Giuseppe di Guardia

Aikido teacher, 3rd Dan Aikido

As the son of Italian immigrants, I was born in Cologne in 1995. In August 2012, after completing my vocational high school diploma, I began training as an automotive mechatronics technician, which I successfully completed in January 2016.

Having always been fascinated by martial arts, I decided to take up the peaceful martial art of aikido when I was 19. After two trial training sessions, I decided - despite being slightly sceptical about his style - to sign up with Dirk Kropp. After a few weeks of training, I realised that this style embodied peaceful and gentle Aikido.

The regular training awakened in me the enthusiasm I had as a child for old masters and their martial arts. I wanted to become an Aikido teacher. After a year of intensive practice and questioning, I made up my mind. I quit my permanent job and started working part-time so that I could devote myself fully to Aikido.

Five years characterised by discipline, sensual rigour and in-depth exploration of the comprehensive topics that Aikido offers. Inspired by the perception and ethics inherent in our Aikido, I try to develop these while practising with a wide variety of people.

Several trips to Japan have also shaped my view of Aikido. The interpersonal relationships, the deep mutual respect on the mat and the special atmosphere - especially before and after training - have touched me deeply. Values that are deeply rooted in Aikido and that I would like to pass on.

I now work full-time again and manage a German-Italian medical practice. The principles of Aikido - serenity, respect and a clear perception in dealing with people - also accompany me there.

I dream of having my own dojo.