Aikido - "The path of harmony and strength"
"Everyone has a mind that can be honed, a body that can be trained in some way, a path to follow."
Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969)
Harmonization over contention
Aikido is one of the lesser-known styles that come under the umbrella term of martial arts. Although its origins lie in sword fighting and self-defence, it is not an aggressive sport, quite the opposite. The intention is always to avert an attack with the least possible harm to both sides.
One logical consequence of this is that Aikidoka do not compete in tournaments – after all "True victory is victory over oneself“. Basic and more exacting techniques are perfected over years of training. What Aikido is not: neither a quick self-defence course – nor acrobatic kung-fu training - nor pure meditation.
Experience self-awareness and community
Every practitioner of Aikido is both teacher and student. There are regular introductory courses for beginners, but more usually, all members of the dojo train together. Aikido thrives on the close dojo communities, the cooperative training model and the ethical claim that is contained in the name itself: the search for "the way of the harmonious spirit".
Is this even a martial art? Maybe more of an art of peace: the basic idea of Aikido is to merge with the attacker, to redirect the momentum of the attack and to neutralise "Uke", the attacking partner, by deflecting the attack and by taking them off-balance. The aim is not to meet an attack with force, but to divert it as gently as possible for both parties.
Is Aikido for you? Virtually anyone can practice Aikido to their advantage. The members of our dojo range from 12 to over 60 in age – some have been at it for 3 months, others for 40 years. Even as an adult, you can always join or rejoin. The learning speed is individual and there is no pressure to succeed. The biggest attainment, anyway, is the pleasant sensation on the way home - somewhere between exhaustion and gleeful anticipation of the next training session.
Aikido is one of the youngest Japanese martial arts and a non-violent Budo discipline that is based on very efficient defence techniques - a martial art that can both protect the defender and preserve the integrity of the attacker.
Aikido is non-aggressive, technically demanding and promotes and challenges the whole person. There are neither competitions nor medals to be won. Despite this and maybe for this very reason, more and more people are fascinated by this martial art, irrespective of age and physical constitution - women and men alike.
The founder of Aikido: O-Sensei (Grandmaster) Morihei Ueshiba was born on 14 December 1883 in Tanabe. He began training as early as 1893. He mainly practised the use of spear and sword, later he added different Ju-Jutsu styles.
The most important event was his meeting with the legendary master of Daito-Ryu, Sogaku Takeda, in 1911, from whom he later received the Menkyo-Kaiden (teaching authority) of Daito-Ryu.
Around 1919, O-Sensei met the monk Deguchi Onisaburo. The confrontation with his teachings and his own personal development made Ueshiba question the principles of his previously practiced martial art.
As a soldier in the Russian-Japanese war, he had experienced death and destruction at a young age and recognized the futility of warlike action. His friendship with the monk and his spiritual teachings eventually led to the break with his former teacher of Daito Ryu Sogaku Tekeda in 1922.
In the years that followed, Ueshiba continued to develop and perfect "his" martial art to the form we know today.
From 1942, Ueshiba finally called his art Aikido. Master Ueshiba died on April 26, 1969 in Ayabe, Japan at the age of 85.
The basic idea of Aikido techniques is to evade the more linear force of an attack and to redirect the attacker's momentum into a circular movement. In this way, the attacker is brought off balance and can then be forced to the ground and held there
Ai (harmony) == means to connect, unite, adapt.
Harmony means that the force of the opponent is not met head-on. Instead, it is evaded and the movement of the attacker is continued together.
Ki (force) == translates to spirit, energy and morale.
Ki is not force in the usual sense of physical power, but in the shape of mental composure, willpower and mindfulness. It gives the ability to anticipate the adversary's momentum and to then evade and deflect it.
Do (way) == means way or path.
On the one hand, it takes time for the various movements to become second nature. On the other hand, the constant work on your own posture and movements, the mindful defence against an attack from your own centre can lead to increased equanimity in everyday life.
"Dô" therefore also means a path toward yourself, toward your own centre. This path never ends.
For the first trainings only simple sportswear is needed: Long training trousers and preferably a long-sleeved T-shirt. In addition, a pair of flip-flops for the way from the changing room to the dojo (training hall) is important. As a rule, training is conducted barefoot. Before training, the feet can (should) be washed in the changing rooms.
After getting properly started, a Budo-Gi is then the appropriate clothing, it consists of a jacket, trousers as well as a cloth belt. For advanced aikidoka, a hakama, a black/dark blue traditional Japanese trouser skirt, can also be worn.
