Thomas Wessel Hansen

Thomas Wessel Hansen combines a broad martial arts background with many years of aikido training in Japan. His training under Morihiro Saito and Moriteru Ueshiba forms the basis of his teaching in Frederiksberg. In addition to the dojo, he holds an organizational role within Dansk Takemusu Aikido Forbund.

Profile

The story

His martial arts career began in 1974. Thomas first practiced judo and boxing, and later jiu-jitsu. In 1992, he began aikido. These earlier disciplines are part of his personal development, while aikido became the focus of his later teaching.

In 1997, his training took him to Iwama. Together with Lene Martine Grotkjær, he stayed with Morihiro Saito as an uchideshi. Living at the dojo meant participating in both daily training and practical work. In 1999, Saito awarded both of them their first dan.

From 2004 onward, Tokyo became the central focus. After Saito's death in 2002, the arrangements for their stays in Japan changed. Thomas then trained as a direct student of Moriteru Ueshiba at Aikikai Hombu Dojo. Longer stays as a sotodeshi allowed for intensive training, with accommodation outside the dojo.

In 2007, Frederiksberg got its own dojo. Thomas and Lene had decided to establish it in 2006. After returning from Japan, they opened Frederiksberg Aikido Klub, with support from friends, the municipality, and Frederiksberg Idræts Union.

His responsibilities extend beyond teaching. As chairman of Dansk Takemusu Aikido Forbund, Thomas maintains contact with Aikikai Hombu Dojo regarding graduations. Within Frederiksberg Idræts Union, he is a member of the sports committee, linking his aikido work to the local sports organization as well.

Method

Training approach

Basic training forms the foundation of his teaching. In their joint approach, Thomas and Lene emphasize a solid technical foundation. From this foundation, students develop the fluid, circular movements that they can then apply more creatively.

The lesson is tailored to the individual student. Differences in strength and physical abilities are taken into account in the instruction. Their teaching combines development with accessibility, ensuring that the training is not aimed exclusively at one type of practitioner.

Background

Certifications

Shidōin, instructor authorization from Aikikai Hombu Dojo and the Danish Takemusu Aikido Association.

Background

Role and legacy

Timeline

1974: Begins practicing martial arts, initially judo and boxing.

1992: Begins practicing aikido.

1997: Stays as an uchideshi with Morihiro Saito in Iwama.

1999: Receives his first dan grade from Morihiro Saito.

From 2004: Focuses his Japanese training at Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo.

2007: Opens Frederiksberg Aikido Klub together with Lene Martine Grotkjær.

2010: Participates with Lene in the 48th All Japan Embukai in Tokyo.

Legacy

Thomas connects the local dojo with the Japanese aikido network. In Frederiksberg, he passes on the experience gained in Iwama and Tokyo through daily instruction. His contact with Hombu Dojo regarding gradings also provides an organizational link between the Danish Takemusu association and the international Aikikai organization.

The dojo he shares with Lene is a lasting part of that work. Its opening in 2007 gave their training and teaching philosophy a local home of its own, alongside their involvement in the wider Danish aikido community.

Connections