Takemusu Aikido Fingal

Feel the spirit of budo:

Traditional training methods
Highly qualified instructor
Efficient techniques
Regular weapon training

What is Aikido?

Aikido is a Japanese martial art created by Morihei Ueshiba, a master of traditional kenjutsu and ju-jutsu styles. Aikido focuses on throws, pins, and joint locks together with some striking techniques. But, the main feature of Aikido is blending with the power or motion of the attacker and redirecting his force rather than opposing it head-on. Therefore, anyone can do Aikido regardless of age, gender, and physical conditions. Aikido is not a sport, not a system of self-defence nor gymnastics. Aikido is budo, literally “the martial way”, implying a martial discipline for character development practised as a lifelong pursuit. Practitioners of Aikido develop technical martial skills while striving to unify mind, technique, and body, build their character, enhance their sense of morality, and cultivate a respectful and courteous demeanour. Thus, Aikido serves as a path to self-perfection. Aikido practitioners develop physical and mental strength through repetitive practice, without rushing and competitions, according to their proficiency level, but constantly pushing their limits further and further. Aikido training is not only good for health but also naturally develops the self-confidence necessary for daily life.

Who is O-Sensei?

Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba is often referred as O-Sensei (The Great Teacher).

Morihei Ueshiba was born in Western Japan in 1883. After mastering the classical styles of ju-jutsu and ken-jutsu, he created aikido, an entirely original martial art combined with the spiritual teachings of Japanese Shinto beliefs. After the Second World War, Morihei established the Aikikai Foundation in Tokyo to promote the dissemination of aikido throughout the world. Morihei Ueshiba died in 1969.

He was succeeded by his son, Kisshomaru Ueshiba, who assumed the title of “Second Doshu.”

In nowadays Morihei's grandson Moriteru Ueshiba is the Third Doshu.

More about O-Sensei

Who is Morihiro Saito?

Morihiro Saito (1928-2002) sensei was the longest-serving student of Morihei Ueshiba (the founder of Aikido). Saito Sensei, trained under O-Sensei for 23 years and since O-Sensei’s passing, was the head of the Iwama Dojo and the keeper of the Aiki Shrine.

Saito Sensei was renowned throughout the world for his depth of technical knowledge and his largely single-handed dissemination of Aikido weapons. Saito Sensei had been training in Aikido for more than 50 years and was regarded as the world’s technical expert on Aikido. With over 30 years o teaching Aikido, he is the author of a highly acclaimed series of reference training manuals and has travelled extensively around the world conducting seminars and spreading the founder’s legacy

More about Saito sensei

Takemusu Aiki

The Founder considered Takemusu Aikido to be the highest form of Aikido. The word Takemusu contains two Japanese characters: Take (martial), and Musu (to be born). These two characters combine to refer to martial movement spontaneously created, without active thought, resulting in a pure Aikido technique. The Founder felt that one’s training went through four major periods of development: Basic Technique, Flexible Technique, Flowing Technique, and finally Takemusu Aiki. He considered this final form of Aikido to be attainable by anyone through practice.

Takemusu Aiki refers to a state where techniques spring forth
endlessly as a result of the study of the principles of aikido. In
aikido training—which includes empty-handed techniques, and
the aiki ken and jo—it is important to make clear distinctions.
These include the distinctions between ikkyo and nikyo, omote
and ura, basics and ki no nagare techniques, progressive level training, the study of related techniques, and applied techniques
(oyowaza).

Who we are?

Takemusu Aikido Fingal is an aikido school operating mainly in the Dublin city centre and the town of Balbriggan at the north of Co. Dublin. We belong to the Aikikai organization and practice traditional Aikido developed by founder Morihei Ueshiba and preserved by Morihiro Saito sensei.

The feature of Founder's Aikido is the precise and decisive execution of techniques gained through the deep understanding of basic Aikido principles.

Our Japanese curators are Hiroki Nemoto sensei (7 dan Aikido Aikikai) and Shigemi Nakata (6 dan Aikido Aikikai).

