Ulrike Serak founded Aikido Dojo am Gleisdreieck in 1998. Since 2002, she has led it together with Max Eriksson Ohlwein. Both teach Aikido and Kenjutsu with the conviction that these martial arts are accessible to everyone – regardless of previous experience or physical prerequisites.
The dojo is a place with a vibrant community. New members are always welcome.
At Dojo am Gleisdreieck, training together is central. Aikido and Kenjutsu are not competitive sports—there are no winners and losers here, but rather partners who support each other in learning. Everyone trains at their own pace, whether you’ve been on the mat for years or are just starting out.
Ulrike Serak and Max Eriksson Ohlwein emphasize understanding the principles behind techniques, not just practicing them mechanically. Training follows the Tissier lineage—known in Europe for technical precision and structured teaching. The focus is on continuous practice, not perfection—and on making sure you feel comfortable in training.
In addition to Aikido, we teach Kashima No Tachi, a traditional form of Japanese swordsmanship. Max Eriksson Ohlwein has traveled regularly to Tokyo for many years to learn at the Shiseikan Dojo. He is one of the few teachers in Germany who can authentically pass on Kashima No Tachi.
Training with the sword demands precision, attention, and the ability to be in the moment. Many of our members value Kenjutsu as a complement to Aikido—both arts enrich each other.
Our dojo is located in the heart of Kreuzberg, directly at Gleisdreieck (between Kreuzberg and Schöneberg, near the park). The space was completely renovated in 2015, Japanese style, with wooden floors, room to breathe. People train here from all over Berlin and the surrounding area. The connections by U-Bahn, S-Bahn, and bus make it easy to integrate training into your daily life.
Classes take place six days a week—mornings for early risers, evenings after work, and on weekends. You decide when and how often you come.
Note for first-time visitors: The dojo is on the first floor. Please arrive about 15 minutes early, so that we have time for a brief chat and to show you around.
Our dojo community is as diverse as Berlin itself. People from many countries, of different ages, and varied backgrounds, come together. Through our connections to the international Aikido network, we also frequently receive visitors from around the world. We’re particularly pleased about the high proportion of women – 50 percent, which is unusual for a martial arts school.
Many stay after training, drink tea, and exchange thoughts.
Classes are taught in German, but all instructors speak English fluently and provide clarification as needed. You don’t need German language skills to train here.
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5th Dan Aikikai Tokyo
Werner has been training with Ulrike Serak since 1995 and teaches the Friday morning session. As the most senior student in the dojo, he takes over training for advanced students when needed. In 2006, he initiated a children’s project for Aikido and violence prevention in the Wassertor-Kiez neighborhood in Berlin-Kreuzberg. Inspired by his experiences in this project, he founded a dojo for children and youth in 2011, from which the association Aikido und Gewaltfreie Kommunikation e. V. (Aikido and Nonviolent Communication) was established in 2015.
