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. Aikido instructors who have inspired me: Franck Noel, Takeshi Yamashima, Jan Nevelius, and others from the Yamaguchi line, such as Seishirō Endo.


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 BDAL


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.

Stefan Schröder


4th Dan, Aikikai Tokyo 


Aikido adults, Beginners

Stephan Schöder, 4. Dan

I started practicing Aikido in 2003 and then met Stefan Stenudd from Malmö around 2010. His “Center and Extension” Aikido has been a great source of inspiration for me ever since. In 2012, I moved to Malmö myself and practiced Stefan’s Aikido there for seven years.

When I think about my training, these aspects immediately come to mind: movement from the center, focused intention, perceiving weaknesses in my training partners’ posture, absorbing force, letting attacks pass through, and redirecting them. In my beginner’s class on Mondays, we work on laying the foundation for good aikido: safe rolling, good posture, basic techniques, and having fun while training!


Otherwise, I also enjoy bouldering and work full-time as a software developer.

Eric Radke


3rd Dan, Aikikai Tokyo


Aikido adults

Eric Radke, 3. Dan





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

Ira Schefer


2nd Dan, Aikikai Tokyo


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