Martin Acton's Aikido Institute

As a complete beginner, I have found Martin to be a very professional and patient teacher. Would definitely recommend him if you’re thinking of trying the ancient art of Tai Chi.

Reviewed on Google Maps

I believe in a healthy mind.in a healthy body...and that is what here they practice...awesome. thank you.

Reviewed on Facebook

Highly recommended. My little one loves Martin’s classes. Great for building confidence & fitness levels while having fun. Martin’s a great teacher.

Reviewed on Yell

I would highly recommend Martin Acton’s Aikido Institute. My four year old son attends beginner classes and absolutely loves them. Martin makes the classes fun and interactive while at the same time teaching discipline and respect for others. The classes also promote self confidence and non aggressive self defence. I feel that my son is getting a lot out of the classes as he is not just one of a number -Martin is able to spend time with each of the children individually. More...

Reviewed on Yell

Excellent class - my 5 year old loves it and looks forward to it every week. Martin teaches a variety of things including Japanese words, not just the aikido moves, which is great. Brilliant for discipline.

Reviewed on Yell

its a nice studio, very bright and clean and the meditation classes are very professional and calming. martin is a very calming person. and highly talented.

Reviewed on Facebook

My Daughter (12) and Son (6) started Aikido lessons with Martin Acton just 3 weeks ago. They are both really enjoying it and already seeing the benefits of studying such a high level martial art. From day one Martin Acton has been welcoming and supportive whilst delivering lessons. He also has a great knack of bringing fun to classes at the same time as delivering serious teaching. Both of our children are becoming more and more interested in Aikido with each class and this is testament to Martin's ability to engage their interest during each training session. As complete beginners to any sort of martial art our children have a lot to learn and Martin shows great patience during his teaching. He also adds just the right amount of praise along the way to help instill confidence in them but at the same time he ensures discipline and respect. They are both now looking forward to getting their first belts with a lot of hard work along the way. Thanks Martin. More...

Reviewed on Yell

We're really enjoying our training with Martin. Excellent teacher, patient and thorough. Highly recommended.

Reviewed on Facebook

Really enjoying our Aikido lessons with my son. Martin is an excellent teacher. Highly recommended.

Reviewed on Yell

Went for a massage as ive been suffering with stress alot, Martin was very relaxed and made me feel very comfortable, one hour for £25 which is amazing value, i would highly recommend and will go again i will also attend his mediation class

Reviewed on Yell

Hello there. My name is Jason. I am a student of Martin Acton Aikido Institute. I have been taking private lessons for about 3 years now. I have also trained in Karate, Jujitsu and Kickboxing. I find that when training Aikido with Martin you benefit from his experience of living and teaching in Japan. When Martin is teaching you, there is calmness, confidence and understanding, so that you feel comfortable while learning techniques. On my experience Aikido is one of the best Martial Arts that you can learn. It's not for people who just want learn how to kick, punch or hurt somebody. This is not for you...... If you want skills so that you can Protect yourself with Minim force, and have the Confidence and Calmness to deal with any Situation then this is for you. More...

Reviewed on Yell

Japanese Sword Fitness class is a great way to start the weekend. 300 calories in a 50 minutes class which combines toning and cardio. Good for arms and shoulders. Perfect for people who need to move to relax. Helps with focus. Great fun. More...

Reviewed on Yell

My son is making great progress at Aikido with Martin.Martin shows patience and understanding as well as instilling respect, manners and discipline. Arlo looks forward to going to class every week and loves learning the art of Aikido and a new language!I would highly recommend Martin to parents with young children. More...

Reviewed on Yell

I learnt a lot at Sunday’s sword seminar. Martin Sensei's expert tuition and eye for detail are second to none. As the groups are small teaching is individualised and tailored for each student. I enjoyed this class and cannot recommend the seminars highly enough. More...

Reviewed on Yell

I attended the Sword Seminar on 2nd September at Martin Acton's Aikido Institute and found it to be both enlightening and fun. This was my 1st introduction to the aikido techniques in the use of the sword and it whetted my appetite for the future development of this area of my training. I was instructed in sword etiquette and safety prior to the basic techniques which included drawing and resheathing the training sword, the Shomenunchi vertical cut down, the Suki thrust and left and right Yokomenuchi cuts.As with all aikido techniques, the emphasis is on building control, feeling the energy of the movements and balance whilst performing them.I also had the opportunity to observe a more advanced student practice for their black belt test where the basic elements were brought together into a more complex pattern.I would recommend these seminars to students of all levels of ability and I intend to attend more to further my development.Andrew Atcheson More...

