Aikido – "The way of harmony and power"
"Everyone has a spirit that can be refined, a body that can be trained in some manner, a suitable path to follow."
Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969)
Harmonisation 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.
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| Tuesday | 18:30 – 20:00 | Adults |  |
| Thursday | 18:30 – 19:00 | Waffentraining |  |
| Thursday | 19:00 – 20:30 | Adults | |
| Sunday | 08:00 – 10:00 | Fokustraining | |
Georg Umlauf
5. Dan Aikido
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
5. Dan Aikido
I practice Aikido because for me, it is meditation in motion and helps me to focus only on the present moment.
Over the years it has helped me to deal better with the stress of everyday life.
I notice that when I practice Aikido, I smile more than at any other time of the day.
Markus Krabel
5. Dan Aikido
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 accompanied my personal development positively outside the training - encourage and challenge is a core element that I was allowed to experience in Aikido. The great community in every Aikido group where I have trained since then and especially the different trainers have always opened up new perspectives in Aikido and beyond for me.
Holger Breithaupt
3. Dan Aikido
under the supervision of Yamada Shihan
I came to Aikido via Judo, Ju Jutsu and Kickboxing because I was curious to try this martial art, which is so very different. After almost 25 years, I still practice with great enthusiasm.
What fascinates me about Aikido is that it gives you the opportunity to learn new skills all the time and to develop physically and mentally. It is Zen meditation in motion: it helps to resolve conflicts by seeking harmony, and it enables you to face any situation in serenely and peacefully.
Alejandro Gvirtz
3. Dan Aikido
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Karl Enjitsu Kiening
2. Dan Aikikai
Als ich kurz nach meinem 51. Geburtstag den Wiedereinstieg in die sportliche Betätigung suchte, begegnete mir rein zufällig Aikido. Ohne Vorkenntnisse in anderen Kampfsportarten gemacht zu haben, war ich vom ersten Moment begeistert, denn das, was ich im Training erlebte, war so ganz anders als das, was ich bisher im Sport erfahren hatte: Aikido zeigte mir, von der ersten Trainingseinheit an, wie Körper und Geist integrieren, wie man „vollständig“ werden kann. Bis heute hat sich das nicht geändert, sondern ist weiter gereift. Aikido ist einfach „meins“ geworden und, als ist ein wesentlicher Teil meines Lebens, nicht mehr wegzudenken.
Johannes Büge
1. Dan Aikido
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Contact
Markus Krabel
+49 6202 – 57 84 415 
Prof. Dr. Karl Kiening
Location
Auditorium der
Julius-Springer-Schule
Elsa-Brandström-Straße 8
69126 Heidelberg
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 following years, Ueshiba further developed and perfected "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.
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 Shinki Rengo
Due to the affiliation of our active Aikidoka, there is a clear focus on Aikido Shinki Rengo which is led by Michael Daishiro Nakajima (7th Dan, Shihan - Aikikai Hombu Dojo, 9th Dan, Shihan - Daitoryu Aiki Jujutsu Bokuyokan).
The majority of our currently active aikidokas are his disciples and take their exams through his association. This is affiliated to the Aikikai - Aikido World Headquarters.
Aikido Sansuikai
Some of our Aikidokas are also members of the Sansukai Association. Sansuikai International was founded by Yoshimitsu Yamada (8. Dan Shihan). All members are under Aikikai Hombu through Yamada Sensei and affiliated to the United States Aikido Federation. Sansuikai members take their Dan tests at Yamada Semsei's seminars.
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.
