Aikido classes six days a week.

Newcomers are very welcome to have a trial session in the “basic” classes on Monday and Saturday.
If you wish to sign in for a first trial class, please contact us in advance by email or phone.
For those with previous experience in Aikido, please choose a class according to your level or contact us for guidance.

Please note!

• On Tuesday the 3rd of October, the Dojo is closed due to the national holiday.
• From October there will be two classes on Wednesdays, beginners at 6 PM and advanced at 7.30 PM.
• On Thursdays, there is sword practice at 6 AM, open to all members who want to try swordplay.

Kashima No Tachi Kenjutsu for beginners and advanced.

Absolute beginners are always welcome to have a trial class on Thursday.
Please contact us via email beforehand, to make an appointment.

From September 4th there will be a Basic Kenjutsu class on Thursday again.

The kids and adolescent classes from age 4 until 16 years

New kids are welcome. Please contact us by email beforehand to make an appointment for a trial class.

Dear newcomers,

New beginners are always welcome to have a trial class at the “basic” classes on Monday or Saturday.
The basic (Kihon) classes are also a good choice if you restart your practice after a long break.

All classes are mainly taught in German. But like Berlin, we are very international. So please do not hesitate to come, even if you don’t speak German yet. We are happy to switch from German to English and vice versa if necessary. 😉

For your first time visit to the Dojo, please contact us in advance by email or phone.

We are looking forward to seeing you on the mat.
Ulli & Max

There are many different reasons to try something new. In the case of Aikido or Kenjutsu, it may be the interest in martial arts, self-defense, philosophy, the recommendation of friends, or it’s just the desire to move again, to learn something new and unusual. Most of the time it’s not a lack of motivation, but the hesitation to put ideas into action which stops us from doing something.

However, no matter what conception was in the first place, after the first step is done, everything else falls into place. The reason why you started will usually soon be forgotten. After 3, 10, or 20 years you will have discovered so many things for yourself, that there are a thousand reasons to continue or you no longer need a reason.

You can join Aikido or Kenjutsu at any time. Previous knowledge or special physical fitness is not required. The necessary skills will be acquired in regular training and are achievable for everyone. The only requirement is the will to deal with oneself and to accept that it takes time to internalize the movements and technics. Once you have gotten involved with it, you will notice that this is exactly the attraction.

The fundamentals in the basic classes

The focus in basic classes is on the fundamental techniques of Aikido, breathing exercises, gymnastics, and body awareness. Additionally, in Aikido you learn how to roll and fall and in Kenjutsu there are the basic methods of handling the sword.

The principles and modes of action of the exercises are explained in detail. Newcomers can participate in the basic lessons at any time without prior knowledge of a trial.

The first class

All classes marked as “basic” in the schedule are particularly well-suited for absolute beginners. You are most welcome to drop in for a trial session without previous registration. Two trial sessions are free.

For your first class please bring along clean and comfortable sportswear with long pants. Please don`t wear the same clothes you wear outside. The class will begin on time as scheduled, please make sure you arrive at least 15 minutes ahead of class. That will give us enough time to introduce ourself’s and give you a short introduction to the Dojo.

English trial class

All teachers and most of the students speak English. Therefore there is no problem if you are not fluent in German or don’t speak German at all. However, we also offer a beginner class taught in English every Friday.

Body consciousness and psychological development

Anyone who has children or is dealing with children knows that physical, mental, and spiritual development goes hand in hand. Each learning process on a physical level also entails a mental and psychological growth process in itself. In Aikido, the children can experiment with their movement spectrum, try new movements, and incorporate them into their repertoire. In this way, body consciousness is positively influenced and strengthened. However, the practice has not only an impact on fitness and health but also promotes mental and psychological development.

The movements of Aikido transcend social and linguistic barriers

Aikido Training offers children the opportunity to make a variety of movement experiences. Thus, the perception of children is improved in general. In addition, the basic movements of Aikido transcend all social and linguistic barriers and thereby have an integrative effect. Social competence is enhanced by cooperative partnership during the practice. The movements of Aikido are smooth and dynamic, encourage attention and concentration, and create new body awareness. By emphasizing the partnership practicing, in which there is no competition, aggressions are reduced.

Classes for children from age 4 to 12 years

In children’s classes from age 4 to 6, we focus on the general moving experience and body consciousness. The kids get to experience moving and rolling on the big open space of the Aikido mat and interact with other children. From age 7, we begin with the first simple but more formalized Aikido techniques and the basic methods of falling down. The emphasis is on the development of flexibility and coordination ability. According to age, we move on to more complex Aikido techniques and physical exercises.

schedule for children

Monday: 4.30 – 5.30 pm, age 6-9
Tuesday: 4.15 – 5.15 pm, age 4-6
Wednesday: 5.00 – 6.00 pm, age 9-12
Thursday: 4.30 – 5.30 pm, age 8-12

New children are welcome. Please call in advance or email us, to check availability.

Created from the martial arts of the samurai

Aikido originated from the traditional fighting techniques of the samurai and has developed into a modern form of self-defense. The principle of Aikido is to use the energy of the attack and redirect it in a different direction, without injuring the opponent. The attitude that comes in Aikido’s expression is thus not aggressive combative but actively peaceful. You learn to deal with aggression and to respond appropriately to an attack. The Aikido techniques are dynamic and if properly handled very effectively. It is therefore important to thoroughly deal with the techniques (katas), to make progress. Also, the attacker must be able to fall safely from any situation without getting hurt. Therefore, the case school and strengthening exercises are important prerequisites to practicing Aikido in its dynamic form. In addition to the techniques without weapons, dealing with a stick and sword is also a regular part of Aikido. Training with the traditional weapons of the samurai makes for good posture and trains attention and timing.

Classe for adolescent

On Friday from 4.45 – 5.45 pm, we have a class for teenagers from age 12 to 16.

If you are interested, please call or e-mail.

Teacher

Helmut Seiler, 2nd Dan Aikikai

Beginners are always welcome. Please call in advance! mobile: 0177 5544216 or 030 2614546

The grading system in Aikido is divided into kyu and dan grades. It starts with the 5th Kyu and ends with the 8th Dan. From 2nd Kyu, you wear the hakama (trad . Jap. Culottes) and, from 1st Dan black belt in addition.

As often assumed, the 1st Dan is not a sign of mastery in Aikido. It simply means that the student has completed the stage of pure learning of the techniques and can more concentrate on the excess principles of Aikido.

In Aikido, there is no obligation to take examinations. Who, however, decides to document its development through testing will experience that this intensive discussion of the basic techniques and their similarity will help to understand the learning system of Aikido much better. The seemingly endless and confusing variety of techniques will get structured and the relationship between movement and principles becomes more clear.

The Aikido Dojo am Gleisdreieck is a member of the Aikido Federation Germany. The Federation is officially recognized by the Aikikai Hombu Dojo and is allowed to test up to the 4th dan Aikikai. Download test requirements