Reviewed on Yell

I have now been attending my Aikido classes since November and have recently gotten my 5th Kyu level. I am now currently working towards the 4th Kyu and have been given great support by our Sensei Martin Acton who instills a very much 'can do' attitude in our classes. Each class we are learning something new from the basics right up to the high level, which gives you a great sense of what is yet to come. Everyone in the class is very supportive of one another with a pressure free atmosphere where you can learn at your own pace yet get results with our fantastic teacher:) However in each class we just have good fun learning important skills that will stand to us in the future, where at the end of each session you leave in good form, thank you Sensei:) I started the Aikido course back in November with the 8 week course. I found everyone very welcoming and Martin was very encouraging from the start. The fact that I was a complete beginner to Aikido made no difference to enjoying the class, as everyone made you feel apart of the group right from the start. Martin is very patient and you immediately feel at ease when learning the movements as he instills a sense in you that you are well able to try something more challenging. However I think what is most important about the Aikido classes is that you feel your spirits are lifted and you are always in good form leaving the class:) More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I can say that it is difficult to find a good Sensei and even more difficult to find a great Sensei like Martin Acton that with his experience and skills will make that any practitioner regardless of the age develop its skill from novice to expert. At home, we know how good martial arts are for building up confidence, discipline and self-control. At Martin Acton's Aikido Institute our 11 years old son found a place where he can develop all those skills and more in a friendly, cooperative, inspiring and safe environment. For these reasons and more we highly recommend MartinActon's Aikido Institute. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I can say that it is difficult to find a good Sensei and even more difficult to find a great Sensei like Martin Acton that with his experience and skills will make that any practitioner regardless of the age develop its skill from novice to expert. At home, we know how good martial arts are for building up confidence, discipline and self-control. At Martin Acton's Aikido Institute our 11 years old son found a place where he can develop all those skills and more in a friendly, cooperative, inspiring and safe environment. For these reasons and more we highly recommend MartinActon's Aikido Institute. More...

Reviewed on Yell

Aikido tai daugiau nei kovos menas. Vaikai lanko Martin Acton aikido klases daugiau nei 6 menesius ir yra labai patenkinti. Per pamokas ismoksta ne tik savigynos elementu,bet ir igauna daugiau pasitikejimo savim,disciplinos,tampa fiziskai stipresni,bei mokinasi japonu kalbos. Rekomenduoju pabandyti visiems,nesvarbu tu vaikas ar suauges,Aikido tinka visiem. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

A truly honorable and brilliant teacher

Reviewed on Facebook

You can tell that he was trained in Japan from the worlds best, he really knows his stuff. Great class!!!

Reviewed on Facebook

It's an honour to be apart of the aikido journey with sensei martin Acton, a perfect start for anyone thinking of learning aikido

Reviewed on Facebook

Unbelievable scenes!☺️can't believe how good this is scary stuff! Martin are you a Jedi?

Reviewed on Facebook

Ross really enjoys going to Aikido. He has been going for 31/2 years. He has made new friends and has grown in confidence. Thank you martin

Reviewed on Facebook

My eldest son has started studying Aikido with Martin only recently. I have been very impressed with how Martin is helping him become a much more calm and confident wee man. He loves learning Japanese and and working on his moves. I would recommend Martin Acton's Aikido to anyone! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

This has been a brilliant character builder for my son. As well as learning Japanese which I thought was near impossible. He was being bullied at school but now he has confidence to defend himself . Dignity and respect for himself as well as others. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Martin is a brilliant instructor because he has time for all his students. He doesn't rush anything which in my eyes is the best way . I took a long time deciding which marshal art my son would study and i have for sure picked the right one . Jay absolutely love going to his class . Thanks Martin More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I completed the 8 week self defence course and would recommend it to anyone! Martin sensei and everyone there was very welcoming and patient with me. I have learned lots of ways to defend myself in different situations and can feel myself getting fitter. I have stayed on to study aikido after the course finished. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I do greatly recommend anybody to try Aikido lessons with Martin Acton Sensei. His Aikido knowledge and experience are truly indisputable, and way he is teaching is a journey one will enjoy. I found Martin Sensei via Google, exchange couple of emails and was invited to see a lesson. Subscribed the very next day and since my first lesson I keep enjoying Aikido every time I visit. Sensei and his students are very friendly and atmosphere in dojo is excellent. Dojo is very well maintained and clean.
Aikido will help you gain confidence and Can do thinking. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I have studied with Martin Acton Sensei now for almost 2 years. It has changed my approach to life and given me a confidence I thought I had lost. If you are reading this please give it a try. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Our 8yr old Son absolutely loves Aikido. He looks forward each week to his next class. He has developed so much in the past 6 weeks, both physically and mentally. . he is much more confident and has better posture and strength. Learning Japanese is an extra bonus! More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Martin Acton's Aikido classes are very different from any Martial Arts classes I’ve taken before. When your class is over, you leave feeling very calm, relaxed and looking forward to your next lesson. I have taken Jujitsu, Karate, and Kickboxing in the past. None of them compared to Aikido. When I lived in Cork I tried Aikido and was hooked immediately. After moving to Northern Ireland I tried Martin's Aikido Class in Dromore. Here I found an excellent , vastly experienced teacher who I would highly recommend to anyone that is interested in Martial Arts.
Thank you Sensei
Regards Jason Cronin More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I have been practising Aikido with Martin Action Sensei for six months, and I would highly recommend it. I initially attended the eight week introductory course and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Martin Sensei patiently guides you through each technique and demonstrates his mastery of Aikido. Everyone I have met during the classes have been extremely friendly and helpful and have made my start in the Aikido journey a rewarding one. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

