I have been involved in various martial arts for more than 30 years. I started with karate and after five years of practice I came across aikido. I practiced both for one and a half years. Later, as karate training moved far away, I stopped and started a second aikido training in addition to the existing one. Since then aikido has been an integral part of my life.

Aikido

Aikido is a Japanese martial art, which is externally a series of rather complex techniques based on the natural laws of the circle and spiral. It is based on the principle of non-resistance; it functions primarily as a system of education and peacemaking, and with the help of a partner an opportunity for people to study themselves. The discovery of aikido, practised according to the ideas of Master Shoji Nishio, opened up a new perspective for me.

Mobility

Warming up is one of the most important parts of training. It helps me to prepare and tune up for the workout, and to avoid avoid injuries. It ensures agility, flexibility and maximum mobility; for me, it is one of the key elements of a healthy lifestyle.

Bokken & jo

Practicing with weapons is like painting techniques with a brush in your hand. The sword always faithfully shows the position and direction of the hand, while the stick opens up new dimensions of distance management. The use of weapons (sword, stick) is the basis of Aikido techniques developed from the ideas of Nishio sensei. The techniques are not aimed at destroying the partner, but at keeping him under constant control, allowing the attack to be completed without injury and thus survive. Nishio sensei's idea - and the title of his book - is Yurusu Budo, or "the forgiving martial art". The techniques he creates are all based on this idea, while keeping in mind the real combat value.

Nunchaku

Nunchaku is a masterful method of practicing circular arcs and spiral movements. It is a truly complex and sophisticated system of movement, in which momentum, timing, direction and speed are paramount. Connecting to a fast-moving weapon is a challenge, so this exercise develops coordination, reflexes, concentration and focus, while strengthening the arms and wrists, and increasing speed and agility. The sound of the chain tool tells you whether or not the movement is in the ideal arc.

Chikung

The practice of chikung is nothing more than discovering something that has always been around us, but because of the way we have lived our lives, we have not really noticed or experienced it. Its practices embody the yin-yang principle in many ways: they reflect the contrast between inside and outside, softness and strength, down and up, closed and open, slow and fast. In the process, your mind becomes calmer and your sensitivity to yourself and your awareness of the environment gradually becomes more refined. In a hectic world, this is a safe, calm point that I knew at first sight I needed to practice.