Team

"Basically, it is the connections with people that give life its value."
(Wilhelm von Humboldt)

Dojo Cho: Heidi Grot, 6th Dan Aikikai Tokyo


I have been practicing Aikido for over four decades. My path has been deeply shaped by continuous exchange with teachers from various countries and by the traditional teachings of the Hombu Dojo in Tokyo.


In my training, I emphasize soft, flowing movements, clear principles, and an attentive connection with my partner. For me, Aikido is not only technique but a process of inner growth that develops through precise bodywork, presence, and respectful interaction.


I teach Aikido as I learned it myself — structured, open to questions, and with space for individual development. It is important to me that Aikido helps people grow physically and mentally — without pressure or competition, but through shared practice and mutual learning.


All styles and perspectives are welcome in my dojo. I aim to foster exchange between different approaches, because Aikido evolves with the people who practice it.

More Teachers

Hajo Hartwig

3rd Dan, Aikido

Aikido adults, ZaZen

I have been training Aikido since 1982. I started with Wolfgang Sambrowski in Oldenburg, who was a student of Assai and later Gerd Walter. After that I trained for decades Gerd Walter Shihan, 8th Dan. Later I became interested in Franck Noel's Aikido and I still regularly attend his seminars. I've been with Kranich Dojo Berlin from the start.

For many years I have also been practicing ZaZen and visiting the sesshins from Gundula Meyer (Zui-Un-An), Zen Master (Sanbo-Zen-International). For me, Aikido and ZaZen are constant and important companions in my life.


I worked as a teacher at a vocational school. Now I´m retired.
Christian Schmidt

4th Dan, Aikido 

Aikido Adults
Christian Schmidt, 4. Dan

I have been practicing Aikido since 2004. Under my teacher Dirk Kropp, 8th Dan, I underwent intensive five-year training as an Aikido teacher in Cologne starting in 2011. Since 2022, I have been training and teaching at the Kranich Dojo. I find Heidi's Aikido to be a great enrichment.


In my training, I emphasize clear techniques, respectful interaction with one another, and a meditative, focused atmosphere. My aim is to provide a space where students can practice basic techniques repeatedly and devote themselves to overarching themes such as serenity, inner contact, and willpower.


My main profession is as a project manager at a company specializing in e-learning and software training.
Eric Radke

3rd Dan, Aikikai Tokio

Aikido adults
Eric Radke, 3. Dan





I am a physicist by profession and work in medical diognostics.
Ira Schefer

1st Dan, Aikikai Tokio

Children´s training
Ira Schefer, 1. Dan

I started practicing aikido in 2012. At the time, I was living and studying in Japan in the city of Nagoya. Here I trained with Ohtsu Sensei at the Showa Dojo and mainly learned the traditional forms of Aikido. When I came to Berlin in 2015, I found a very good combination of traditional and newer forms of this martial art in the Kranich Dojo.


My main job is as a scientist researching climate and energy policy. I have 2 children.
Rita Röhr

1st Dan, Aikido

Children's training, Alexander Technique

I started practicing aikido with Ingolf Peters in 1993. In 1996 I switched to the dojo of Harald Ross and Jürgen Ebertowski in Berlin Kreuzberg and trained there until he had to close his dojo in 2016. I have been training and teaching in the Kranich dojo since 2016. I really enjoy working with the children and I think Aikido is a good way to promote their development and strengthen their self-confidence. Since I am also a trained teacher for Alexander Technique, I also offer individual lessons in Aikido and Alexander Technique for those interested. My focus is on posture, relaxation and permeability.


I am a self-employed music teacher and have two children.

Aikido Summer Berlin: 13 teachers from 12 nations, participants from all over the world