About

I have been practicing both Judo and Aikido for as long as I can remember.

My brother and I practicing Judo

Budo is the Japanese word for “the way of the warrior”. It is different from Bujutsu, “the art of war”, in the purpose. The focus in Budo is more internally, while Bujutsu focuses more externally. The Budo practitioner strives to improve himself. The fight is mostly with himself. It is like trading in that sense.

Judo

As a young boy, I started practicing Judo. I started training from the age of 4 and I received the first dan grade (black belt) for Judo by the age of 17.

Jigoro Kano, Founder of Judo
Jigoro Kano, Founder of Judo

Aikido

By the age of 19, I switched to Aikido. At that time I felt that Aikido was the logical next step. Judo was mostly practiced as a “sport” and had lost many of the martial aspects. I wanted to do something like Judo, but with a more martial intend. After about 7 years I received the first dan grade for Aikido by the JBN (Judo Bond Nederland, Judo Association of The Netherlands) in 2001. In 2018 I received the second dan grade from the Aikikai Hombu Dojo.

One of the most interesting aspects of Aikido compared to other martial arts is the cultivation of harmony and respect for others and the things around us.

Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido
Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido

Karate

Only just recently have I started practicing Shotokan Karate. I find it a great addition to my Aikido practice. I can see many techniques, that I know from Judo and Aikido, in the Bunkai, or practical applications of the Kata.

On top of that, Karate practice provides me with excellent fitness exercise and a controlled way to blow of some steam.

Gichin Funakoshi
Gichin Funakoshi, Founder of Shotokan Karate

My path

Here is my Budo “resume”:

  • 1979 started practicing Judo
  • 1992 received 1st dan grade in Judo by the JBN
  • 1994 started training Aikido with Sensei Hans Selders
  • 1997 started training Aikido with Sensei Gertjan van Dijk
  • 2001 received 1st dan grade in Aikido by the JBN
  • 2002 started training at CASA (Culturele Aikido Stichting Amsterdam), Sensei Theo Kuijl and Sensei Sonja Winkelman
  • 2007 started training at Aikido Ryu Rusman in Haarlem, Sensei Jan Rusman
  • 2015 started training at Aikido Kennemerland in Uitgeest with Sensei Hans Boersma
  • 2017 registered 1st dan at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Japan
  • 2018 received 2nd dan grade and registered it at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Japan
  • 2019 teaching Aikido to Kids at Aikido Kennemerland
  • 2021 started practicing Shotokan Karate at Zanshin Heemskerk
  • 2024 assisting weekly kids karate classes

Benefits of Budo

Budo has taught me, among many other things, to:

  • fight
  • be offensive
  • defend me and others
  • take action
  • not give up
  • respect others
  • respect me
  • remain calm under pressure

I believe that the practice of Budo in the form of Judo and Aikido has formed me tremendously. Budo has helped me develop mental stamina, persistence, and endurance, which help me be a better coder, trader, and just a better person all around.

Teaching Budo

Because I believe Budo has been very beneficial to me, I have decided to make a bigger effort in teaching it to others. I teach Aikido classes to adults and teenagers. I find it very fulfilling and I actually learn a lot myself while teaching. I teach at Aikido Kennemerland.

Diplomas

Judo first dan diploma
Judo first dan diploma
Aikido first dan diploma by JBN
Aikido first dan diploma by JBN
Aikido first dan diploma by Aikikai Hombu Dojo Japan
Aikido first dan diploma by Aikikai Hombu Dojo Japan
Aikido 2nd dan diploma by Aikikai Hombu Dojo Japan
Aikido 2nd dan diploma by Aikikai Hombu Dojo Japan

My Budo Notes

I keep structured notes on Judo, Aikido, and Karate.

This will include:

  • techniques and naming
  • grading requirements
  • books
  • videos
  • etc.

You can read through my notes here.