Martin Acton’s Aikido Institute

My son has recently started Aikido with Martin Acton Sensai and is thoroughly enjoying the classes. Martin has a very professional and patient approach and creates an environment where my son can focus and learn but also have fun. He has learned so much in the short space of time that he has been attending and is also learning Japanese vocabulary. I can see how learning this martial art will not only develop self defence skills, but also communication skills and self-esteem which is so important for our children and young people. Thank you Martin.

I can’t recommend Martin Acton’s Aikido classes highly enough! It is a very welcoming and friendly environment. Everyone I’ve met there are extremely helpful. Martin is a very positive and patient teacher!!Having studied other martial arts elsewhere I can honestly say I’ve not experienced such professionalism. Both my young boys took Martin’s classes after school and thoroughly enjoyed them, moreover I feel that they learnt a lot from the Aikido discipline.There is a lot more to be gained at this dojo than a martial art which can be transferred into your everyday life. If it’s something that interests you, just do it! You’ll not regret it!!!

I have been taking my son to Martin for private lessons for a few months now. I can honestly say that Martin is fantastic as a Sensei and person. My son has Autism and Martin takes time with him; listens (and takes on board) when my son's needs are explained and most importantly, treats myself and my son with the utmost respect. I chose Martin and his Dojo because Martin as a person is very caring and respectful. The location of his Institute is easily accessible, has ample parking and is a high quality Dojo. Martin, as a Sensei, has vast experience in the field of Aikido having spent many years training and teaching Aikido in Japan (even teaching Japanese Riot Police) so I was safe in the knowledge that my son would be taught by someone who has the relevant experience and skills required. I also chose Aikido itself as you learn how to defend etc but you are also taught to be aware of what is happening around you; to not set out to purposely hurt your opponent/attacker while still mastering how to defend yourself. I would, without hesitation, recommend Martin's Aikido Institute

If you are interested in studying Aikido then this the dojo to join. I have been hugely impressed by the skill, dedication, teaching and patience that Martin Sensei gives to each and every one of his students.The atmosphere in the dojo is very traditional and respectful. Everyone is extremely helpful and welcoming without exception.Aikido itself is a challenging art with a huge amount to learn. The benefits however are well worth the hard work and despite having only joined the classes recently I can already see the positive effects in my everyday life.Thank you Martin Sensei. I am thoroughly enjoying the journey!

Can't recommend Martin's Aikido classes for children highly enough. My 6year old son has been attending for 6 months and in that time I have seen such an improvement in his confidence in himself, not to mention his fitness and strength. My son really looks forward to class. I asked him what he likes most and he said it's fun, he loves learning the Japanese and doing the moves, he now knows how to defend himself against bullies and he has made a new friend.Martin tailors his approach to suit the personality of each individual child in class. It's not a 'one size fits all' class and we really appreciate the time Martin has put in to getting to know what works for our child. When she is old enough we'll also send our daughter to classes.The dojo is an oasis of calm. When we're there we're all just in the moment, and we all leave feeling uplifted. I wish I had known about the classes sooner.

I have trained a number of Martial Arts over the years both Chinese and Japanese and I am continually impressed by Martin Actons teaching. This is Traditional Aikido taught by an expert with 20 Years experience in Japan, he unders the finer elements of the art of aikido as well as having the experience from working the Doors to in rough Irish bars to know what works from a self defence aspect. No matter what you are looking for from your Martial Art you will find it at the Dojo, you also get lessons, in life, meditation, philosophy thrown in along the way. I cant recommend this Dojo highly enough

I have been a member of Martin Sensei's Aikido Institute for around a year now and I really wish I had joined years ago when I first learnt of the Dojo.You are made to feel very welcome from the first class and there is a huge level of respect for Martin Sensei from all the students as his Aikido is at a very high level having studied with the masters in Japan for many years.He teaches in a very patient manner and the private lessons have helped my aikido improve so much and that has made me want to continue learning and studying AikidoI would encourage anybody who has wanted to learn Aikido to grab the opportunity with both hands and take that leap as it will be the best decision you have ever made.

I can say that it is difficult to find a good Sensei and even more difficult to find a great Sensei like Martin Acton that with his experience and skills will make that any practitioner regardless of the age develop its skill from novice to expert. At home, we know how good martial arts are for building up confidence, discipline and self-control. At Martin Acton's Aikido Institute our 11 years old son found a place where he can develop all those skills and more in a friendly, cooperative, inspiring and safe environment. For these reasons and more we highly recommend MartinActon's Aikido Institute.

I have now been attending my Aikido classes since November and have recently gotten my 5th Kyu level. I am now currently working towards the 4th Kyu and have been given great support by our Sensei Martin Acton who instills a very much 'can do' attitude in our classes. Each class we are learning something new from the basics right up to the high level, which gives you a great sense of what is yet to come. Everyone in the class is very supportive of one another with a pressure free atmosphere where you can learn at your own pace yet get results with our fantastic teacher:) However in each class we just have good fun learning important skills that will stand to us in the future, where at the end of each session you leave in good form, thank you Sensei:)I started the Aikido course back in November with the 8 week course. I found everyone very welcoming and Martin was very encouraging from the start. The fact that I was a complete beginner to Aikido made no difference to enjoying the class, as everyone made you feel apart of the group right from the start. Martin is very patient and you immediately feel at ease when learning the movements as he instills a sense in you that you are well able to try something more challenging. However I think what is most important about the Aikido classes is that you feel your spirits are lifted and you are always in good form leaving the class:)

I'm a 67 year old man who's led an active life playing a variety of sports including training in karate at a basic level. About 6 weeks ago I read an article in which it was said that aikido is a very beneficial martial art for any age and that its techniques place less demands on the body than other forms. In other words a good place for older people who want to take up a martial art.I discovered that my nearest dojo was with Martin Acton Sensei in Dromore, County Down. I got in touch with him to arrange a 1:1 lesson and turned up to the dojo feeling nervous and self conscious. However I found Martin very welcoming and friendly. And over the weeks I have come to value his understanding, patience, knowledge and encouragement as he takes me through the main qualities he's trying to foster and the gentle techniques he's teaching.Unlike my previous experience of martial arts aikido emphasises developing qualities we all need to become better human beings, more loving, more compassionate, more grounded.