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Aiki Dojo Downpatrick is a martial arts club located in Downpatrick, South Down. Established in mid-October 2005, the dojo aims to provide a space for individuals looking to practise and learn Aikido. The club also has sister dojos located in Belfast and the North West.
The club holds regular classes every Tuesday and Thursday, from 7:30pm to 9:00pm, at the Down Leisure Centre. These classes are open to adults of any age and gender, although they currently do not offer junior or children's classes. The mat fee for each class is 6. 00.
Aiki Dojo Downpatrick practises traditional Aikido which is a non-violent and non-competitive martial art of Japanese origin. Aikido training focuses on timing, distance, and blending with an opponent's force to overcome an attack, making it an effective form of self-defence.
Aikido was created by Morihei Ueshiba in the first half of the 20th century, based on Daitoryu Jujitsu techniques. The name “Aikido” represents harmony (Ai), universal energy (Ki), and the way (Do) we walk. It teaches practitioners to come in harmony with themselves, the world, and universal energy.
At Aiki Dojo Downpatrick, training emphasises maintaining balance, centre, and awareness of surroundings. The goal is to develop the ability to lower and relax the body, freeing the mind from fear during an attack. The majority of practise is done with a partner, taking on the roles of attacker (uke) and receiver (nage).
Aikido offers a unique philosophy, where it is possible to create a situation where an attack becomes difficult. It presents a way to avoid the need for defence by preventing attacks from occurring in the first place.
Aiki Dojo Downpatrick welcomes women and men of all ages and skill levels. The classes at the Down Leisure Centre cater to adult beginners, but advanced practitioners are also encouraged to join. Participants are advised to wear comfortable clothing that allows freedom of movement, such as a long-sleeve T-shirt and tracksuit bottoms, and to remove all jewellery before training.