While in other clubs/associations this is only customary after acquiring the rank of first dan, in our club the instructor can allow or recommend the wearing of the hakama already after the first examination.
Hint: As a rule, a conventional Judo suit is suitable for Aikido. These are available from € 30 in sports / budo shops or on the internet.
Current information:
Aikido training will take place on Ascension Day (Thursday, May 29, 2025, 7:00–8:30 p.m.).
- Whit Monday (Monday, 09.06.2025) – To be determined later
- Corpus Christi (Thu, 19.06.2025) – To be determined later
- German Reunification Day (Fri, 03.10.2025) – No training
- All Saints Day (Sat, 01.11.2025) – No training
- Christmas (Thu, 25.12.2025) – No training
- St. Stephen’s Day/Boxing Day (Fri, 26.12.2025) – No training
| Monday | 19:00 – 20:30 | Adults Beginners/Intermediate/Open Training |  |
| Tuesday | 18:30 – 20:00 | Adults Intermediate training/Introductory Course/Beginners Training | |
| Thursday | 18:30 – 19:00 | Adults Weapons Training |  |
| Thursday | 19:00 – 20:30 | Adults advanced training Adults Introductory Course/Beginners Training | |
| Sunday | 08:00 – 10:00 | Adults Advanced Training (Focus Training) Exam preparation training (5th Kyu - 4th Dan) | |
Georg Umlauf
Shinki Rengo Aikido Dojo-Cho
5th Dan Aikido, Shidoin
Jun-Dairi-Kyoju 4th Dan Daitoryu
I came to Aikido through the wider world of sports. When I was young, I was interested in all kinds of sports, including martial arts. I made my debut in Karate before I discovered Aikido. Faced with the choice of continuing one or the other, I decided on Aikido. I was fascinated by the idea of sparing the integrity of the opponent even in the most violent confrontation. And I liked, and still like, the soft, flowing movements.
Over the years, I had to give up many a sport, but I continue to practise Aikido: as a challenge and a goal for myself to progress further, for the joy of movement, together with like-minded people. And to teach this way: to end conflicts in the most considerate way possible.
Rick Soriano
Aikido department head
6th Dan Aikido, Shidoin
4th Dan Daitoryu
I do Aikido because it's like meditation in motion for me and helps me to concentrate only on the moment.
Over the years, it has helped me to cope better with the stress of everyday life.
I realise that I smile more during Aikido than at any other time of the day.
Markus Krabel
PSV HD 1st Executive Board
5th Dan Aikido, Shidoin
3rd Dan Daitoryu
I began practising Aikido as a lively youngster because I was fascinated by its dynamic athleticism and simple beauty of form.
The intensive and holistic training has always positively accompanied my personal development, even outside of training - encouraging and challenging is a core element that I was able to experience in Aikido. The great community in every Aikido group I have trained with since then, and especially the various trainers, have always opened up new perspectives for me in Aikido and beyond. This makes Aikido an indispensable 'lifestyle' for me to this day.
Alejandro Gvirtz
3rd Dan Aikido, Fukushidoin
2nd Kyu Daitoryu
When I started with Aikido many years ago, I was very quickly enthusiastic about both the movements and the spiritual aspects of this (martial) art.
In training, we learn to move "harmoniously" so that conflicts can be avoided or defused. Conflicts with ourselves and with our partner. Respect for our partner is always part of this.
You never stop learning new things and having fun with movement. Whether new or familiar techniques: there are always new angles in the techniques.
For me, it is a path of harmony, both physically and spiritually. You also try to seek, live and experience this harmony in your daily life: To avoid arguments, to be open to new things and to find joy in being with each other.
That's why Aikido has been part of my life for several decades.
Karl Kiening
PSV HD 2nd Executive Board
Sansuikai Germany Dojo-Cho
2nd Dan Aikido
5th Kyu Daitoryu
When I was looking to get back into sport shortly after my 51st birthday, I came across aikido purely by chance. Without any previous knowledge of other martial arts, I was thrilled from the very first moment, because what I experienced in training was so different to what I had previously experienced in sport: from the very first training session, Aikido showed me how to integrate body and mind, how to become "complete". This has not changed to this day, but has matured further. Aikido has simply become "mine" and, as an essential part of my life, I can no longer imagine life without it.
