Takemusu Aikido Society

Our Takemusu Aikido Seminar with the brilliant Jöran Fagerlund Sensei has just come to an end.  Over the course of two days, we explored dynamic and powerful variations of Osae and Nage Waza, including Sankyo, Koshinage and Kokyunage variations and even the majestic Ganseki Otoshi—a technique where you lift your partner onto your shoulders and cast him down from the height of your own presence. A key thread running through the entire seminar was riai—the deep, logical connection between weapon work and empty-handed practice. Through detailed exploration of aiki-ken and aikijo, from foundational movements to advanced variations, Jöran Sensei helped us recognise how the sword and the staff live within taijutsu, each enriching the other. We welcomed over 20 participants, some joining for the full weekend, others for just a few sessions—all contributing to a warm and uplifting atmosphere on the mats. Jöran Fagerlund Sensei, a direct student of the legendary Morihiro Saito Sensei and a ...

Today was a special class with Joran Fagerlung sensei, a student of Morihiro Saito sensei. Joran sensei taught the members and guests of our dojo Kaeshiwaza Tai no Henko (Kihon - Jutai - Ryutai) Morotedori Kokyuho Shomen Uchi Ikkyo Omote Kaeshi Waza Ikkyo - Ikkyo 1 (early reaction) Kaeshi Waza Ikkyo - Ikkyo 2 (medium reaction) Kaeshi Waza Ikkyo - Ikkyo 3 (late reaction) Kaeshi Waza Nikyo - Sankyo (early reaction) Kaeshi Waza Nikyo - Iriminage (medium and late reaction) Kaeshi Waza Shihonage - Shihonage (early reaction) Kaeshi Waza Shihonage - Sutemiwaza (late reaction) Kaeshi Waza Iriminage - Sumiotoshi Kaeshi Waza Iriminage - Koshinage 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 #aikidodublin #aikidoireland #iwamaaikido #aikidoaikikai #takemusuaiki #aikidorin...

Sunday marked the conclusion of the International Aikido Seminar in Warsaw, and the final day began with a weapon session, continuing our exploration of the 31 Jo Kata. This was followed by a final Taijutsu session that rounded off the weekend of intense training and knowledge-sharing. Weapon Class (Aiki Jo): 31 Jo Kata 31 Jo Awase (Sections 13-17, 18-22, 13-22, 22-27, 27-31, and finally 1-31) Taijutsu Class: Tai no Henko Tai no Henko Ki no Nagare Morotedori Kokyuho Techniques from Morotedori (various versions of Kokyuho, Iriminage, and Koshinage) Zagi Kokyuho The seminar was an incredible opportunity to meet and connect with Takemusu Aikido practitioners who arrived from across Europe. It allowed for a valuable exchange of Aikido knowledge, helped to refine both basic and advanced techniques, and strengthened the bonds between clubs. A heartfelt thank you to Wojciech Dzięcioł Sensei and the Takemusu Aikido Warsaw club members for organising such a well-executed event, and a special ...

Our assistant instructor, Jan , has been attending the International Aikido Seminar in Warsaw, Poland, hosted by Takemusu Aikido Warsaw (TAW) . While the seminar officially began on Saturday, Christian Taschner Sensei (5th Dan, Iwama Takemusu Aikido) led two classes on Friday night, providing a valuable introduction before the main sessions. Both classes were structured in the traditional Iwama Aikido style, starting with Aiki Ken and moving into Taijutsu . The classes were structured to help practitioners grasp the fundamental principles of movement, distance, and timing. These principles are the foundation for mastering more advanced techniques in future training. Friday’s Classes: First Class (Aiki Ken): 7 Suburi Migi & Hidari Awase Second Class (Taijutsu): Tai no Henko Morotedori Kokyuho Shomenuchi Ikkyo (Omote & Ura) Shiho Nage Kotegaeshi Suwari Waza Kokyuho During the Taijutsu class, Jan had the opportunity to train with Nina Fuggenthaler Sensei (3rd...

Our assistant instructor, Jan, has arrived in Warsaw, Poland, to attend the International Autumn Aikido Seminar hosted by Takemusu Aikido Warszawa (TAW). The seminar, which begins this evening, will be led by Christian Taschner Sensei (5th Dan, Iwama Takemusu Aikido). As Jan arrived one day before the seminar started, he had the privilege of joining the regular Thursday evening class at TAW, taught by Wojtek Dzięcioł Sensei, the head instructor of the club. The class was a great opportunity to get into the flow before the seminar, focusing on essential techniques and movements. The session consisted of Aiki-Ken, warm-up, and Taijutsu part, covering the Ikkyo, Nikkyo, and Sankyo from a Shomenuchi attack. Wojtek Sensei offered detailed instructions on each technique, as well as insightful tips for improving Nikkyo and Sankyo by using a Jo (staff) for solo practice at home. This session provided Jan with an excellent foundation ahead of the seminar, reinforcing key techniques and prepa...

Two weeks ago, on 7th-8th September 2024, Takemusu Aikido Society had the honour of hosting a special Aikido Seminar led by Jöran Fagerlund Sensei, 6th dan Aikido Aikikai. With over forty years of experience, Jöran Sensei’s expertise is well-regarded across the international Aikido community. He has trained under some of the most respected figures, including Ulf Evenås Shihan and the legendary Morihiro Saito Shihan. The seminar attracted Aikidoka from England, Sweden, and various parts of Ireland, including Dublin and Limerick. Despite a modest number of participants, each attendee received highly personalised instructions, ensuring a deep and enriching experience, which made this seminar truly special. The seminar began with an Aiki-ken session, where we worked on Suburi and Ken no Awase, guided by Jöran Sensei’s detailed instructions. His focus on the finer points of technique helped clarify fundamental movements, adding new layers of understanding for all attendees. We then transiti...

Yesterday two representatives of Takemusu Aikido Fingal participated in the Aikikai Ireland seminar in Athboy, led by Joe McHugh 5th Dan Aikido Aikikai, Eamon Coyne 5th Dan and Trevor Pigott 5th Dan. Each of the teachers led a full-hour class focusing on different aspects of Ikeda sensei's Aikido. Pigott sensei demonstrated various techniques from Shomen Uchi attacks. Coyne sensei taught several variations of ashi-sabaki while doing the Ikkyo from the Kosadori attack, following the application of the same to other techniques. McHugh sensei taught how to deal with katatedori attacks in the ki no nagare manner. He also emphasized the Uke's role in this technique. After the classes, Aikikai Ireland Technical Committee organised the grading tests. Three people tested for 3 kyu, 1 kyu, and 1 dan levels. It was interesting and useful to see the approach to testing different to the one I got used to. A lot of people from most dojo of Aikikai Ireland gathered on the mats. Everyone was ...