Aikido Cork Open Centre

Aikido Cork Open Centre No appointment necessary. After living in the United States for 35 years, Decker Sensei returned to Europe in 2009.

Aikido Cork Open Centre

Technical Director:
Philippe Gouttard Shihan, 7th Dan Aikikai
Chief Instructor and Dojo-cho:
Detlef Decker Sensei, 6th Dan Aikikai

Visitors always welcome. The Cork Open Centre was founded by Decker Sensei, a student of internal martial arts for over 40 years, as a Centre for the study and practice of Aikido and T'ai Chi Ch'uan in Cork City. He received all of his Aikido

and T'ai Chi Ch'uan training in the United States. While studying with two great T'ai Chi Ch'uan Masters in New York City, he began his Aikido journey in 1985 at the New York Aikikai. He was fortunate to study with and take classes taught by the greatest of the Japanese masters, the students and heirs of Morihei Ueshiba or O'Sensei (Great Teacher), the Founder of Aikido. He studied under Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan, 8th Dan and Seiichi Sugano Shihan, 8th Dan, at the NY Aikikai, and others, but, it was the genius of Shihan Mitsugi Saotome Sensei, 8th Dan, who set him firmly on the path of Aikido, and opened his eyes to the true magic of AIKI. Today, Decker Sensei uses a soft approach to Aikido, focusing on connection (before the moment of physical contact and throughout) and soft power, light touch – heavy hands, moving away from the use of physical force. He looks at Aikido as meditation in action and action in meditation, a practice that emphasizes stillness through motion. He looks at the ‘DO’ in Aikido as a nameless process that happens, that changes the student’s shape of thoughts and actions over time, not through words and knowing but through feeling and listening. Decker Sensei maintains his relationship with and membership in the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba and frequently travels to the United States to attend Saotome Shihan's seminars. He currently holds the rank of Rokudan- 6th Dan Aikikai Hombu Dojo, awarded by Philippe Gouttard Shihan, 7th Dan Aikikai/FFAAA.

Three months out and Dan's Cork seminar is full. There might be a few places opening up down the road. If you are inte...
13/06/2026

Three months out and Dan's Cork seminar is full. There might be a few places opening up down the road. If you are interested in attending we will be starting a waiting list. Anyone on the waiting list must hold a 1st kyu rank and up.

05/06/2026

Beginners are always welcome. 🙏😊

Aikido Cork Open Centre

Technical Director:
Philippe Gouttard Shihan, 7th Dan Aikikai
Chief Instructor and Dojo-cho:
Detlef Decker Sensei, 6th Dan Aikikai

Visitors always welcome. No appointment necessary.

02/06/2026

New Tai Chi Summer Course starting June 17.

Aikido Cork Open Centre

Technical Director:
Philippe Gouttard Shihan, 7th Dan Aikikai
Chief Instructor and Dojo-cho:
Detlef Decker Sensei, 6th Dan Aikikai

Visitors always welcome. No appointment necessary.

05/05/2026

A seminar you don’t want to miss! After months of planning, registration is now open for our upcoming seminar with Yoko Okamoto Shihan. https://www.nyaikikai.com/okamotoseminar

Details are as follows:

- Seminar location (Dwight School Athletic Center, 2116 1st Ave + 109th St)
- Schedule details (Friday night, all day Saturday with lunch and happy hour, Sunday morning—times on our website)
- Seminar pricing (early bird pricing available till June 15, includes mat fees at the NY Aikikai for visitors on October 1, 2 and 5)
- Scholarship application (we have five available, application deadline June 15)

Our official flier will be ready soon for you to share at your home dojo and online. In the meantime, please register now to take advantage of our early bird special and to join us in welcoming Okamoto Shihan back to New York City!

All are welcome! https://www.nyaikikai.com/okamotoseminar

Happening soon 🙏😊
17/04/2026

Happening soon 🙏😊

New Tai Chi evening course starting April 22. 🙏😊
09/04/2026

New Tai Chi evening course starting April 22. 🙏😊

New Thursday morning Tai Chi Chuan Course starting April 23
08/04/2026

New Thursday morning Tai Chi Chuan Course starting April 23

Philippe Gouttard seminar coming up in Cork in two weeks. Hope to see you on the mat. 😊🙏
14/03/2026

Philippe Gouttard seminar coming up in Cork in two weeks. Hope to see you on the mat. 😊🙏

28/02/2026

Visiting instructor Takeshi Yamashima Shihan, 8th dan; head of the Chiyoda and Nerima dojos in Tokyo, Japan. He has been teaching internationally since 2002...

Address

77 Douglas Street
Cork

Opening Hours

Tuesday 7pm - 9pm
Wednesday 7pm - 9pm
Thursday 7pm - 9pm
Friday 7pm - 9pm
Saturday 11am - 1pm

Telephone

+353830216958

Website

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