Claus Neuwirth
1st Dan Aikido
4th Kyu Daitoryu
Claus is the assistant instructor for beginners. His vast experience in Aikido helps beginners overcome obstacles and develop a deeper understanding of the Aikido techniques they need to know in order to build a firm and stable foundation for their progression in the Japanese art of Aikido. His calm nature and desire to help others is important to the development of our beginners and the future of our Aikido programme.
Johannes Büge
1st Dan Aikido
I discovered my enthusiasm for martial arts as a teenager with karate. When I moved house, I wanted to start a new sport and decided on aikido - I thought it would be something completely different. However, I soon realised that karate and aikido don't contradict each other, but complement each other perfectly. In my training, I try to teach dynamic aikido and incorporate advantages from karate and kobudo. A particular passion of mine is training with jo (stick) and bokken (sword).
Contact
Contact e-mail of the Aikido department
Location
PSV Heidelberg e.V. Budo Dojo
Elsa-Brandström-Strasse 8
69126 Heidelberg
There are a number of different Aikido associations and organisations in Germany. Aikidoka from each of these different groups are equally welcome in our dojo.
Our instructors come from various traditions and conduct their classes accordingly. We feel enriched by this variety of approaches.
Aikido Sansuikai Germany
Some of our aikidokas also belong to a small group of aikido dojos in southern Germany and Switzerland. Sansuikai Europe originated from a group of students of Y. Yamada Shihan, who attended his seminars for years or liked to participate in the New York Aikikai (NYA) trained. Sansuikai International Europe was the United States Aikido Federation (USAF) and of the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo. After the death of Yamada Sensei, Sansuikai groups can now join the Aikikai Hombu Dojo directly. Unfortunately, a European association is no longer recognised by the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo; this is only possible on a country-by-country basis. The PSV Heidelberg Sansuikai Dojo has therefore joined Sansuikai Germany.
Aikido Shinki Rengo
Due to the affiliation of the Aikidoka active with us, there is a clear focus on Aikido Shinki Rengo, which is taught by Michael Daishiro Nakajima (7th Dan, Shihan - Aikikai Hombu Dojo, 9th Dan, Shihan - Daitoryu Aiki Jujutsu Bokuyokan) is managed.
The majority of our currently active aikidokas are his disciples and take their exams through his association. This is affiliated to the Aikikai Hombu Dojo .
This is a dojo where we study the art of Aikido as a spiritual path for growth and development through practice and experience. The dojo is more than just a gym or health club; it is a community of like-minded individuals and the repository of many years of teaching and learning.
Aikido is more than just a physical form of self-defense. It is a way for physical, mental and spiritual advancement and the greatest understanding is gained when each action is done with mind, body and spirit acting in harmony. We treat each other with respect and courtesy to create harmony within ourselves and with our partners. Following proper etiquette is therefore an important part of the practice of Aikido.
To benefit and enjoy training in Aikido, to create an atmosphere of mutual respect, and for reasons of safety, there are certain rules of etiquette.
- Study carefully, honestly and humbly. Respect your instructor and your seniors. Take care of and assist your juniors.
- Emphasize etiquette in both yourself and those with whom you practice.
- The class is started and finished with a formal bow towards O-Sensei and the instructor.
- If you are late for class, bow in alone, after the instructor gives you permission to enter the tatami.
- Practice in a safe manner and respect the level of experience of your training partner.
- For personal safety and to protect others, remove jewelry and piercings before training.
- Observe personal hygiene before you step on the mat and practice with a clean Gi.
- If you are cut, leave the mat and dress your wound before resuming training.
- Class is a time and space reserved for practicing Aikido.
In addition, anyone practicing in the dojo has to adhere to the following rules:
- Observe regulations that relate to the use of the dojo, such as legal regulations or the rules of our landlord.
- Do not be uncooperative with your partner.
- Students thought to be under the influence of alcohol or drugs will not be permitted in the dojo.
- The use of bad language is not permitted in the dojo.
- Harassment, bullying or aggressive behaviour are not tolerated.
- Do not to use Aikido techniques unethically and or illegally inside or outside the dojo.
- Do not to bring our dojo into disrepute through your words or actions.
If you fail to adhere to these basic rules repeatedly, we may ask you to leave class or the dojo.
Here you can order clothing and accessories with your own Aikido logo via our team shop. The shop is external, the PSV coordinates the offered articles. The contractual partner is the shop.
Apart from hoodies, clothing can be ordered in black or white.
