21/04/2026
Between Harmony and Reality – Findings on the survey according to Harassment in Aikido
Aikido traditionally stands for harmony and mutual respect. However, our survey conducted in February this year among 94 participants from 16 countries sheds a more nuanced light on the practice:
More than 50% of respondents stated that they had experienced harassment. The data reveals a clear pattern regarding the perpetrators: over 90% are male, and in over 60% of cases, they are individuals of higher rank. Over 70% of incidents occurred during seminars and almost 60% during training at the participants’ own dojos.
Descriptions of the harassment vary greatly. Whilst some victims report physical assault, such as being held in a stranglehold, others describe more subtle forms of abuse of power. For example, movement sequences were blocked to demonstrate one’s own superiority. Everyday comments were also raised, such as remarks about the body that were perceived as an expression of sexism.
What is particularly striking, however, is the uncertainty felt by many victims when it comes to categorising their experiences. This gives the impression that awareness-raising is necessary not only for potential perpetrators, but also for those affected. Several respondents stated that whilst they found the incident unpleasant, they would hesitate to describe it as ‘harassment’. They tended to describe the incident as ‘everyday sexism’ or felt unsure whether the behaviour was ‘bad enough’ to speak out about. This suggests that boundaries are often blurred and there is a lack of awareness of when discomfort has already crossed a line.
Another key issue is the reporting culture. Only 43% of incidents were officially reported. The data suggests that incidents were not reported because no consequences were expected. Often, it is a case of one person’s word against another’s. Dojo leaders invoke so-called ‘neutrality’, which can be interpreted as a protective mechanism for perpetrators. As a result, those affected withdraw from training or adjust their training times to avoid aggressors.
The survey reveals that structural gaps exist: there is a lack of clear points of contact and procedures. An awareness team is a first step, but it is ultimately only effective if cooperation with counselling centres is established, trained specialist staff are available, and there is a clear action plan for following up on reported cases.
For a healthy community, it is necessary to discuss these dynamics openly, refine definitions of harassment and build trust in reporting channels.
