Aikido
A Japanese martial art: no competitions, no performance expectations.
Self-defence
Aikido is an art of self-defence that has no counterattacks. The crucial thing is to be able to skillfully use the flowing and elegant techniques of aikido in such a way that they are effective while remaining non-violent.
Healthy sport
I train people to practise a sport that promotes suppleness, strength and coordination as well as healthy ways of taking falls. Aikido helps to prevent back pain and illnesses, counterbalances bad postures and makes you feel physically safe; it's a private health care measure that does everyone good – no matter what age you are.
Meditation
At our dojo, training is done in meditation: a traditional method of practice in the spirit of the ways of Japanese Zen. A handful of basic techniques are carried out with a great deal of attention and concentration in order to enter into the full profundity of the exercise. Aikido thus unifies body and spirit, trains bodily fitness and practises awareness and composure.
Personal development
Meditation makes aikido a unique method of personal development. Particularly in a non-violent form of self-defence – in a peaceful contact sport – human strengths can be developed, human strengths that are crucial for a strong personality and for getting on with others: self-assurance, steadfastness, courage, patience, empathy, sympathy, tolerance, the ability to communicate, responsibility for oneself and others as well as safety in stressful situations.... there's more on the philosophy and practice of aikido in our book.