John Rogers (Seán Mac Ruairí) is the senior instructor of the Irish Aikido Federation - Ireland Aikikai. He holds the rank of 6^th, dan awarded on the recommendation by the Aikikai Hombu dojo. On the occasion of Ireland Aikikai's annual spring course, he granted me an interview and spoke of his involvement in Aikido and the history of Aikido in Ireland. This year, Kuribayashi shihan was the guest instructor of Ireland Aikikai on the occasion of its 30^th annual spring course. 2007 also marks the 35^th anniversary of Aikido practice in Ireland and also the 20^th anniversary Rogers sensei's establishment of a fulltime aikido dojo in Dublin. 

Guillaume Erard: How did you start Aikido? 

John Rogers: The reason I started Aikido had to do with an interest and enjoyment of physical exercise. I did some sports in school and I had a little experience of martial training. Mr. Matthew Folen, an Irish Judoka, recommended me to look into Aikido if ever I had the chance and he described it as "a more complete Budo". He was also convinced that it might suit my personality.

Please click here to read the full Interview with John Rogers