"One needs to train joyfully. A training, where everybody is suffering, makes no sense. If one enjoys himself, ki will be freed, and it will fill the dojo..."
O Sensei

In Japanese “Kimusubi“ means “harmony”.
Harmony is not only a basic principle in aikido in general, but symbolizes also the wish of the Kimusubi Aikido Dojos in Carinthia to work together in harmony with aikido-practitioners around the world, as well as people practicing true martial arts, yoga and sports no matter from what cultural background.

The Kimusubi Aikido Dojos Klagenfurt and Villach were founded in 2002 by Matti Joensuu, 6. Dan and Andrea Stitzel, 3. with the support of Günther Steger, 5. Dan (technical director of the Austrian Aikikai Federation and Aikidoteacher in Graz). Both Dojos have had a steady number of students, and since 2007/08 the first black-belts (shodan, 1. dan) were graded according to internationally recognized requirements (see “Hombu Dojo”-link under Japan ).

The trainings are offered in mixed groups which means that beginners and advanced students are practicing together. Beginners can start anytime and can come to every practice. Above everything, we place importance on safety. The development of the needed flexibility, co-ordination, and ability to fall safely comes to each individual at their own pace, while practicing the basic principles of contact, off-balancing and techniques.

It takes time to see beyond the hundreds of responses to different attacks with different techniques. Kimusubi Dojo is dedicated to study the principles behind these techniques to achieve a state of mind where thoughts of, for example, every day worries, are not disturbing. In other words, we ultimately work on relaxation and concentration.

Training for children and young adults are offered from age 5. In Klagenfurt children from age 6 to 14 are practicing in a mixed group; in Villach three different groups separated by age are offered: 5-7 years, 7-9 years, 9-14 years. Play and the teaching of technical elements alternate during the practice, coordination and concentration are taught. The dynamics in these groups are very good because beginners and advanced students are training together and can learn from each other. We are very proud especially of those juniors who with around age 14 are changing to the adult training and are already participating in some of the seminars – a big and often not so easy step.

Since 2003 several seminars with external teachers have been organized. At present Luis Mochon, 4. Dan from Granada/Spain, Cornelius Jaeger, 3. Dan from Schüpfheim/Switzerland, Jörg Kretzschmar, 4. Dan from Cologne/Germany and Ellet Bjerelmo, 4. Dan from Stockhom/Sweden are coming once a year. We are especially proud of the fact that also aikidokas from other dojos in Austria, Germany, Slovenia, Switzerland and Hungary regularly attend our seminars. In addition, aikidokas from other countries regularly visit the Kimusubi Aikido Dojos both for training but also for teaching purposes during the regular training (e.g. from Germany, Finland, Japan, Switzerland and Hungary). We are very happy about these regular possibilities for new inspirations and exchange on tatami.