My 7 year old daughter has been going to Martin for nearly a year and she loves it. She loves doing the japenese at the beginning of class. Her favourite part is learning the learning the moves! I would recommend Martin to anyone who is thinking of getting their kids inot any for of matial arts. We thought it was important our daughter could defend herself but she has learnt so much more and can't wait to go back each week. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I brought my son who has Autism and Learning disabilities. You need to stick to it. He loves it now and is really excited for each class. Learning Japanese which I thought wouldn'twork. But he is thriving. At the start there is a fee. But that is for the insurance and book. My son was being bullied at school by an older boy. I brought him there to build his confidence and ability. Sensei Martin has spent time and patience with him. If I thought for one moment he was being bullied I would have pulled him out. If you had given your son time instead of reacting then maybe there would no issue. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Amazing facility and my son is greatly enjoying aikido! He is learning about discipline and respect, as well Japanese language and how to prevent bullying. An all in one experience! Highly recommended. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

Just been to my third lesson. Definitely different. Not like a boring gym session or meaningless activity.

It's not easy. It's very inspiring. It's challenging. It's thought provoking. It's mindful. It's disciplined. It's fun. It's connected. It's enlightening. It's reflective. It's principled. It's welcoming. It's worth giving a go!

Gareth Maverick More...

Reviewed on Facebook

I have been practising meditation with Martin Sensei for the last four years and have seen substantial benefits.

Training of the mind is generally neglected in western society in favour of physical training. However, I have found training of the mind more challenging, while offering benefits far beyond the scope of any physical activity. An ability to control ones mind creates an imperturbable feeling, reaching this level has profound effects and is a goal that everyone should strive for.

Having experienced the benefits of working with Martin Sensei I would encourage anyone to try his meditation classes. Martin Sensei is a great teacher having spent many years in Japan learning and teaching with the best Masters in the world. More...

Reviewed on Facebook

The Aikido Summer Camp runs 8 days and is a great place to try Aikido, socialise with other people and learn how to properly defend yourself. Every lesson starts with a group talk, where Martin Acton (Chief Aikido Instructor) talks to us about confidence, a general recap of what we've learned from the past few days and how others should treat you. After the group discussions, pupils begin to exercise that will really push you to your limits; saying this however, Martin always finds different ways to make these warm-ups different and fun throughout the 8 days, even if your are on fire! The second half of the 2 hour lesson is where pupils partner up and learn new Aikido techniques as well as helping each other to perfect them. I felt that Martin was very approachable. If I needed help and he was never judgmental or negative about it. Martin Acton's Aikido Summer Camp is a great place to socialise, increase your confidence and use the time during the Summer break productively. I highly recommend that everyone goes for the full 8 days and think about joining the institute if they enjoyed the camp. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Sensei Martin's dojo is a special place. An oasis of peace in a chaotic world. If you want to better yourself, have fun and learn a traditional Japanese martial art from an authentic Sensei then this is the place for you! In just a few weeks of coming here I already feel more confident and relaxed every time I train with Sensei Martin. Every class you learn something new and have fun doing it. Come along and give it a go! Richard. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I can’t recommend Martin Acton’s Aikido classes highly enough! It is a very welcoming and friendly environment. Everyone I’ve met there are extremely helpful. Martin is a very positive and patient teacher!!Having studied other martial arts elsewhere I can honestly say I’ve not experienced such professionalism. Both my young boys took Martin’s classes after school and thoroughly enjoyed them, moreover I feel that they learnt a lot from the Aikido discipline. There is a lot more to be gained at this dojo than a martial art which can be transferred into your everyday life. If it’s something that interests you, just do it! You’ll not regret it!!! More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

Myself and my daughter have been coming here for a few weeks now. We are both really enjoying it and learning new skills. Martin is friendly and helpful and we have fun here while learning aikido . I would recommend it to anyone to increase your confidence and learn a worthwhile skill. More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

I started the Aikido course back in November with the 8 week course. I found everyone very welcoming and Martin was very encouraging from the start. The fact that I was a complete beginner to Aikido made no difference to enjoying the class, as everyone made you feel apart of the group right from the start. Martin is very patient and you immediately feel at ease when learning the movements as he instills a sense in you that you are well able to try something more challenging. However I think what is most important about the Aikido classes is that you feel your spirits are lifted and you are always in good form leaving the class:) More...

Reviewed on Google Maps

My son attends this institute, he is 5 and looks forward to going every week! A lovely atmosphere and a great place for kids (of all ages! ) to go, I am thinking of taking it up myself, Martin is a patient and humorous teacher, as well as being strong and disciplined with the kids, a great environment and one I highly recommend. More...

Reviewed on Yell

An excellent place and a very professional service from Martin, my 5 year old loves it!

Reviewed on Google Maps