Individuals or Dojo: tired of feeling isolated in your Aikido training? Needing experienced guidance or just willing to broaden your horizons in Aikido? Join the Aikido Organisation of Ireland and help us to give our Art the attention it deserves in our Country.

The Aikido Organisation of Ireland (Cumann Aikido Na h’Eireann) is officially recognised by the Aikikai Hombu Dojo for teaching Aikido in Ireland. Official Recognition was granted in July 2001 by Aikido Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba after five years of activity. The AOI was established in June 1996 by Mr. Simone Chierchini 4th Dan Aikikai, and fellow instructor Mrs. Lara Natali 2nd Dan Aikikai. The primary objective of the Aikido Organisation of Ireland is to promote the understanding of Aikido according to the principles laid down by the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, and by the Aikikai Foundation, Aikido World Headquarters, Tokyo. The Aikido Organisation of Ireland has a strong interest in fostering understanding and communication between all the people of Ireland through the practice of Aikido. The AOI is an independent organisation and it only refers to its own Membership and, where relevant, to its External Technical Advisors.

If you wish to join our organisation you are always welcome. In general terms any Dojo can join the AOI by completing the arrangements for Affiliation approved on a yearly basis by the Executive Board and by paying the appropriate Dojo Affiliation Fee. Then all Dojo members will be asked to pay a Membership Fee, which will entitled them to utilise the services listed below. When you join the AOI, if you are holding a Kyu grade, we will recognise your grade as a sign of respect of your previous experience. Your only duty will be to increase the requested training times before your following Grading Test to get used to the new standards. If you are holding an Aikikai registered Dan grade, your grade and qualifications will be recognised. If your Dan grade is not registered by the Aikikai Headquarters, you have two options: undergo a test to confirm your grade and then register it with the Aikikai Headquarters, or decide to stay unregistered by the Aikikai Headquarters, in which case we don’t grade you further.

As an AOI member you can expect: An open-minded and responsible Aikido practice, respectful of the principles and the tradition of our Art.

• High standard tuition all year round.
• International Seminars, held by our External Technical Advisors, high rank Aikikai Instructors of proved experience in teaching abroad.
• National Seminars on a monthly basis. These are held by the AOI Head Instructor, Mr. Simone Chierchini 4th Dan Aikikai. National Seminars are brought locally were the demand arises. At both International and National Seminars AOI members may get special rates and save up to 30%
• Accurate and complete Training Syllabus compiled in accordance with the standards of the Aikikai World Headquarters.
• Aikikai Hombu Dojo registered Kyu and Dan grading tests.

The AOI General Secretary will provide professional help as follows:

• Personal Accident Insurance Cover for all the members.
• Public Liability Insurance.
• Dojo Affiliation Certificate.
• Membership Book and Training Syllabus Book for all adult members.
• Membership Card for the members of the Children Section.
• Homepage for your Dojo free of charge within the Aikido Organisation of Ireland website.
• The Aikikai Ireland - Aikido Organisation of Ireland Newsletter
• Free design of leaflets and posters to advertise your Dojo.
• Administrative advice about the day-by-day running of your Dojo.