Our practice method

Only people with a deep understanding of the basics can reach the level of free Aikido execution. That is why we stress the importance of basic (kihon) training. Our typical practice begins with the pivoting exercise, followed by static kihon techniques. We gradually increase the level of resistance until the trainee can execute static technique on a non-cooperative partner. Such practice will result in precise and powerful techniques. Then we learn how to perform flowing techniques. The second part of a typical lesson is training with weapons - sword and staff. Weapons teach how to coordinate the body and properly use the hips. Therefore, it is necessary to master weapons to be able to execute empty-handed techniques freely and decisively.

Our features

or few reasons to join Takemusu Aikido Fingal

1

Traditional training methods

We teach Aikido as it is taught in a traditional Japanese dojo. As a result, you will have a deep understanding of techniques and quick progress.

2

Highly qualified instructor

Our instructor had spent ten years studying Aikido in Japan. He got hand-to-hand instructions from high-ranked teachers, including the Third Doshu and direct students of Morihei Ueshiba.

3

Regular weapon training

Weapons training is an integral part of the Aikido curriculum. A deep understanding of sword and staff techniques makes your Aikido solid and meaningful.

4

Efficient techniques

We teach traditional Aikido techniques developed by Founder and preserved by Morihiro Saito. Aikido techniques are very powerful and efficient by nature but may lose their meaning if some elements are missing or misinterpreted. We are responsible for the correct transmission of the Founder's Aikido to the next generations. We teach how to deal with non-cooperative partners, making your Aikido precise and effective.

5

Strong connections with Japanese teachers

We intend to invite Japanese teachers to Ireland and organize regular trips to Japan for students interested in becoming uchideshi (inner student) in traditional Japanese dojo.

6

Enjoyable practice

There are no competitions in Aikido, so you will not find rivalry, abuse, or ferocity in Aikido schools. It is possible to learn Aikido only if you are open to your partner. Only sincere practice ensure the constant progress of the students.

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What Aikido can give you?

Physical benefits

Aikido is great for aerobic conditioning, increased strength and flexibility, improved posture, enhanced sense of timing, better reactions, coordination, and improved balance. You also will develop the ability to fall safely in any situation.

Greater body awareness

By practising Aikido, you can expect to experience a more relaxed and confident presence. You will also have a greater awareness of yourself and your environment. A lot of people deem this the most significant benefit associated with martial arts in general.

Improve your mind

Beyond all the incredible physical benefits of Aikido, there are many mental benefits such as increased relaxation, focus, and awareness. You will also have greater self-discipline and confidence and be able to deal with stressful situations more positively and calmly. A lot of people find that they can deal with conflicts with greater ease thanks to practising Aikido.

Our instructors

Raman Bekarevich

3 dan Aikido Aikikai

Raman Bekarevich studied Aikido in Japan for a decade under top-level instructors, including direct students of Morihei Ueshiba. Raman obtained the 2nd and 3rd dan from Hiroki Nemoto sensei. He arrived in Ireland in 2020.

Lineage

From past to the future

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Our curators

Hiroki Nemoto

7dan Aikido Aikikai, Head of the school

Hiroki Nemoto sensei is one of those few remaining aikido teachers who got to train with the founder of the art. He was born in 1950, making him 14 years old when he entered Ueshiba Morihei O-sensei's dojo in 1964. He trained under O-sensei for one year. Nemoto Sensei then continued to study from 1974 to 2002 from Morihiro Saito Sensei in the Founders dojo in Iwama. He also travelled with Saito Sensei all over the world and has extensive experience in training and teaching aikido. He was granted a 6th Dan Aikikai in 1992 and a 7th Dan Aikikai in 2018.

Shigemi Nakata (Ishiyama)

6 dan Aikido Aikikai

Shigemi Nakata is one of the top female students of Morihiro Saito sensei. Her precise techniques demonstrate important insights usually hidden from students if techniques are executed in a powerful manner.
Shigemi Nakata was granted a 6th Dan Aikikai in 2020.

Our programs

REGULAR CLASSES
RICC, DUBLIN

membership or mat fee required

Tuesday
18:30 - 19:30

Empty-handed techniques (Taijutsu)

Weapons techniques (Bukiwaza)

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REGULAR CLASSES
BALBRIGGAN

membership or mat fee required

Sunday
14:15 - 15:45

Empty-handed techniques (Taijutsu)

Weapons techniques (Bukiwaza)

Express your interest

OUTDOOR CLASSES
RINGSEND PARK

no membership required

Tuesday
on hold

Weapons techniques (Bukiwaza):

sword and staff (ken and jo)

Express your interest

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Our Videos

Training in Balbriggan dojo (2021)

Our demonstrations at RICC - May Day Parade (2022)

F. A. Q.

Everything you always wanted to know about aikido
(but were afraid to ask)

Is Aikido better than karate/judo/any other martial art?

