The Dublin Aikikai Aikido is very committed to developing the wonderful art of Aikido in Ireland, and the door is always open to anyone who wishes to learn.
The style we practice is Aikikai which is the organization originated by the founder of Aikido (O-Sensei) and is currently headed by O-Sensei's grandson in Tokyo. We try to remain faithful to the roots of Aikido.
We regularly invite high ranking French instructors to teach seminars here in Dublin, in particular Philippe Gouttard (7th Dan Shihan), who is our Technical Director. Luc Mathevet (6th Dan) and Marc Bachraty (6th Dan) are also regular visitors and we enjoy the spirit and teaching they bring to the club. Our seminars are open to anybody with basic Aikido experience and we are delighted to share our Aikido with whoever is interested in attending.
Our students often travel overseas to seminars, especially to France and also to the Hombu (Aikikai headquarters) dojo in Japan. A particular favorite is Philippe Gouttard's week-long seminar at Meze in the south coast of France each July.
Classes can be started at any time while discipline and effort is required we also encourage an open and enjoyable atmosphere in the classes.
Our Teachers
Mark Ryan
3rd DAN
Michael O’Donovan
5th Dan
Brian Milton
3rd DAN
Our Beginnings
Dublin Aikikai Aikido was founded in 1995 by Cyril Lagrasta (5th Dan) who had come to live in Ireland from his native France. In time Cyril founded our Dublin Aikikai Aikido organization and we have maintained close links with teachers in France and the FFAAA (Fédération Française d’Aïkido, d’Aïkibudo et Affinitaires).
Cyril has left Dublin in 2010 to start a new life in Geneva, leaving his senior students to continue teaching and managing the club, and Cyril himself has now become one of our visiting instructors. The club holds classes at Dance House on Foley Street and at DCU Sports Complex. We also have affiliated clubs in Belfast and Galway.
Club is now run by Michael O'Donovan (5th Dan), together with Brian Milton (3rd Dan) and Mark Ryan (3rd Dan) who share responsibility of teaching Aikido to people willing put effort in developing their body and mind.