Atlantic Aikido, Galway Ashe Road, Shantalla, Galway, County Galway

Welcome to Atlantic Aikido, Galway! Located at Ashe Road in Galway, our institution is dedicated to the practice and teachings of Aikido, a Japanese martial art that focuses on fitness, flexibility, resilience, and body awareness.

Aikido techniques involve unbalancing an attacker and then executing throws or pins. These techniques rely on blending movements and effective body mechanics, particularly rotational movements originating from the lower body. It is important to note that there is no competition or sparring in Aikido. Instead, partners take turns being the attacker or defender, ensuring controlled application of techniques for safety.

Modern Aikido is considered an art form, where the defender aims to destabilize the attacker while the attacker constantly works to regain stability and maintain presence. This interaction between both parties lies at the core of Aikido practice.

Aikido is deeply rooted in the Japanese tradition of budō, or "martial ways." The purpose of budō is self-development, promoting qualities such as calmness, focus, discipline, and compassion.

At Atlantic Aikido, we strive to create a training environment where individuals of all levels and backgrounds can practice together safely. During training, each partner adapts to the other's level, allowing beginners and experienced practitioners, young and old, weak and strong, to train harmoniously. Depending on the participants' levels, Aikido practice can range from slow and gentle to powerful and intense.

We offer regular six-week beginners' courses that provide a comprehensive introduction to Aikido. These courses cover essential aspects such as stretching, rolling, falling safely, basic throwing and pinning techniques, and traditional dojo etiquette. Our next beginners' course will commence on Monday, September 11, 2023. For more details, please visit our Classes page.

Leading our institution is Pádraic Moran, an Aikido practitioner with 25 years of experience. Pádraic regularly attends international seminars in Ireland, the UK, and France, and has even traveled to the Tokyo international headquarters (Hombu Dojo) three times. He currently holds the rank of 3rd dan (3rd black belt) and works under the technical supervision of Philippe Gouttard (7th dan, Shihan), one of France's most esteemed instructors. We also maintain a strong friendship with the Dublin Aikikai group, headed by Michael O'Donovan (5th dan), with whom we frequently train.

Aikido practice at Atlantic Aikido adheres to the traditions of a Japanese dōjō, or "training place." The atmosphere within our institution is quiet, calm, and focused. Each class begins with a seated bow, followed by warm-up exercises (aiki taisō), rolling practice (ukemi), and footwork exercises (tai sabaki). The majority of the class is dedicated to partner practice, where students take turns being the attacker (uke) and defender (tori). Most classes conclude with some free practice and a final seated bow.

As new students join our community, they gradually learn the traditional dojo etiquette (rei). These customs and habits revolve around expressing respect, including self-respect, respect for training partners, respect for the instructor and the art, and respect for the training space.

We are located at St Joseph's Community Centre on Ashe Road in Shantalla, Galway (eircode H91 A4VW). Join us at Atlantic Aikido, Galway, and embark on a journey of self-discovery, physical fitness, and personal growth through the practice of Aikido.