Nami Ryu Dojo: A Legacy of Martial Mastery in Dublin
"The martial arts that Takamatsu Sensei taught to Hatsumi Sensei are so clever and deep."
Japanese calligraphy, inked with graceful strokes, adorns the walls. Adjacent, diplomas hang with quiet pride, each bearing the revered signature of the grandmaster. Wooden swords and razor-sharp blades, meticulously crafted and displayed in custom stands, speak of an age-old art steeped in precision and respect. A vast window bathes the dojo in natural light, casting a soft, golden hue over the tatami mats where students move with practiced grace, embodying the timeless techniques of their forebears. Here, in this sanctuary of learning, the ancient ways come to life in every measured step and fluid motion. This is the Nami Ryu Dojo.
The training centre is part of the International Bujinkan Dojo organization, founded in the 1970s by Masaaki Hatsumi, the ‘Soke’ or lineal inheritor of nine distinct martial traditions with histories spanning several centuries. These traditions include Gyokko Ryu, Koto Ryu, Togakure Ryu, Kukishinden Ryu, Takagi Yoshin Ryu, Shinden Fudo Ryu, Gikan Ryu, Kumogakure Ryu, and Gyokushin Ryu. The dojo, now in its 26th year, continues to impart these age-old disciplines to new generations of martial artists.
Alex Meehan, the dedicated instructor at Nami Ryu Dojo, is a seasoned martial artist with a profound connection to the Bujinkan arts. "I'm one of the second generation of western ninjutsu students," Alex shares. His journey began in the late 1980s, during a time when Dublin experienced a 'ninja boom.' Inspired by ninja movies, Jackie Chan, and The Karate Kid, Alex's early enthusiasm for martial arts was fueled by a desire to find strength through skill and discipline. His first instructor, Steve Byrne, introduced him to prominent visiting teachers like Peter King, Pedro Fleitas, Arnaud Cousergue, and Sveneric Bogsater, fostering a vibrant martial arts community in Dublin during the 1990s.
Alex's dedication led him to Japan in 2000, where he has since made over 50 visits, training extensively with Hatsumi Sensei, Noguchi Yukio Sensei, and Nagato Toshiro Sensei. His primary mentor, Someya Sensei, has been instrumental in deepening Alex's understanding of the ryuha and the intricate weapons of the Bujinkan. This deep reservoir of knowledge extends to Japanese swords, armour, and art, enriching Alex's martial journey.
"I've spent just under 20 years training with Someya Sensei on the specifics of the ryuha and the weapons found with the Bujinkan Dojo. He's a remarkable teacher, a walking encyclopaedia of the contents of the schools."
Reflecting on his experiences, Alex notes the dichotomy within Bujinkan training. "The Bujinkan is a very unusual martial arts organization," he explains. "It's possible to have quite a shallow experience of training, learning quite a basic martial art, depending on the teacher you find. But it's also possible to have an incredibly deep experience, learning about culture and history to an extraordinary degree, with extremely skilled people." This depth and complexity are what have kept Alex dedicated to his practice for so many years, finding endless layers of learning and growth within the martial arts that Takamatsu Sensei imparted to Hatsumi Sensei.
Alex's commitment to high standards and continuous learning is shared by a network of like-minded instructors worldwide. Collaborations with martial artists like Alex Esteve from Spain, Sean Askew from the US, and Javier Morla from Spain have fostered a research group called 'Bufu Kenkyosho,' dedicated to sourcing, translating, and interpreting historical records related to their arts. These efforts, along with friendships with instructors like Holger Kunzmann in Germany and Duncan Stewart in Tasmania, contribute to a vibrant and rigorous martial arts community.
"I'm lucky to be friends with a group... who pursue training in similar ways to me."
At Nami Ryu Dojo, Alex is supported by dedicated students who have grown under his tutelage, such as Tom Clements and Stiofan Conlon, both Daishihan, and long-time practitioners like Ali Martinez and Joe Dunne. Together, they uphold the dojo's legacy of excellence, embodying the principles and skills of the Bujinkan Dojo.
Nami Ryu Dojo remains a beacon of martial mastery in Dublin, inviting practitioners to delve deep into the rich traditions and rigorous training of the Bujinkan arts.
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