“There is no beginning to Enlightement, no end to Training” – Dogen Zenji (1200-1253)

Aikido (translated literally as the “way of energy harmony”) is a complete Japanese martial system that uses a single framework for traditional weapon or unarmed combat considering one or multiple opponents.

Study is concentrated on cooperative learning with partners rather than solo kata so that potentially dangerous techniques can be safely and effectively mastered. Aikido recognises no rules for combat and as such there is no place for competition except within the students themselves as they forge their own perception, skills and posture. The basic technical curriculum is set worldwide by the Aikikai Foundation in Tokyo so that students  have a common grounding but at higher levels Aikido becomes more and more formless and continuously fascinating. Practice emphasises strategic manoeuvre and effective, subtle technique rather than brute force and strength.  Aikido is far more than fighting, it is an investment in ongoing self development for living.

Aikido was founded in the 1930s by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) in Tokyo, Japan. His  objective was to integrate and modernise the traditional martial arts that he had learned as a young man. His system became recognised as revolutionary by contemporary martial artists and the Japanese Police and Military, many of whom enrolled as students. In those days Aikido was secret so that admission to study was possible only by recommendation, but since the 1960s Aikido has opened up and spread throughout the world now counting more than a million practitioners who find it ideal for self defence, all-round fitness and self development. 

Training encompasses:

• The study and development of subtle martial technique

• Aerobic fitness

• Whole body flexibility

• Coordination

• Strengthening body structure and posture

• Safe falling and self defence

Teachers

Nik Doyle (5.Dan Aikikai Tokyo)

Nik began Aikido in 1981 at Sussex University (Brighton Aikikai), England under Kanetsuka Minoru Shihan (8.Dan) who awarded him shodan in 1986. After experiencing  Yamaguchi Seigo Shihan (9.Dan), Nik began to train regularly under the direction of Christian Tissier Shihan (8.Dan) in France.  On the recommendation of Tissier Shihan Nik was promoted Godan at the Aikikai Kagami Biraki 2017. 

As well as Tissier and Kanetsuka Shihan, over the years Nik has trained with many other masters, in particular Chiba, Endo and Yasuno. Nik spent more than 25 years instructing at Brighton Aikikai and trained many students to dan-grade and beyond.

Brigitte Doyle (3.Dan Aikikai Tokyo)

Brigitte began Aikido in 2002 in Guernsey, UK and from 2004 trained at Brighton Aikikai. In 2010 she achieved Shodan and in 2018 was promoted Sandan by Pascal Durchon (6.Dan). Brigitte has trained at numerous seminars taught by renowned Masters: Endo, Yasuno and in particular Tissier Shihan.

Tanja Heinzmann (3.Dan Aikikai Tokyo)

Tanja started Aikido in 2008, reached Shodan in 2016 and since 2017 has been training at Kolbermoor Aikido. In 2021 she was promoted Sandan by the Kenbukai (Watanabe Shihan, 8.dan). She is a regular seminar attendee with visiting teachers: Pascal Durchon, Bruno Gonzales, Christian Tissier, Paul Müller. During the last six years she has run the childrens’ Aikido class at TUS Holzkirchen and during 2022 set up a childrens’ Aikido group at Caritas Kinderdorf in Irschenberg. Tanja is fully qualified and licensed to supervise children and young people:

Trainerlizenz C Aikido

Trainerlizenz B – Sport in der Prävention (Kinder und Jugendliche)

Member Referentinnen-Team des BLSV für Gewaltprävention in Breitensportvereinen

Thomas Wimpelburg (1.Dan Aikikai Tokyo)

Thomas had his first martial arts contact as a teenager with Karate, subsequently changing to Kickboxing. In 2005 he began to study Aikido with Wolfgang Fürst (6.Dan) a student of Tamura Shihan (8.Dan) with whom he could attend a number of seminars. He also attended seminars taught by other Japanese Sensei, eg Yamada Shihan (8.Dan) and Toshiro Suga (6.Dan). In 2015 he found his place in Kolbermoor Aikido with Nik & Brigitte, since then following the regular seminars of Christian Tissier Shihan (8.Dan). During 2019 he was awarded Shodan following examination by the Aikido Föderation Deutschland.