Aikido as budo: a martial arts path in Amsterdam

Aikido is often seen as soft or purely philosophical. This is a misunderstanding. Aikido is budo, a traditional Japanese martial art.

Budo training focuses on discipline, control, and responsibility. It teaches you how to deal with conflict in a calm and effective way.

At The JYM Movement in Haarlemmerbuurt, Amsterdam, Aikido is practiced as a serious martial art. Training develops the body, sharpens the mind, and builds calm focus under pressure.

What budo means in aikido

Budo (武道) means the martial way. It is not a sport. There are no competitions or trophies.

Budo training is about long-term practice. You work on correct movement, posture, and awareness. You also learn when and how to use force and when not to.

At [DOJO NAME], budo-style Aikido focuses on:

  • Stable posture and balance
  • Distance and timing (maai)
  • Joint locks and throws using leverage
  • Staying calm during an attack

The goal is simple: stop conflict without causing unnecessary harm.

Aikido is about control, not aggression

Aikido does not rely on strength or speed. It relies on timing, position, and awareness.

During training, you learn to:

  • Stay calm under pressure
  • Move with the attack instead of fighting it
  • Break balance and structure
  • Take control without anger

These skills are useful for self-defense. They are also useful in daily life.

Why train aikido at The JYM Movement?

Amsterdam is busy and full of movement. Aikido at The JYM Movement helps you stay centered in this kind of environment.

Regular training helps improve:

  • Coordination and posture
  • Focus and emotional control
  • Confidence without ego
  • Understanding of Japanese budo traditions

Many students notice changes beyond the dojo. They react less and respond more. They feel more stable under stress.

Tradition for modern life in Amsterdam

Aikido is rooted in tradition, but it is not stuck in the past. The values trained on the mat apply to modern life.

You learn respect, awareness, and self-control. These qualities matter at work, at home, and in public spaces.

Less tension.
More clarity.
Better decisions.

Aikido training in Haarlemmerbuurt, Amsterdam

Aikido training at The JYM Movement takes place on:

Monday evening at 19:45 to 21:15

Training are open to beginners and experienced students. No prior martial arts experience is required.

Start training aikido in Haarlemmerbuurt

If you are looking for a traditional martial art with real-world value, Aikido offers a clear path.

Training at The JYM Movement in Haarlemmerbuurt, Amsterdam, focuses on budo principles, correct technique, and respectful practice.

👉 Join a Monday evening class and experience Aikido as budo.
Train with focus. Move with control.


FAQ – Aikido in Haarlemmerbuurt, Amsterdam

Is Aikido suitable for beginners?
Yes. Beginners are welcome. Training starts at a basic level and builds step by step.

Do I need to be strong or fit to start?
No. Aikido uses balance and timing, not strength.

Is Aikido useful for self-defense?
Yes. Aikido teaches awareness, control, and calm response under pressure.

What should I wear to my first training?
Comfortable sports clothing is enough for your first lesson.

When are trainings held?
Trainings take place every Monday from 19:45 to 21:15.

New Aikido training in Haarlemmerbuurt, Amsterdam

New Aikido training in Haarlemmerbuurt, Amsterdam – Traditional martial arts with a modern mindset

We are proud to introduce a new Aikido training program in the Haarlemmerbuurt, Amsterdam, designed for anyone interested in authentic Japanese martial arts, effective movement, and personal development. Located in one of Amsterdam’s most vibrant neighborhoods, our martial arts gym now offers structured Aikido trainings for adults of all experience levels.

What makes this Aikido training unique?

Aikido is a traditional Japanese martial art rooted in classical samurai combat systems. Unlike competitive martial arts, Aikido focuses on harmony, efficiency, and control. Techniques consist of joint locks, throws, posture control, and balance breaking, all performed with precision rather than brute force.

In our new training program, we emphasize:

  • Correct posture and natural movement
  • Balance, distance, and timing
  • Breathing and relaxation under pressure
  • Safe and effective technical application

This approach makes Aikido suitable for beginners while remaining challenging and valuable for experienced martial artists.

Aikido training without competition

One of the defining characteristics of Aikido is the absence of competition. Training is not about winning or losing, but about understanding movement, intent, and one’s own physical and mental limitations. This creates a focused and respectful learning environment, ideal for long-term development.

At higher levels, controlled pressure testing can be introduced, but safety always comes first. Beginners are guided carefully to prevent injuries, especially since many Aikido techniques involve joint control.

Individual growth through martial arts

There is no single “correct” body type or way to perform Aikido. Each student develops techniques according to their own physical abilities. Training often becomes a mirror: you learn how you move, react, tense, or hesitate.

Through consistent practice, students often notice:

  • Improved balance and coordination
  • Better posture and breathing
  • Increased mental focus and calmness
  • Greater confidence in movement and daily life

This makes Aikido not just a martial art, but a method for overall physical and mental refinement.

Weapons training: Katana and Jo

As part of traditional Aikido practice, our lessons also include training with Katana (Japanese sword) and Jo (wooden staff). Weapons training enhances understanding of distance, timing, and body alignment, and deepens insight into empty-hand techniques. All weapon practice is conducted safely and progressively.

Ideal for beginners and experienced martial artists

Aikido is an excellent choice if you are new to martial arts, but it is also a powerful supplement for practitioners of kickboxing, judo, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, or other combat sports. Our training focuses on the “grammar of Budo”: Universal martial principles such as balance breaking, footwork, positioning, relaxation, and intent, which apply across all disciplines.

Martial arts in the Haarlemmerbuurt, Amsterdam

Our martial arts gym is easily accessible for those in the Haarlemmerbuurt, Spaardammerbuurt and surrounding areas such as Westerpark and the city center. Classes are taught by an experienced instructor, sensei Michaël Veerman, who value tradition, effectiveness, and open-minded practice.

If you are looking for Aikido in Amsterdam and want to train in a focused, respectful, and technically grounded environment, this new program offers exactly that.

Try Aikido for YOURSELF

The best way to understand Aikido is to experience it on the mat. Whether your goal is martial effectiveness, physical improvement, or personal development, you are welcome to join us.

Discover how calm, structure, and effectiveness come together in Aikido training, right here in Amsterdam.