Martin Acton’s Aikido Institute
“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.”
