Reports

The Power of Harmony and Spirit

Aikido, the Japanese art of self-defense, has been practiced in a club in Haigerloch for several years. Last weekend, the club succeeded in bringing Ki Aikido instructor Yoshigasaki Sensei to Haigerloch. The more than 40 participants received high-quality instruction in the ideal conditions at the Witthauhalle, giving them the opportunity to learn a great deal, identify their own mistakes, and eliminate them through further training.

As Hans Skupin told us in a conversation during the seminar, the initial negotiations with the Sensei were initiated last year at a similar seminar at Herzogenhorn, and the date for Haigerloch was agreed upon. It is planned to hold such a seminar every year in Haigerloch in the future.
Aikido is a form of self-defense that, unlike judo, is not practiced competitively. Instead, it emphasizes not destroying the opponent, but convincing them of the futility of their attack through the unity of body and mind. All Aikido techniques are based on the Ki principles, beginning and ending with the principle of "non-fighting."

Therefore, it was particularly important to teacher Yoshigasaki Sensei to convey "Ai" (equals harmony) and "Ki" (equals spirit) so that in self-defense, not the defeat of the opponent, but rather the creation and development of harmony in interpersonal relationships can be achieved.
Training consisted of individual exercises and exercises with a partner, with Yoshigasaki Sensei giving his instructions in English, which were translated by Bernhard Boll and Irene Hänsler-Opizzo. The seminar was an outstanding experience for all participants.

The Association for Ki, Aikido and Health e.V. has the following training times:
Wednesdays from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. for children ages six and up, and adult training from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Adult training also takes place on Thursdays from 8 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. The instructors are Bernhard Boll (2nd Dan) and Erika Vontin-Boll (1st Dan). They are supported in children's training by advanced aikidoka.