Aikido for Dancers
Union of the opposites

Aikido, developed by Morihei Ueshiba in the past century, is one of the martial arts. Ai means the union of the opposites, Ki is the life force and Do is the lifelong way of learning.
By way of awareness, acceptance and redirection of an attack the aggressive intention of an opponent will be neutralized. The aim is to find an evolved way of solving conflicts: Open yourself to use the force of the opponent and control it to your own advantage. Attack and defense become organic chains of impulse-reaction with flowing, natural movements, thus training higher mobility and centering the body. Body and mind are in union, concentration, breath and imagination are enhanced, confidence in our own instincts and spontaneous actions is increased.


Grammar of Feet
Suzuki methode

Suzuki training, also called "feet grammar," was developed by the Japanese director Tadashi Suzuki as a dynamic group exercise for his actors and dancers. The training is designed as a type of performance. On an international level, the Suzuki Method is being integrated more and more into the training of performing artists.

The development of the training and the training approach, which transcends different styles and areas, are contemporary. This training's special power of expression and extremely energetic impact are based on the integration of ancient rituals. A sensual, vital power and attentive concentration (Ki'-ai) are created. The presence and responsiveness of the group and each individual increase noticeably after only a short span of time. Strict forms and spontaneous actions are impulsively combined into an effective, theatrical expression. A person's own abilities for developing outside the usual patterns open up new spaces and possibilities for that person.
A distinguishing characteristic of the series of movements is that they cannot be translated in any shape or form into the usual vocabulary of gestures in theater. They cannot be performed by using well-known patterns of movements. The form is a medium for individuals to discover clarity, simplicity, and the effective power of omission. The differences between personal design and actual actions are reduced during the learning process.
Martin Gruber has expanded and modified the Suzuki Method by using his many years of experience in modern approaches to working with the body. A more efficient use of the voice and body is emphasized, which allows for extensive application and intensive acting, without the danger of wear and tear or injury. In addition to a specially developed warm-up, group training is supplemented by individual, functional and structural work directly on the body (Talmi Method).
Please bring comfortable gym clothes and a blanket with you.
Please bring: Comfortable training wear and a blanket.



Martin Gruber
Marting Gruber was born in 1957 in Birach, Germany and currently lives and works as a choreographer and director in Berlin. In addition to his international teaching activities, he introduced the Suzuki Method in the Theater Academy Munich and The Falckenberg school, where he works as a teacher of acting and directing.
He established the Production facilities for theater and training forums „Biracher Seminare“ in Birach. Martin is trained in Akido, 5th dan in the school of the founder Ueshiba (Tokyo), in functional integration with Professor Talmi (Israel), in Zen Bodytherapy with Dub Leigh (USA) and „Foot Grammar“ with Tadashi Suzuki in Japan.

In addition to his collaborations with Dieter Dorn and Robert Wilson, he has directed numerous productions (or: premiers) in Munich, Ulm, Peking, and Hanoi among others.