centre was closed due to a bank holiday, so we shifted the kids' class to Wednesday.  As always we did core strength and stretching exercises, followed by ukemi and shikko practice. Then we delved into Aikido techniques: Tai no Henko Morotedori Kokyuho Kosadori Ikkyo Omote Zagi Kokyuho Adult class: Tai no Henko Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare Katatedori Kokyuho Ki no Nagare Morotedori Kokyuho Ki no Nagare Shomen Uchi Sankyo Kihon Shomen Uchi Sankyo Henka Kosadori Ikkyo Omote & Ura Kosadori Kotegaeshi Ryotedori Tenchinage Zagi Kokyuho Join Us! Whether you’re young or young at heart, there’s a place for you on the mat. Explore Aikido with us and grow in skill, strength, and community. Visit  www.aiki.ie  for details on our classes in Ringsend and Balbriggan. #aikido #kidsaikido #ringsendaikido #aikidodublin #aikidoireland #iwamaaikido #aikidoaikikai #takemusuaiki #aikidoringsend #takemusuaikidosociety

Balbriggan Dojo. 2 February 2025

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Today in Balbriggan dojo we welcomed the last-week newcomer who decided to join us. Also, a few members returned to the mats after a rather long break. So we focused the class on the basics while keeping the progression of our Aikido cycle. Tai no Henko Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare Morotedori Kokyuho Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote Sankyo - hand positioning exercise Shomen Uchi Sankyo Omote (kihon) Shomen Uchi Sankyo Henka (Uchi Mawari) Zagi Kokyuho We welcome practitioners of all levels and ages to join us at Takemusu Aikido Society. Whether you’re taking your first steps in Aikido or refining your skills, our classes offer something for everyone. For more details, visit our website at  www.aiki.ie . #aikido #todaypractice #aikidodublin #aikidoireland #iwamaaikido #iwama #aikidoaikikai #takemusuaiki #ourpractice #aikidofingal #aikidobalbriggan #balbriggan #takemusuaikidosociety #osaewaza #balbriggan #osaewaza #bukiwaza #ikkyo

Ringsend Dojo. 29 January 2025

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Today in Ringsend Dojo we continued studying Sankyo variations: Tai no Henko Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare Morotedori Kokyuho Shomen Uchi Sankyo Henka 1 Shomen Uchi Sankyo Henka 2 Zagi Kokyuho Join Us! Whether you’re young or young at heart, there’s a place for you on the mat. Explore Aikido with us and grow in skill, strength, and community. Visit  www.aiki.ie  for details on our classes in Ringsend and Balbriggan. #aikido #kidsaikido #ringsendaikido #aikidodublin #aikidoireland #iwamaaikido #aikidoaikikai #takemusuaiki #aikidoringsend #takemusuaikidosociety

Ringsend Dojo. 27 January 2025

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Today at Ringsend Dojo, we had a fulfilling day of practice that brought out the best in both our kids and adult groups. Kids class:  Core strength and stretching exercises Mae and Ushiro Ukemi Shikko Mae and Ushiro Tai no Henko Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare Katatedori Kokyuho Kosadori Ikkyo Omote Zagi Kokyuho Adult class shifted to advanced techniques, as we concluded our exploration of Nikyo variations and began delving into Sankyo techniques. The practice included: Tai no Henko Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare Morotedori Kokyuho Katatedori Nikyo Kihon Katatedori Nikyo Henka (against Kaeshi waza Nikyo - Iriminage) Munedori Nikyo Ki no Nagare Henka (same principle) Katatedori Nikyo Henka (chest hand crossing) Shomen Uchi Sankyo Omote Kihon Shomen Uchi Sankyo Henka (fingers control) Zagi Kokyuho But while we practised, something truly special was happening at the Carlton Hotel in Blanchardstown. Our assistant instructor, Jan, was honoured with the prestigious title of Sports Volunteer of the ...

Balbriggan Dojo. 26 January 2025

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Today at Balbriggan Dojo, we were thrilled to host a travel aikidoka visiting us from Sweden during his business trip to Ireland, and a newcomer who stepped onto the mat for the very first time. The mix of advanced, first-time visitors and our regular members (slightly fewer number than usual due to cancelled trains from Dublin) created an exciting atmosphere for practice. We focused on fundamental techniques with intricate details, ensuring everyone could engage and learn at their own level: 🔹 Tai no Henko 🔹 Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare 🔹 Morotedori Kokyuho 🔹 Kosadori Kotegaeshi 1 : "You are welcome" entrance, sitting control 🔹 Kosadori Kotegaeshi 2 : Hand inwards, standing control 🔹 Kosadori Iriminage 1 : "You are welcome" entrance 🔹 Kosadori Iriminage 2 : Hand inwards 🔹 Zagi Kokyuho We welcome practitioners of all levels and ages to join us at Takemusu Aikido Society. Whether you’re taking your first steps in Aikido or refining your skills, our classes offer...

