AIKIDO WEXFORD
AIKIDO WEXFORD
Discover the Essence of Aikido
About Us
Guiding you on your martial arts journey
- Aikido Wexford is dedicated to providing a welcoming and inclusive space for individuals to explore the art of Aikido. Chris Wallace, our 5th Dan Black Belt instructor will help you develop your physical abilities, mental focus, and self-confidence through the practice of this traditional martial art
- Aikido Wexford is part of the Lancashire Aikikai (UK), which was founded by Mucha Sensei - a student of Chiba Sensei. See 'More About Us' for the history of our founder
- The Lancashire Aikikai is now led by Bob Spence Sensei (6th Dan), as Principal, and the Association comprises several clubs around the NW (UK) and has had clubs as far afield as Milton Keynes, Anglesey, London – and more recently Devon - and now Wexford (IRL)
Sadly Bob Spence Sensei passed away this summer 2024. Current Locum Principal is Andrew Baird Sensei (6th Dan)
- Aikido Wexford is linked with Marple Aikido (UK) - as a Sister Club. Marple Aikido was jointly founded by Chris Wallace and Christine Shepherd in 2007
- Atsushi Mimuro Shihan (7th Dan Hombu) - Director of Yokohama International Aikido, is our Technical Director. Mimuro Sensei trained for more than 20 years under the late Seigo Yamaguchi Shihan
- Mimuro Sensei has made regular visits to Marple Aikido and Lancashire Aikido since 2008 and has been Technical Director of the Lancashire Aikikai since 2015
Your Instructor
Chris Wallace (5th Dan Hombu)
After a brief introduction to Judo in my late teens I began training Shotokan Karate in 1975 (The golden years of Bruce Lee), under the direction of Kawasoe Sensei. Deviating for a couple of years to study both Wadoryu and Shukakai Karate, I returned to Shotokan and took my 1st Dan (1989) under Kato Sensei
I thoroughly enjoyed my Karate but was feeling the need for something different. Something more challenging
I started my Aikido training in 1990 and was awarded 1st Dan in 1997 by the late Marion Mucha Sensei. I currently hold the Aikido rank of 5th Dan, ratified by Mimuro Sensei (7th Dan) and Hombu Dojo in Japan, and also hold the British Aikido Board Coach Level 2 award
In 2007 I jointly set up the Marple Aikido Dojo (UK), with Christine Shepherd
I also started training in the Martial Art of Systema following my first Systema Camp in Sweden (2014). I jointly set up the SystemaNW group in 2015, with Graham Harrison, and in 2016 I qualified as an instructor, with Vladimir Vasiliev at Systema HQ in Toronto
In May 2021 my wife Wendy (3rd Dan Aikido) & I moved to Wexford (IRL)
There was very little Aikido here in SE Ireland (until now), and most groups were in or around the Dublin area
I started Aikido Wexford in Nov 2023
The Martial Arts Centre (Image Health Studios) in Clonard, Wexford is an ideal venue for us to start up
I am looking forward to promoting and developing Akido here in Wexford and to share my knowledge with anyone who is interested in exploring this exciting Japanese Martial Art
Chris receiving his 5th Dan (Hombu) Certificate
from
Mimuro Sensei
Manchester July 2024
© Aikido Wexford 2024
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