Aikido is a Japanese martial art based on defense rather than attack. It originated from the traditional fighting techniques of the samurai and has since evolved into a modern martial art. You learn to absorb and redirect the energy of an attack – not by meeting force with force, but through precise movement, timing, and the ability to yield.
Aikido develops body awareness, concentration, and the ability to remain capable of action under pressure.
Learn Aikido – What to Expect
Every class begins with a short meditation, breathing exercises, and a warm-up. Joints and muscles are strengthened and mobilized. This is followed by the fundamental techniques: throws, joint locks, and pinning techniques. We practice in pairs, changing partners regularly.
Breakfalling is about learning to go to the ground safely, to roll, and later to fall. This is the foundation for practicing with intensity and dynamism. Over time, we learn to respond to different kinds of attacks – from grabs to strikes to attacks with a knife, stick, and even sword. This gradually develops a sense for distance, timing, and body mechanics.
Aikido has no competition; it is about ending a conflict. You don’t train against someone, but with someone.
Training for All Experience Levels
If you start to learn Aikido in the basic classes, the focus is on breakfalls and fundamental techniques. Practice is conducted at a calm pace, with ample room for individual correction. People with no previous experience are welcome to participate.
As experience increases, the practice becomes more dynamic and techniques more complex. To join the classes open to all levels, a secure backward roll from different Aikido techniques is expected – usually the case after about 4 months. For dynamic training, a good command of the forward roll and familiarity with the basic techniques are important. Depending on how often they train, our students reach this point after about 10–12 months.
In every class, people of different experience levels practice together. This helps beginners make faster progress, while more advanced practitioners deepen their understanding, since they need to be very clear in their movements.
Aikikai Affiliation & Style
At Dojo am Gleisdreieck in Berlin-Kreuzberg, Ulrike Serak Shihan (7th Dan Aikikai) and Max Eriksson Ohlwein (6th Dan Aikikai) teach. They follow the Aikido lineage of Christian Tissier Shihan (8th Dan Aikikai), one of the leading Aikido teachers worldwide.
Training here is technically precise, physically and mentally demanding. We place value on clear fundamentals, which are the basis for moving freely within Aikido.
Since our founding in 2000, we have been part of the Aikido Federation Germany e.V., the German association of the Aikikai lineage. Ulrike and Max are members of the Grading Committee and are authorized to examine up to 4th Dan Aikikai. All gradings are recognized by the Aikikai Foundation – the international Aikido organization based in Tokyo.
Aikido & Kenjutsu
Aikido and Kenjutsu follow the same principles in many respects. Both disciplines complement each other and are taught in parallel at our dojo. You can find more about sword training on the Kenjutsu page.
You can find more about us, the training, and the community on the Aikido Berlin page.
Practical Information
Training times: All training times for beginners and advanced practitioners can be found in the timetable.
What you need: For your first class: comfortable sportswear. We train barefoot. Jewelry should be removed.
Getting started: No previous experience or particular physical fitness is required to begin. You can arrange a free trial session through the contact form on the registration page.
Cost: Monthly membership costs €95 for working professionals (reduced rate €75). This includes unlimited access to all Aikido classes, cancellable with two months’ notice. For further information, see Registration.