Ringsend Dojo. 22 January 2025

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Today in Ringsend Dojo we covered the basic techniques: Tai no Henko Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare Katatedori Kokyuho Katadori Ikkyo Omote & Ura Katadori Nikyo Omote & Ura Ryotedori Tenchinage Zagi Kokyuho Join Us! Whether you’re young or young at heart, there’s a place for you on the mat. Explore Aikido with us and grow in skill, strength, and community. Visit  www.aiki.ie  for details on our classes in Ringsend and Balbriggan. #aikido #kidsaikido #ringsendaikido #aikidodublin #aikidoireland #iwamaaikido #aikidoaikikai #takemusuaiki #aikidoringsend #takemusuaikidosociety

Ringsend Dojo. 20 January 2025

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At Takemusu Aikido Society, today’s training was alive with enthusiasm and determination as both kids and adults brought their best to the mats. The kids’ group returned to practice with excitement, channelling their energy into learning and play. Here’s what we worked on: Warm-ups : Stretching and strength-building exercises to kick-start the session. Ukemi practice : Forward (Mae) and backward (Ushiro) rolls to build agility and confidence. Shikko movement : Practiced with a lively tag game to keep things fun and engaging. Techniques : Tai no Henko Tai no Henko Irimi Katatedori Kokyuho Zagi Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote Zagi Kokyuho The kids displayed remarkable focus, pushing through challenges with determination. They left the mats with tired smiles and a sense of accomplishment! We were thrilled to see members from Balbriggan and Ringsend Dojos coming together, mixing and training with renewed energy. Today’s session focused on exploring variations of Nikyo techniques, providing a rich...

Balbriggan Dojo. 19 January 2025

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Today in Balbriggan Dojo Alex has successfully passed his 5th kyu test. Apart from the grading on exploring variations of Katatedori Nikyo techniques, honing both fundamentals and advanced movements: Tai no Henko Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare Morotedori Kokyuho Katatedori Nikyo Kihon Katatedori Nikyo Henka 1 (elbow up, control from inside) Katatedori Nikyo Henka 1 (elbow up, control from outside) Zagi Kokyuho We welcome practitioners of all levels and ages to join us at Balbriggan Dojo. Whether you’re taking your first steps in Aikido or refining your skills, our classes offer something for everyone. For more details, visit our website at  www.aiki.ie . #aikido #todaypractice #aikidodublin #aikidoireland #iwamaaikido #iwama #aikidoaikikai #takemusuaiki #ourpractice #aikidofingal #aikidobalbriggan #balbriggan #takemusuaikidosociety #osaewaza #balbriggan #osaewaza #bukiwaza #nikyo

Ringsend Dojo. 15 January 2025

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Today in Ringsend Dojo we continued to study Osae Waza (immobilisation techniques), exploring smooth transitions and precise applications: Tai no Henko  Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare Morotedori Kokyuho Shomen Uchi Sankyo Ura Shomen Uchi Yonkyo Omote Shomen Uchi Yonkyo Ura We ended the studying basic Osae Waza techniques by linking them seamlessly, flowing through: Nikyo → Sankyo Omote → Sankyo Ura → Yonkyo Omote → Yonkyo Ura We closed the session by  Zagi Kokyuho Join Us! Takemusu Aikido Society welcomes practitioners of all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re looking to start your journey or refine your skills, there’s a place for you on the mat. For more details, visit  www.aiki.ie . #aikido #kidsaikido #ringsendaikido #aikidodublin #aikidoireland #iwamaaikido #aikidoaikikai #takemusuaiki #aikidoringsend #takemusuaikidosociety

Ringsend Dojo. 13 January 2024

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Today it was the first kids class after the Christmas break. A few new boys joined the class so we spent a lot of time on basics. The session began with warm-up, stretching, and strength-building exercises. We introduced the fundamental Aikido stance and movements: Irimi, Tenkan, and Irimi-Tenkan . Students practised the practical application of Tenkan in Tai no Henko . We learned the art of walking on the knees - Shikko. Shikko movement was explored in Zagi Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote , with focus on fluidity and control. To build confidence in falling techniques, we taught Ushiro Ukemi , essential for performing Katatedori Kokyuho . The class ended with Zagi Kokyuho , leaving the kids feeling accomplished and ready for more.  The adult group also had a productive session, welcoming a newcomer into the fold. The techniques covered included: Tai no Henko Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare Katatedori Kokyuho Kosadori Ikkyo Omote Kosadori Nikyo Ura Kosadori Sankyo Omote Zagi Kokyuho (grab elbows...

