Cyril Lagrasta, 4th dan Aikikai, is the head instructor of the Dublin Aikikai Aikido, a group that he started over 10 years ago. It is important because it gives the opportunity to a real pioneer to express himself about all the work he has done to spread a certain conception of Aikido outside of France. Too few of these people make it to the pages of the French magazines.

Guillaume Erard: How did you start Aikido?

Cyril Lagrasta: When I was 17, I felt like I wanted to start practicing a martial art. I saw an Aikido class on the campus of Grenoble University and I immediately knew it was what I wanted to do. I had practiced Judo prior to that when I was younger for about 3 years. For the first two years I practiced Aikido, I also practiced Savate at the University too.

Click here to read the full interview with Cyril Lagrasta