Summer Training Schedule
Mon 12.40-14.00 NUIG; Tues 20.00-22.00 Ballybane; Wed 12.40-14.00 NUIG; Fri 20.00-22.00 Ballybane See 'About Us' for map containing training locations.Frequently Asked Questions
What is aikido?
Aikido is a Japanese martial art, often translated "way of harmony". Aikido techniques involve blending with the movement of an attacker in order to unbalance and then restrain or throw them without relying on brute strength.
Aikido is based on techniques from schools of jujutsu and influenced by sword and staff arts. (These weapons still form part of aikido practice.)
The techniques involve timing, balance, managing distance, efficient body movement and an understanding of joints and weak points. Training promotes a state of mind that is calm, alert and focused.
Where did aikido come from?
Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). Ueshiba trained in several martial arts, including various schools of jujutsu, judo, and sword and staff arts. By the 1930s and 1940s he had gained a considerable reputation, attracting accomplished martial artists from judo and other disciplines and was invited to teach the military elite in pre-War Japan.
Ueshiba was also motivated by deeply held spiritual convictions and an interest in Shinto philosophy. He increasingly saw his art as a method for building self-discipline and self-awareness and as a means of resolving conflict without violence.
Following World War II Ueshiba's students began to teach Aikido throughout Japan, and in the 1960s it was first brought to other countries.
Are there kicks or punches in aikido?
The emphasis of basic practice is to control the attacker by taking their balance. However, strikes (atemi) are integral to all aikido techniques, and these are shown as people progress.
Do you use weapons?
Aikido incorporates training with the jo (short staff) and bokken (wooden training sword). A wooden tanto (knife) is sometimes also used. Training with weapons reinforces the body mechanics and tactics of empty-hand techniques.
Does aikido have competitions?
Traditional aikido does not hold competitions. There are frequent intensive weekend courses, however, which give you a chance to test yourself and work with new people.
What is the "skirt" and why do you wear it?
The "skirt" or hakama is a wide trouser, historically worn exclusively by samurai. It is still worn in other traditional Japanese martial arts including kendo, iaido (sword-drawing) and kyudo (archery). In our club we wear hakama from 1st kyu.
Are there belts in aikido?
Aikido clubs use the grading system common to modern Japanese martial arts. Kyu (beginner) grades run from 6th kyu to 1st kyu in that order and dan (black belt) grades from 1st to 10th dan. All kyu grades wear white belts. Grading is optional.
Why do you grab wrists?
For beginners, grabs in a static position provide a good structure in which to learn basic principles. As students advance, practice gets more dynamic, with many different types of attacks, combinations, multiple attackers, etc.
Why and when do I bow?
Bowing is an expression of thanks and respect. In aikido training we bow when we join and leave the mats, at the start and end of training, and to a partner before and after practising with them. Just watch others to pick it up!
What do you say at the start and end of training?
At the start of training everybody (including the teacher) says onegaishimasu, which roughly means "please practise with me". At the end of training we all say domo arigato gozaimashita, which just means "thank you very much".
About Us
We train in the NUI Galway Sports Center, Tuesdays at 7.00, Thursdays 7.15. Beginners always welcome.View NUI Galway Aikido in a larger map
What is Aikido?
Aikido is a Japanese martial art often translated "way of harmony". Aikido techniques involve blending with the movement of an attacker, in order to unbalance and then throw or restrain them without relying on brute strength.
Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), combining traditional jujutsu and weapons arts with a philosophy of non-violence.