Aikido is neither better nor worse than other martial arts. All martial arts are good. The question is what do you expect from a martial art? If you want to become an MMA fighter, then neither Aikido nor other traditional martial art will not help you. If you want to follow the path of the warrior enjoying the process, develop the sense of alertness, body coordination, self-confidence, learn how to blend with the opponent's intentions, then Aikido may be a good choice for you.

Can Aikido be used for self-defence?

Aikido is a tool that can be used for many purposes, including self-defence. However, it can take a considerable amount of time and efforts before Aikido (or any martial art) can be used effectively in a self-defence situation. But even the best martial artist or sportsman can be severely hurt on the streets if they are not mentally ready to apply their skills in a 'do-or-die' situation.

I do not have any experience in martial art, or I did not do any sport since school, may I practice with you?

You can join Aikido without any prior experience. All you need is enthusiasm and interest. As you practice, you will become more flexible, strong coordinated, balanced, and comfortable with the way the human body moves.

Are there any age restrictions?

The uniqueness of Aikido is in the fact that you can start practising it at any age. However, we set a lower limit for our regular classes: at the moment only people from 18 years and older may attend it. There are no upper limits. We know examples of 70 years old men who successfully practice Aikido.

Are there any pain or injuries that can be happened during training?

We do not intentionally hurt people, but Aikido is a martial art, so pain is sometimes unavoidable. But there is a clear distinction between the 'good pain' that helps you grow up as a martial artist and injuries that we try to avoid. Unfortunately, injuries can happen as well, so all members are advised to have sports insurance to cover such unpleasant cases.

What do I wear during class?

Usually, we wear traditional white pyjamas called 'dogi', literally 'clothes for the path'. Dogi or shortly 'gi' are made from rugged textile, which can last for years of training. But you do not need anything special for your first sessions: any comfortable clothes are good. We do not recommend (but it is always your choice) wearing shorts and T-shirts as exposed skin can be easily damaged when you fall on the mats. In addition, we will request you to leave all jewelry, watches, glasses, and other accessories out of the mat during the training session for safety reasons.

Can I train an additional martial art while training Aikido?

Some teachers discourage their students from cross-training. In our school, we have a completely different attitude: learn as many martial arts as you can, see as many teachers as possible. Aikido is universal budo. Its principles are often common with other martial arts. If you know different approaches to the same principles, you can understand Aikido deeper.

Why do we bow?

The bow in Aikido has no religious significance. It is a symbol of courtesy and respect to the art, teacher, and partners. In Japanese culture, bows are often served the same purpose as handshakes in the West.

Why do some aikidokas wear black skirts?

A black skirt is traditional pants of Japanese warriors called 'hakama'. In Aikido, hakama is an indicator of the skilful aikidoka. As a rule, only black belt holders are allowed to wear it.

How long will it take to get a black belt?

There is no single answer to this question. The time to black belt strongly depends on the student's talent, hardworking, diligence. Some people can get a black belt in 3 years, most in 5, some - 10 years. But the black belt is not the end of the way. The first level of the black belt is called 'shodan', literally, 'beginning degree'. It is an indicator that you successfully learned the basics of the art and are ready to begin an actual Aikido study.

+353 83 026 4645
[email protected]

Regular Classes. Balbriggan dojo

Place: 51 Hampton Street, Balbriggan, Co.Dublin, Beyond jiu jitsu academy building.

Time: Every Sunday from 14:15 to 15:45.

Regular Classes. Ringsend dojo

Place: Ringsend & Irishtown Community Centre, Thorncastle Street, Dublin.

Time: Every Tuesday from 18:30 to 19:30.

Dublin Outdoor Classes

Place and time: Ringsend Park, On hold.

Low Tide Outdoor Classes

Balbriggan beach, 5 minutes from the station. Saturday. Confirm time in advance.

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