Chris Wallace 5th Dan , BAB Coach Level 2 & Young People

After a brief introduction to Judo in my late teens I began training Shotokan Karate in 1975 (The golden years of Bruce Lee), under the direction of Kawasoe Sensei. Deviating for a couple of years to study both Wadoryu and Shukakai Karate, I returned to Shotokan and took my 1st Dan (1989) under Kato Sensei.

I thoroughly enjoyed my Karate but was feeling the need for something different. Something more challenging.

I started my Aikido training in 1990 and was awarded 1st Dan in 1997 by the late Marion Mucha Sensei. I currently hold the Aikido rank of 4th Dan, ratified by Mimuro Sensei (7th Dan) and Hombu Dojo in Japan, and also hold the British Aikido Board Coach Level 2 award.

In 2008 I jointly set up the Marple Aikido Dojo (UK), with Christine Shepherd.

I started training in the Martial Art of Systema following my first Systema Camp in Sweden (2014). I jointly set up the SystemaNW group in 2015, with Graham Harrison, and in 2016 I qualified as an instructor, with Vladimir Vasiliev at Systema HQ in Toronto.

In May 2021 my wife Wendy (3rd Dan Aikido) & I moved to Wexford in Ireland.

Since my arrival in Ireland, I have been training Aikido with Joe McHugh Sensei of the Ikeda Dojo in Wicklow.

There is very little Aikido here in Ireland, and most groups are in or around the Dublin area.

Commencing in Nov 2023, I have decided to start an Aikido Group in Wexford.

The Martial Arts Centre (Image Health Studios) in Clonard, Wexford is an ideal venue.

I am looking forward to promoting and developing Akido here in Wexford and to share my knowledge with anyone who is interested in exploring this exciting Japanese Martial Art.