Dublin Tomiki Aikido

Had the honor and privilege of having join us for our classes this evening. Always so great to see him on a mat and special thanks from DTA for sharing your time, knowledge and experience with us.
https://www.tomikiaikido.ie/Doyin-Ogunbiyi-sensei-World-Champion

The chance to train with one of Japan's leading Shodokan Aikido instructors Endo Sekio sensei, (遠藤関男) 7th dan and Vice-Chair Shodokan Aikido Federation (昭道館合気道連盟) - brought us to Sheffield last weekend.
https://www.tomikiaikido.ie/Sekio-Endo-sensei-Sheffield

Last weekend, Dublin Tomiki Aikido was delighted to take part in the inaugural IMAC Friendship Aikido Seminar.

This unique two-day seminar gathered instructors and practitioners from six different IMAC registered Aiki/Aikido groups together centered on sharing Aikido knowledge, practice and mutual respect. Instructors from the six clubs each led a session, offering their own interpretation and expression of Aikido. It was a rare opportunity to train side by side, not to compare styles, but to explore shared principles through different approaches.

Our contribution focused on presenting the principles and training methodology of Tomiki Aikido through a demonstration of the Ju-Nana-hon Ai-Gamae-Katate-dori, highlighting how these basic randori principles provide a platform for practical application and adaptability.

It was a pleasure to share our perspective within such an open and curious environment.

read more here https://www.tomikiaikido.ie/Aikido-Friendship-Seminar-Dublin-2026-IMAC

Another great adults session tonight with some "older" cadet-Juniors staying for extra training.

Unsoku-undo
Tandoku-undo
Sichihon-no-kuzuchi
Nage-no-kata (1-8)
Randori-no-kata no ura-waza
Free play development (toshu randori)
Free play development (tanto randori)

The Irish Martial Arts Commission (IMAC) is hosting an Aikido seminar next weekend, bringing together instructors from across the country to train, connect, and share their experience on the mats.

We’re delighted to support this great initiative and to announce that our Chief instructor, Keith McClean, will be taking the second session on Saturday as part of the teaching team.

This event take place on Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th (three 90 minute sessions each day and is FREE and open to all adult members (16+)

more details here: https://www.tomikiaikido.ie/Aikido-Seminar-Dublin-Ireland-2026

We look forward to hosting Steve Trout – Senior Instructor, City of London Shodokan Aikido this Friday.

Steve Trout began his journey in Shodokan Aikido in the early 1980s under the guidance of the late Phil Newcombe sensei. Over the following decades, he trained, graded, and served as uke for Newcombe sensei both in the UK and internationally. When Newcombe sensei relocated to Spain, Steve assumed leadership of Shodokan London—now known as City of London Shodokan— to distinguish it from other clubs in the capital. Under his stewardship, it remains the longest-running Shodokan Aikido club in Europe.

A seasoned competitor, Steve represented his club and country in national and international tournaments throughout the 1980s and 1990s. Today, he continues to teach across the UK, in Spain, and Switzerland, committed to preserving the legacy of Newcombe sensei and maintaining the technical integrity of Shodokan Aikido as taught by Nariyama Shihan and the Hombu Dojo in Osaka. He visits the Hombu annually for intensive training and receives ongoing technical input from Jon Cameron Sensei (7th Dan).

With over 40 years of experience, Steve’s teaching philosophy is simple and authentic: to pass on the art exactly as it was taught to him, allowing the Shodokan system to speak for itself.

BAA Hosts Dan and Kyu Examinations in Antrim

On 15th November (2025), the British Aikido Association (BAA) held a Dan and Kyu grade examination at the Antrim Forum Leisure Centre, bringing together candidates from all BAA clubs across the island of Ireland. The event showcased the dedication and technical skill of practitioners from Katsu Dojo Antrim, Black Mountain Tomiki Aikido Lisburn, Valley Aikido Club Lisburn and Dublin Tomiki Aikido.
https://www.tomikiaikido.ie/BAA-Dan-kyu-grade-aikido-Examinations-Antrim

Great night
Messy hair & red faces the result of hard training 💪

An excellent reference video for Bokken cuts required for the Tachi Tai Tachi section of Goshin No Kata. We practiced all these cuts outdoors during Covid. If practicing at home, be mindful of light fixtures and mirrors 😉

◆ 藤本和義先生による木刀の振り方の紹介

今回紹介させていただく動画は、藤本先生による木刀の振り方（素振り）の紹介です。
映像では下記の5種類の振り方を紹介しています。
① 正面打ち
② 切り返し（左右）
③ 巻き突き（順突き／逆突き）
④ 八相の構え
⑤ 脇構え
木刀の素振りは、古流護身の形の組太刀を修める中で必要な技術が多く入っていますが、一方で徒手の技術とのつながりを理解することが合気道技術を向上させるうえで重要となります。剣の要素が含まれていない技は殆どないと言っていいでしょう。
ただ木刀を振り込むだけでなく、技と技とのつながりを思い出しながら行なうと、一人でもとても良い稽古になると思います。

(NPO)昭道館合気道連盟の公式YouTubeページリンク：
https://youtu.be/otRM3m-tGU0

※ 関連写真：成山哲郎師範による「巻き突き」

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◆ Introduction to 'bokuto suburi' by Fujimoto Kazuyoshi sensei

In this YouTube video, Fujimoto Kazuyoshi sensei demonstrates how to practice basic sword movements (suburi) with a wooden sword (bokuto).
Here is an introduction to five different types of practice.
① 正面打ち (Shomen-uchi)
② 切り返し (Kirikaeshi) - Left and Right
③ 巻き突き (Maki zuki) - Jun zuki and Gyaku zuki
④ 八相の構え (Hasso no Kamae)
⑤ 脇構え (Waki gamae)
This practice is useful for becoming accustomed to practicing with a wooden sword, which within the Shodokan curriculum relates to the techniques found in the Kumi tachi section of the Koryu Goshin no Kata.
It's also a great way to understand the connection between sword movements and unarmed techniques, which is key to improving your aikido skills.
Most aikido techniques have elements derived from swordsmanship. By thinking about how these movements connect to your other techniques, you can improve the efficiency of your solo suburi practice as well.

Link to the official (NPO) Shodokan Aikido Federation YouTube page:
https://youtu.be/otRM3m-tGU0

※ Photograph: Demonstration of Maki zuki by Nariyama Tetsuro shihan

An honour and privilege to have the one and only coach at the club last night. Always such a great session! So grateful for your knowledge and guidance to our existing and upcoming players