Search Results for 'Dō'

Aikido is a Japanese martial art that promotes self-awareness and personal development. Its techniques are entirely focused on self-defence, and involve unbalancing and controlling an aggressor without recourse to violence. Instead, relaxed, circular movements blend with the movement of the attack, and destabilize the attacker using his or her own momentum. The training develops physical stamina, resilience, suppleness, co- ordination, and timing. On a deeper level, aikido teaches how to face stressful situations with focus, resolve, and clarity. There are no competitions, and men and women of all sizes and physical conditions can practice safely together.

The Pagodas Temple was started in 2005 by Chris Hickey, a fourth Dan black belt, the highest graded judo black belt in the west of Ireland. Mr Hickey always wanted to have his own dojo where he could pass his skill and knowledge on to others with a passion for the martial arts. This is due largely to the training he received in the Galway Judo Club, the support of his many friends, and his long time mentor Sensei John Creaven.