Background and history

The Irish Aikido Federation – Ireland Aikikai

Ireland Aikikai was formed in 1973 and was formally recognized in 1975. Building on the early development of Aikido training in Ireland, the Irish Aikido Federation (IrAF) was established in 1979. The Irish Aikido Federation - Ireland Aikikai is a recognised authority to teach Aikido in Ireland, by the Aikikai Foundation, Tokyo. The Irish Aikido Federation is a member of the International Aikido Federation (IAF).

The Irish Aikido Federation is a non-profit, educational and cultural organisation. The constitution of the IrAF states that its purpose is to:

"Promote the physical, spiritual and intellectual understanding of Aikido, according to the principles laid down by the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba and Moriteru Ueshiba (& his descendants) of the Aikikai Foundation, Aikido World Headquarters, Tokyo."

The President and chief instructor of the Irish Aikido Federation is Mr. Seán MacRuairí shihan, 7th dan.

The IrAF is the representative organisation for Aikikai World Aikido Headquarters www.aikikai.jp.or in Ireland (since 1983) and has been a member of the International Aikido Federation www.aikido-international.org since its inception.

Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba president of the IAF and Chairman of the Aikikai Foundation visited Ireland in 1997.

Annual Spring courses have been conducted by a visiting Aikikai Hombu dojo instructors since 2000.

Instructor training

Irish Aikido Federation-affiliated dojos are run by approved Aikido instructors. The IrAF operates a structured training programme (ITP) to train members to recognised national and international instructor qualifications. The quality of instruction in IrAF-affiliated dojos is monitored by the Irish Aikido Federation. The Aikido instruction in IrAF dojos follows the training syllabus and methods of instruction laid down by the Aikikai Foundation.

Regulations and guidelines are in place for all IrAF-affiliated dojos, covering aspects of Aikido training such as: methods for teaching beginners, preparations for grading examinations, dojo etiquette & discipline (important elements in authentic martial arts) and safety during practice.

The Irish Aikido Federation organises monthly Aikido training courses throughout the year, catering for all levels of skill. Some courses are taught by visiting instructors; the spring course in particular is conducted by an instructor from World Aikido Headquarters. A residential summer school is held annually.

Clubs & Organisations

Clubs or organisations interested in being a part of a national 'Aikikai Aikido' cooperation may contact Seán MacRuairí shihan <ireland.aikikai@gmail.com>.

Independant clubs whose members may wish to participate in structured instructor training leading to recognised qualifications or wish to be examined for Aikikai dan ranks may apply to join the Irish Aikido Federation- Ireland Aikikai as Associate members. Enquiries to Detta Dickenson Detta.Dickenson@mu.ie

The Irish Aikido Federation is an organisation recognised by the Aikikai Foundation, Tokyo. http://www.aikikai.or.jp/eng/index.html