Balbriggan Dojo. 12 January 2025

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Today marked the first practice of the year at Balbriggan Dojo, setting the tone for an exciting year ahead in Aikido training. The session focused on core principles and techniques, blending fundamental movements with advanced applications. This combination provided an enriching experience for practitioners of all levels. We started Taijutsu section of the class the year with the basic exercises:  Tai no Henko Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare Morotedori Kokyuho Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote Then we explored advanced counteracting techniques to deepen the understanding of the principles of blending and force redirection: Kaeshi Waza Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote - Ikkyo (1) Kaeshi Waza Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote - Ikkyo (2) Kaeshi Waza Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote - Iriminage We concluded the taijutsu segment with sitting breathing exercise: Zagi kokyuho We started to learn Bukiwaza with the basics of Aiki-ken: Shiboru Undo Shiboru Undo Irimi Shibiru Undo Tanren We welcome practitioners of all levels and age...

Ringsend Dojo. 8 January 2024

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🎉 The first Aikido practice of 2025! 🎉 We returned to the mats with renewed energy, starting the year by sharpening our skills in both Tai Jutsu and Bukiwaza. Today's training covered: Tai Jutsu: 🔸 Tai no Henko 🔸 Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare 🔸 Katatedori Kokyuho 🔸 Morotedori Kokyuho 🔸 Morotedori Kokyunage 🔸 Ryotedori Kokyuho 🔸 Zagi Kokyuho Bukiwaza: 🔸 Ken no Kamae 🔸 Shiboru Undo 🔸 Shiboru Undo Irimi 🔸 Shiboru Undo Tanren It’s a great start to what promises to be an exciting year of growth and practice! #aikido #todaypractice #aikidodublin #aikidoireland #iwamaaikido #iwama #aikidoaikikai #takemusuaiki #ourpractice #aikidofingal #aikidobalbriggan #balbriggan #takemusuaikidosociety #osaewaza

Balbriggan Dojo. 22 December 2024

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Today marked the last Aikido class of the year at Balbriggan Dojo. It was a focused and rewarding session as we explored a range of Kokyunage techniques. The mats were alive with energy as we delved into the following practices: Tai no Henko  Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare (short & long variation) Morotedori Kokyuho Morotedori Kokyunage (tenkan and throw forward) Morotedori Kokyunage (tenkan and spin under arms) Morotedori attack Ki no Nagare entrance from below and from above Morotedori Kokyunage Ki no Nagare (kokyuho) Morotedori Kokyunage Ki no Nagare (from down - up to elbow control) Morotedori Kokyunage Ki no Nagare (from up - down to elbow control) Zagi Kokyuho The session provided an excellent opportunity to refine our flow, connection, and responsiveness, closing out the year with focus and enthusiasm. We’ll return to the mats on 8 January 2025 , ready to kick off another year of practice. Balbriggan Dojo welcomes practitioners of all levels and ages. Whether you’re a complet...

Ringsend Dojo. 18 December 2024

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Today, we bid farewell to 2024 during the final Aikido class of the year at Ringsend Dojo. Although attendance was small, the energy on the mats was anything but! We engaged in an intense session, making the most of every moment to reflect on our practice and push our limits. The class covered a wide range of techniques, ensuring a thorough and dynamic training experience. We started with fundamental movements to build flow and connection before progressing to more complex sequences: Tai no Henko Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare Jutai Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare Ryutai We then explored variations of Kokyuho and Kokyunage, focusing on fluidity and adaptability: Katatedori Kokyuho Ki no Nagare Basic Katatedori Kokyuho Ki no Nagare Variation 1 Katatedori Kokyuho Ki no Nagare Variation 2 Morotedori Kokyuho Ki no Nagare Morotedori Kokyunage 1 (Down-Up) Morotedori Kokyunage 2 (Up-Down) Morotedori Kokyunage 3 (Tenkan) Morotedori Kokyuho Futarigake To further challenge our movement and timing, we tran...

