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.

Appeal

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. This is where I developed a deep love of teaching the Japanese way.

Aikido teaching became my profession.

Dojo history

In 1985, I founded the dojo in Hürth-Efferen with Hans-Jürgen Klages. We ran the dojo together for 12 years. Since the dojo was founded, I have been giving training lessons day after day.
In the winter of 1988/89, we moved the dojo to Silcherstraße in Cologne-Bickendorf. Here we were the largest dojo in Europe for many years.
In the 80-90s, I also taught Aikido at the German Sport University and in many other cities.
Hans-Jürgen's and my aikido style grew apart. In 1997 we parted ways. From then on, I ran the dojo on my own.
In winter 2021/22: move to a former church.

I am now in my mid-60s ...

Mitten im alten Kern von Köln-Ossendorf liegt das Dojo. — Dojo - the former Evangelical Trinity Church in Cologne-Ossendorf

Ethik braucht Raum: Das Dojo ist im Wesentlichen ein großer leerer Raum.

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.

Japan

1975-88 I orientated myself on Master Katsuaki Asai. 1984-2019 I travelled to Japan almost every year. At the Aikikai Honbu Dojo in Tokyo, I practised with the founding family - Kisshomaru, Moriteru and Mitsuteru Ueshiba. The connection to the roots of Aikido is very important to me.

Dr Kokichi Hatakeyama supported me until his death in 1988. The respected doctor and sword master made it possible for me to spend several months in Japan. He introduced me to the world of martial arts and gave me an insight into his holistic approach to life and his peaceful philosophy of swordsmanship.

Meditative path

The 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 them: In the 1990s, I developed a meditative style of aikido practice. It emphasises the healthy and peaceful potential of this martial art. In collaboration with Christina Barandun, I wrote a book about this practice and experience.

I have been passing on my knowledge personally and training aikido teachers since 2005.

What is close to my heart

Far away from AI, Metaverse + Co, there are skills and values within us that are worth developing, strengthening and nurturing. The fusion of my teaching and dojo philosophy creates a tangible place of strength for body, mind and soul - lots and lots of space to practise on all levels.