Dirk Kropp

Aikido teacher and dojo leader, 8th Dan

Beginnings

As a teenager, I wanted to learn how to protect myself. Attracted by the aesthetics of the movements and the philosophy behind aikido, I started training. Even as a child, I had meditated a lot and enjoyed exercise. Aikido gave me the opportunity to combine the two and at the same time learn an ethically valuable art of defence.

Vocation / Profession

After school and military service, I decided to give up my studies, which I had just started, in order to devote myself fully to my daily training. I started teaching Aikido in my early 20s, five years at the "Samurai Porz" judo club. Here I developed a deep love of teaching the Japanese way.

Dojo

Today I have dedicated myself to the art of Aikido for more than 40 years - as a teacher and director of our dojo.

February 1985, Hürth-Efferen: Together with Hans-Jürgen Klages, I founded the dojo in an old smithy that we had converted ourselves. Since then, I have been leading training sessions every day.
February 1989, Cologne-Bickendorf: We moved to Silcherstraße. Here we converted a lorry garage into a dojo. For many years we were the largest dojo in Europe.
In the 80-90s, I also taught Aikido at the German Sport University. I also gave numerous courses throughout Germany.
Hans-Jürgen's and my aikido style developed far apart. We finally parted ways in 1997. Since then, I have had sole responsibility for the dojo.
January 2022, Cologne-Ossendorf: Our dojo moves into a former church. A long-cherished dream comes true.

I am now 66 ...

Aikido-Dojo in der ehemaligen Dreifaltigkeitskirche in Köln-Ossendorf. — Dojo - the former Evangelical Trinity Church in Cologne-Ossendorf

Honorary position

Since the founding of the Federal Association of Aikido Teachers in 1987, I have been active in various areas. In 2018, I was elected to the "Fundamental Issues" board.

My teachers

Katsuaki Asai

From 1975 to 1988, I orientated myself primarily on Katsuaki Asai, a Japanese Aikido master who lives in Düsseldorf and whose passion for Aikido ignited a fire in me that still burns today.

With national coach Asai. My role model in terms of discipline and continuity when I was young. I was often able to assist and watch his back. Photo: December 1981

Aikido founding family

Between 1984 and 2024, I travelled to Tokyo almost every year. I practised at the Aikikai Honbu dojo for many hours a day, especially in the early years. However, my focus was on training in the morning class of the founding family - under the personal guidance of Kisshomaru (†1999), Moriteru and Mitsuteru Ueshiba.

I have felt connected to the current Aikido doshu, Moriteru Ueshiba, for decades. Photo: Training course in Brussels in 1988.

Dr Kokichi Hatakeyama

Fatherly friend and advisor: From 1983 until his death in 1988, I was supported by Dr Kokichi Hatakeyama, a respected doctor and sword master, who enabled me to spend several months in Japan. He introduced me to the world of martial arts and gave me very personal insights into his Buddhist life. He showed me how he practised peacefulness in the art of sword drawing.

Hatakeyama came at the right time. My deep love for the ethics of aikido and meditation was hidden under a cloak of sporting ambition and my body kept showing signs of injury.

With Hatakeyama in our dojo in Hürth-Efferen, January 1987

I lived with Hatakeyama in Musashi-Shinjō for several months. From there, I travelled to Tokyo early in the morning to practice aikido with the Ueshibas. Photo: May 1987

Japan

The "Land of Silence" is a source of inspiration for me and my living connection to the roots of Aikido. The special thing here: Mindfulness in everyday life is not a trend, it is as good as natural.

Travelling to Japan is a time of retreat for me: When I am there, I observe people's everyday lives in addition to practising, return to familiar places - e.g. Shinjuku Gyoen, "my" park - and reflect on our aikido, our dojo.

Meditative path

Long breath

Hatakeyama and my first five trips to Japan had a lasting effect on me. I didn't want to close my mind to the experiences and insights I gained from this: From the end of the 1980s until the turn of the millennium, I developed a meditative aikido style with a great deal of discipline and a sense of proportion, focussing on the healthy and peaceful potential of this martial art.

I wrote a book about this holistic approach together with Christina Barandun. I have been training Aikido teachers since 2005.

What is really close to my heart

Artificial intelligence is increasingly permeating every corner of everyday life. But despite all its amazing possibilities, our human talents and - above all - values remain irreplaceable. These deserve and need our special attention, care and nurturing. This is where my training and dojo philosophy comes in: It creates a protected space where body, mind and soul can be equally nourished, strengthened and gently developed. Practising Aikido in which being human can come alive in all its depth.