Ringsend Dojo. 16 December 2024

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Today, at Ringsend Dojo, we held our final kids' class of 2024, followed by an engaging adult session. Both classes showcased the dedication and progress of our practitioners as we close the year on a high note. The children’s class began, as always, with a warm-up session that included stretching and core strength exercises. This was followed by ukemi and shikko practice, laying the foundation for balance, coordination, and confidence. Building on this, we delved into essential Aikido techniques: Tai no Henko Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare Katatedori Kokyuho Zagi Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Kosadori Ikkyo Zagi Kokyuho The session concluded with an atmosphere of joy and accomplishment, a testament to the growth of our young aikidoka throughout the year. In the adult class, we were delighted to welcome a special visitor returning to the mats after having practised Aikido as a teenager. It was wonderful to see their enthusiasm rekindled and to help them reconnect with the art. To ensure a smooth re...

Balbriggan Dojo. 15 December 2024

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Yesterday, 14 December 2024, marked 141 years since the birth of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba. Today, at Balbriggan Dojo, we honoured his legacy by exploring Budo, a technical manual O-Sensei wrote in 1938 for Prince Kaya Tsunenori. This profound work offers insights into Aikido practice, revealing not only technical elements but also the philosophical underpinnings of the art. We began the session by reading key passages from Budo and discussing their relevance to our training today. The following principles, displayed prominently in the changing room at the Iwama Dojo, should serve as our guide: Aikido can determine life and death with a single blow; therefore, when training, observe the instructor's directions and don't engage in contests of strength. Aikido is a way that makes one person an equivalent of thousands; therefore, when training, always be mindful not only of the space in front of you but also of what is happening in all directions. Training should always be ...

Ringsend Dojo. 11 December 2024

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 Today in Ringsend Dojo we did the first ten movements from Jo Suburi set: Tsuki no Bu Chokuzuki Kaeshizuki Ushirozuki Tsuki gedan gaeshi Tsuki jodan gaeshi Uchi no Bu Shomen uchikomi Renzoku uchikomi Menuchi gedan gaeshi Menuchi ushirozuki Gyaku yokomen ushirozuki #aikido #todaypractice #ringsendaikido #aikidodublin #aikidoireland #iwamaaikido #iwama #aikidoaikikai #takemusuaiki #aikidoringsend #takemusuaikidosociety #bukiwaza

Ringsend Dojo. 9 December 2024

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Today we had Kids and Adults Classes in Ringsend Dojo. The kids started their session with warm-up exercises, focusing on stretching and core strength to build a solid foundation for movement. They practiced Mae and Ushiro Ukemi (forward and backward rolls) and refined their Mae Shikko (forward knee-walking) along with Mae Shikko Kaiten (rotational movements). To keep things fun and engaging, we played a shikko tag game, blending play with skill development. The class transitioned seamlessly into practicing key Aikido techniques: Tai no Henko and Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare Katatedori Kokyuho Zagi Shomen Uchi Iriminage Kosadori Iriminage Zagi Kokyuho The children's dedication and enthusiasm were inspiring as they tackled each technique with growing confidence and skill. The adult class focused on Ikkyo , the foundational Aikido technique, and explored its variations and related movements. After starting with Tai no Henko and Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare , we moved into a series of ...

Balbriggan Dojo. 8 December 2024

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Today, we were delighted to welcome a new practitioner to the mats. To provide a strong foundation, we focused on essential basics and movements. Techiques covered: Hanmi (Migi & Hidari) Ashi Sabaki: Solo: Irimi, Tenkan, Irimi-Tenkan Paired: Evading Shomen Uchi attack using Irimi, Tenkan, and Irimi-Tenkan Tai no Henko Tai no Henko Irimi Katatedori Kokyuho Kosadori Ikkyo Kosadori Kotegaeshi Kosadori Iriminage Zagi Kokyuho We welcome practitioners of all levels and ages to join us at Balbriggan Dojo. Whether you’re taking your first steps in Aikido or refining your skills, our classes offer something for everyone. For more details, visit our website at  www.aiki.ie . #aikido #todaypractice #aikidodublin #aikidoireland #iwamaaikido #iwama #aikidoaikikai #takemusuaiki #ourpractice #aikidofingal #aikidobalbriggan #balbriggan #takemusuaikidosociety #osaewaza #balbriggan

Ringsend Dojo. 4 December 2024

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Today at Ringsend Dojo, we deepened our study of the Jo , completing the final set of Jo Suburi : Nagare no Bu : Hidari Nagare Gaeshi Uchi Migi Nagare Gaeshi Tsuki Following this, we focused on the 13 no Jo Kata , honing the flow and precision of the movements. We then practised 13 no Jo Awase , breaking it into sections: Movements 1-3 Movements 4-6 Each segment offered insights into timing, coordination, and the interplay between partners. Join Us Explore the art of Aikido at Takemusu Aikido Society, where every session offers a blend of basics and dynamic practice. For more details, visit  www .aiki .ie . #aikido #ringsendaikido #jo #aikidodublin #aikidoireland #takemusuaikido #iwamaaikido #joawase #takemusuaikidosociety

