The Partnership Fund in the Czech Republic supports a small project for cooperation in the teaching of sport between an Aikido school in Langenthal and a gymnastics Club in the Czech Republic.

Aikido, which in translation means “the path of harmony in interaction with energy”, is a markedly defensive martial art that originated in Japan and has meanwhile become known throughout the world. Aikido is suitable for a broadly diversified public from children to senior citizens, and ties in with martial sports the likes of Judo or Jiu-Jitsu.

Exchange of knowledge in the domains of sport and teaching

In Switzerland, Aikido has already been practiced since the 1960s, and the Swiss Aikido Federation was founded back in 1969. In international comparison, the level in Switzerland is high. Now, however, the Jihlava Gymnastics Club in Vysočina, Czech Republic, is benefitting from Swiss experience and methodological know-how in this sport. In cooperation with the AiKiDo School in Langenthal, the Club has - within the scope of the Partnership Fund - submitted a project that was finally approved. Thanks to this project named “Aikido for Vysočina”, mutual study trips took place, during which the sport was practiced with much commitment and enthusiasm, new techniques were studied, and teaching methods were refined. The already existing partnership was further consolidated thanks to these trips. One of the principal objectives of the project was to awaken the enthusiasm of children and youth for the art of self-defence. However, the cooperation extended well beyond the sports aspect. The partnership turned into a forum for fellowship and human relationships.

The result of this cooperation is a set of teaching materials for adults in the form of DVDs along with a brochure that is especially suited for teaching younger target groups.

New teaching materials provide a boost

The result of this cooperation in the sports domain is a set of teaching materials for adults in the form of DVDs along with a brochure that is especially suited for teaching younger target groups. The brochure is available free of charge at the website of the Czech partner. The project is already bearing its fruit. The number of those enrolling in some Aikido schools in the Czech Republic, primarily those belonging to the younger age-groups, has mushroomed, and a sustainable interest an Aikido thus seems to be ensured. Many children, youths, and adults will thus be able to learn this extremely efficient defence technique in the future as well, acquiring with it a culture of mutual respect, not to mention the positive effects on their health

Mr. Heuscher from the AiKiDo School in Langenthal (foreground) also teaches promising young Czech sportsmen and women a culture of mutual respect for their contemporaries within the scope of the partnership project.

The project lasted from October 2010 through November 2011. It was supported by the Swiss Enlargement Contribution to the Czech Republic to the tune of CHF 15,000.

Additional Information and Documents

• AiKiDo School Langenthal
  www.aikido-langenthal.ch
• Czech Gymnastics Club Jihlava
  www.aikido-jihlava.cz
• Czech Republic
• Projects