David Renner

In training to become an Aikido teacher, 1st Dan Aikido

I was never sporty in my youth. The idea of competition put me off team sports, even if I couldn't have put it that way back then. So until then, I only did some sabre fencing and a few trial lessons in judo. Aikido was the only thing that fascinated me. However, there was too little on offer for me to be able to do it consistently as a teenager. My voluntary military service ended in 2004 and I was fitter than I had ever been in my life. I took advantage of this spark of self-confidence to try something new and study Aikido more intensively. Even back then with Dirk Kropp. Unfortunately, I had to stop training after less than two years for personal reasons.

In 2022 - at over 40 and once again completely unathletic - there were some private changes again. I dared to overcome my introversion once again. The plan was to exercise a little more again and my old fascination with aikido was to provide the motivation. The harmonious and calm environment, the meditative style and the friendly welcome from everyone soon led to me training 3-4 times a week. In my youth, Aikido fascinated me with the prospect of being able to defend myself without having to become an offender. Through regular training, this fascination expanded to include healthy movement and my first attempts at meditation.

At the beginning of 2024, Giuseppe Di Guardia completed his training as an aikido teacher. I took this opportunity to delve deeper into this training. I was now training almost every day. After careful consideration, I agreed with Dirk Kropp to start this training, which will take at least 5 years, in January 2025. By training to become an Aikido teacher, I also want to help preserve and contribute to the safe space that has made my development to date possible in the first place.