Our training is based on correct body alignment and movement as opposed to reliance on muscle strength. It is based on accurate timing as opposed to reliance on speed. We also teach our students to be aware of and use space and distance rather than only focusing on the opponent(s). This is all achieved through relaxation instead of tension. We are very interested in Mindfulness so that attention
is focused on the present moment and events can be dealt with in a calm and efficient manner. When the mind is truly calm there is no tension in the body. When the body is truly relaxed there is no tension or stress in the mind. Any type of physical contest or conflict is nothing more than a form of interaction. A deep understanding of how to interact effectively , as well as the ideas outlined above, make our approach very powerful. If you are older, overweight and/or unfit, you can still become effective at our self defense without worrying about needing to become fit and lean. If however, you do want to increase fitness and lose weight, we can also accomodate you. This training can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of fitness level, gender or age. It includes mobilisation, flexibility and movement training, all of which can have huge health benefits. we include training in meditation consciousness and mindfulness. The martial games and exercises can also offer a useful cardio vascular workout, but again , especially here, we ensure that we're working with our students at their level. The martial games, exercises and techniques are not only challenging, they are fun. You quicly realise that the more relaxed you become, the more effective you become. We learned these principles through decades of training in Bujinkan Ninjutsu (the origin of the word Ninja), Cheng Hsin (The Art Of Effortless Power) , and Tai Chi. We are currently the only school, club or dojo in Ireland teaching these three systems together. Ninjutsu: (or Bujinkan Ninpo Budo Taijutsu, as it is often known). It is a system of traditional Japanese Martial Arts that demands deep body awareness and is characterized by fluid relaxed movement. The current Head of the system (which is in fact derived from 9 traditional schools) is Dr Masaaki Hatsumi, who is also the current Master of Amatsu Therapy (Japanese Physical Therapy) in Japan. Cheng Hsin: This is a system of Martial Arts and Contemplation training devised by Master Peter Ralston (The first non Asian to win the full contact World Martial Arts Tournament in China in 1978), based on his 50 years experience of Martial Arts (including Judo, Aikido, Western Boxing, Tai Chi, Hsing I and Pa Kua), and profound study of Zen. It includes a form of Tai Chi which is a variant on Yang Style. Wu Tai Chi: This is a style of Tai Chi taught by Sifu Sam Li. Its movements are fluid and expansive,enabling greater flexibility, improved posture, and more integrative coordinated movement. Chi Gung: this is a system of gentle breathing and stretching exercises taught by Sifu Sam Li, which again lead to improvement in posture, movement, flexibility, and energy. Younis Fakhfakh. Conscious Martial Arts Chief Instructor
Training in Martial Arts and Tai Chi since 1994. Trained with William Doolan (15th Dan) In Ninjutsu since 2000. Made several trips to train with Masaaki Hatsumi (head of Ninjutsu) in Japan. Trained with Sam Li (head of Wu Tai Chi ) from 2003 to 2008. Training under Peter Ralston' s system of Cheng Hsin (which includes a Tai Chi form) since 2006 (spent a month with the latter on a Body Movement and Martial Arts retreat in 2012). Holds a Degree 1 in Cheng Hsin, an 8th Dan in Ninjutsu and teaching rights to Wu Tai Chi. Amatsu Therapist (Japanese Physical Therapy-treatment of Musculo-skeletal problems) since 2001. Holds a Batchelor' s Degree in Psychological Sciences and a Master' s Degree in Psychoanalytic Studies. Ben Somers. Conscious Martial Arts Instructor. Training since 2006 with Younis Fakhfakh in both Martial Arts and Tai Chi (incl Cheng Hsin and Ninjutsu). Trained with William Doolan (15th Dan) In Ninjutsu since 2006. Trained with Peter Ralston in 2009.
3rd Dan in Ninjutsu. Certified Tai Chi teacher. Has used mindfulness techniques derived from years of meditation and martial arts training to coach and assist people.