Ringsend Dojo. 2 December 2024

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Today at Ringsend Dojo, we began with our engaging kids’ class. We started with stretching and core-strength exercises to warm up, followed by Shikko and Ukemi practice. The young practitioners then explored these Aikido techniques: Tai no Henko Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare Katatedori Kokyuho Zagi Shomen Uchi Iriminage Kosadori Ikkyo Zagi Kokyuho In the adult class, we focused on refining Ikkyo techniques, building on our foundational skills. Here’s what we practiced: Tai no Henko Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare Morotedori Kokyuho Yokomen Uchi Ikkyo Katatedori Ikkyo Morotedori Ikkyo Zagi Kokyuho Both classes were filled with energy and determination, showcasing the importance of consistent practice in mastering Aikido techniques. Join Us! Takemusu Aikido Society welcomes practitioners of all ages and experience levels. Whether you’re looking to start your journey or refine your skills, there’s a place for you on the mat. For more details, visit www.aiki.ie . #aikido #kidsaikido #ringsendai...

Balbriggan Dojo. 1 December 2024

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Today in Balbriggan Dojo, we welcomed back a member returning to the mats after nearly five months. To support the transition, we held a slow and thoughtful class, focusing on foundational techniques to help ease back into practice. Here’s what we covered: Tai no Henko Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare Morotedori Kokyuho Zagi Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote & Ura Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote & Ura Zagi Kokyuho It was wonderful to see the dedication and effort in returning to Aikido practice. The class served as a reminder of the supportive community we cultivate at Takemusu Aikido Society. We welcome practitioners of all levels and ages to join us at Balbriggan Dojo. Whether you’re taking your first steps in Aikido or refining your skills, our classes offer something for everyone. For more details, visit our website at  www.aiki.ie . #aikido #todaypractice #aikidodublin #aikidoireland #iwamaaikido #iwama #aikidoaikikai #takemusuaiki #ourpractice #aikidofingal #aikidobalbriggan #balbriggan #take...

Ringsend Dojo. 27 November 2024

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Today at Ringsend Dojo, the chill in the air couldn't dampen our spirit and focus. We kept warm by diving straight into dynamic Jo practice. We began by revisiting last week's lessons: 6 no Jo Kata 6 no Jo Kata Awase Building on this foundation, we moved on to Jo Suburi, refining movements in two blocks: Katate no Bu (One-Handed Techniques): Katate Gedan Gaeshi Katate Toma Uchi Katate Hachinoji Gaeshi Hasso no Bu (Figure-Eight Techniques): Hasso Gaeshi Uchi Hasso Gaeshi Tsuki Hasso Gaeshi Ushirozuki Hasso Gaeshi Ushiro Uchi Hasso Gaeshi Ushiro Barai As the class progressed, we were introduced to a new sequence that brought an exciting challenge to our practice: 13 no Jo Kata The rhythmic flow of these movements and the focus required kept us engaged and invigorated, proving that Aikido training is the best way to shake off the cold! Join Us Explore the art of Aikido at Takemusu Aikido Society, where every session offers a blend of basics and dynamic practice. For more details, ...

Ringsend Dojo. 25 November 2024

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With no kids' class today, we seized the opportunity for free practice. Stefania amazed us all by performing incredible tobi ukemi pushing her limits with grace and determination! During the main class, we concentrated on techniques required for the 6th and 5th kyu tests: Tai no Henko Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare (Long and Short Variations) Katatedori Kokyuho Ki no Nagare Morotedori Kokyuho Ki no Nagare Zagi Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote & Ura Ryotedori Shihonage Ryotedori Tenchinage Katadori Ikkyo Omote & Ura Katadori Nikyo Ura Kosadori Kotegaeshi Shomen Uchi Kotegaeshi It was an energising session, combining dynamic movement and careful attention to detail. Join us at Ringsend Dojo to deepen your practice and work toward your Aikido goals. Whether you’re a curious beginner or a seasoned aikidoka, there’s always something new to discover. For more information, visit www.aiki.ie . #aikido #kidsaikido #ringsendaikido #aikidodublin #aikidoireland #iwamaaikido #aikidoaikikai #takemusu...