Henryk von Pradow Sensei Spring Seminar
Aikido of Berkeley is pleased to welcome Henryk von Pradow, 4th dan, Aikikai, founder and chief instructor of Aikido • Berlin, for his first international Aikido seminar, April 20-21st at Aikido of Berkeley.
10:30 – 11:30 am Foundation & Awareness
(Concepts: breath, focus, freedom of mind, embodiment, self-reflection)
(Application of Principles within Basic and Advanced Techniques: the Structure of de-ai, awase, atari, ki-musubi, ki-no-nagare)
5:45 pm Get Together Party/Potluck
10:30 – 11:30 am Meaning and Importance of “T-position” in Basic and Advanced Ukemi
Registration
$ 90 Saturday only
$ 50 Sunday only
$ 40 Single session
About Henryk von Pradow, 4th dan Aikikai
Henryk is the founder and technical director of Aikido Berlin since 2003.
For more than 20 years, he has been a professional aikido teacher whose teaching style seamlessly blends tradition with innovation. He considers himself part of the tradition of 8th dan Christian Tissier Shihan, whose teachings and methodology has marked his path like a guiding star right from his beginning. For more than a decade he has been an enthusiastic student and follower of Marc Bachraty Sensei, one of Tissier Shihan’s main disciples, under whose guidance Henryk not only received his fundamental instruction but also a deep insight into the concepts of martial fusion. Recently, his main dedication has been the development of his own personal system and style. He adheres to the concept of continuous learning and likes to stay current and relevant, searching for that one appropriate gesture through systematic study and research in fields such as art, music, mathematics, physics, philosophy and spirituality. He has also focused on the study and comprehension of the methods and styles of two influential young teachers, Ryuji Shirakawa Shihan and Bruno Gonzalez Sensei, with whom he keeps a permanent exchange and correspondence as well as taking part in their seminars around the world.
In his classes, beyond showing the classic aikido techniques, Henryk introduces organic movements of harmonious body dynamics, providing context and emphasizing suppleness and elasticity. With a keen focus on principles and a modular class structure, Henryk’s sessions offer a holistic Aikido experience that aims to offer valuable insights and to be helpful in daily life. His positive yet demanding approach motivates students to go to their personal limits and reach their full potential. Henryk doesn’t just teach movements; he delves into the history and philosophy of Aikido and other inner martial arts, making each class a unique and immersive journey. Henryk’s classes promise not only physical skill enhancement, but also a deeper understanding of aikido fundamentals that will lead into forms of advanced application.
Join us at Henryk von Pradow’s seminar for an interactive and thought-provoking exploration of aikido’s art and philosophy.