Aikido Anniversary
According to an article in the "Schwäbisches Tagblatt" from October 29, 1987.
No, it's not Desdemona who, in a twisted version of the libretto, has laid her Othello on his stomach.
This couple, recently photographed at the sports show of the Institute of Sports Science at the University of Tübingen, is practicing AIKIDO.
Photo: Franke.
The aikidoka are Bernhard Boll and Erika Vontin-Boll, who demonstrate a knife technique.
TÜBINGEN. The birthday celebration will be this weekend. The Tübingen University Aikido group is celebrating its 10th anniversary. All active and inactive members, all former members, as well as all those who are sporadically and (potentially) active are invited to the reunion. A weekend seminar is planned, which will take place in a hall of the old institute's building.
In addition to training on Saturday from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the social aspect will also be part of the event. A small celebration has been planned for Saturday evening. But the old hands should definitely not forget to bring photos, slides, or a story or two from the old days to share with others during the social gathering.
Here's a brief history of Tübingen Aikido: The Tübingen University Aikido Group (AHT e.V.) was founded on November 30, 1977. It is recognized as a non-profit organization and a member of the Baden-Württemberg Aikido Association. It is also a member of the Württemberg State Sports Association, the German Aikido Federation, and the European Aikido Union.
Since 1977, the Institute of Sports Sciences has been offering courses for students and university staff, which are attracting increasing interest. Since the association's founding, the number of members has steadily increased from 11 to 57 last year. Approximately 60 students participated in the last beginners' course, although their participation in Aikido training is not tied to club membership.
But the question still remains for many outsiders: What is Aikido? Aikido is a Japanese martial art, but unlike many Asian martial arts, it is not a competitive sport!
The characters of the word Aikido mean: "The Way (DO) of Harmony (AI) with Spiritual Power (KI)." The true essence of this art lies in showing the individual a way to find their center, develop harmony of body and mind, and live accordingly. The goal is not victory over the opponent, but the development of a mindset free of aggression and fear. There is no thought of victory or defeat.
The founder of Aikido is the Japanese Morihei Ueshiba, who taught these effective self-defense techniques. Aikido became known outside of Japan only after World War II. Aikido has existed in Germany since 1966.
The Tübingen aikidoka train up to five times a week. Training times can be found in the lecture catalog under "Student Sports." The instructors are Hans Leurle and Susanne Förster.