This October, members of Takemusu Aikido Society returned from an inspiring two-week journey to Japan, where they trained intensively at the historic Iwama Dojo. This dojo, established by Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba, known as O-Sensei, holds a unique place in the world of Aikido, preserving traditional techniques and philosophies. For members of Takemusu Aikido Society, this pilgrimage has become an annual tradition — a chance to deepen their understanding of traditional Aikido under Japan’s most respected instructors and bring that experience back to Ireland.
Raman, the head instructor of the club, spent many years training in Japan before moving to Ireland. Now, he and his dedicated students travel to Iwama Dojo every year, spending a few weeks on each trip to fully immerse themselves in the rigorous and authentic training atmosphere. In Iwama, a serene village in the Japanese countryside, practitioners live the life of uchideshi (live-in students), which includes three daily Aikido sessions, caring for the Aiki Shrine, and helping with farm work around the dojo grounds. This intense routine enhanced by fierce training on the rock-hard mats deeply engages students in the traditional training methods offering a unique opportunity for authentic practice in the Aikido Founder’s Dojo.
Aikido in Iwama is led by Inagaki Sensei, one of O-Sensei’s disciples, who has passed down teachings directly from the founder’s time, maintaining an unbroken lineage. Inagaki Sensei began practising under O-Sensei at the age of 12 and has been practising Aikido for an astounding 66 years. His dedication and profound knowledge form the heart of Iwama Dojo, creating a unique and unforgettable experience for those who journey from around the world to study under his guidance. This year, Raman and the group met and trained with uchideshi from Spain, Australia, Japan, Argentina, Germany, Israel, and the United States. In Iwama, there is rarely a day when there isn’t a foreign uchideshi present, creating a rich environment for the exchange of skills and experiences.
This year, Raman was honoured to participate in the 39th Demonstrations of the Ibaraki Aikido Federation with the group representing the Founder’s Dojo. “These annual demonstrations showcase the skill, dedication, and spirit of Aikido practitioners from across the prefecture. It was a privilege for me to perform alongside Japan’s most skilled Aikido masters”, said Raman.
Inspired by their experience in Iwama, members of Takemusu Aikido Society bring this dedication and authenticity back to Dublin. The club holds classes every Sunday in Balbriggan and every Monday and Wednesday at Ringsend and Irishtown Community Centre in Dublin city centre. Open to all, Takemusu Aikido Society invites newcomers of all ages to discover the benefits of Aikido, including fitness, flexibility, self-discipline, and mindfulness.
If you’re curious about Aikido, visit Takemusu Aikido Society and experience the principles and techniques of Japan’s Iwama Dojo right here in Balbriggan. For more details, visit their website at www.aiki.ie.
