| name | Ferry |
| age | 58 |
| grew up in | Utrecht |
| aikido since | September 2025 |
| rank | 6th kyu |
How did you come into contact with aikido?
I searched the internet for a martial art that suited me. Specifically, something I could still practice when I was ninety. That is how I ended up with aikido.
What do you find beautiful or inspiring about aikido?
I thoroughly enjoy the complexity of aikido. It is a difficult technical martial art that could take me years to learn. That might sound daunting, but the opposite is true; it challenges me. Fortunately, there is a lot of patience during training, which I need at this stage. That calm, supportive atmosphere on the mat allows you to dare to make mistakes and continue to grow.
What is your favorite technique and why?
I don’t have an absolute favorite technique yet; the repertoire is still too large and new for that. But if I have to choose, katatedori aihanmi ikkyo omote stands out. I find it the most effective technique we have covered so far, and I feel like I can already execute it quite well.
How do you apply aikido in daily life?
For me, Aikido does not stop as soon as I leave the dojo. I apply it by keeping a straight back and placing my weight on the front leg. In other words: I step into life and move forward, not backward. It helps me to stand more firmly on my feet, both physically and mentally.
In my professional life, it is largely about guidance and resilience. Every day, I help independent entrepreneurs who are unable to do their work due to illness. I do this mostly through conversations in which I help them steer in the right direction. Just as on the mat, it is about regaining balance after a setback.
What makes you laugh?
I love humor with a sense of perspective, especially self-deprecation: don’t take yourself too seriously and laugh at your own mistakes. That makes life (and training) a lot lighter. Additionally, I can also enjoy something very mundane; for example, I thought Jackass was great.
What is your favorite quote?
That is a quote that aligns perfectly with the philosophy of learning a new art:
“Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts.” Winston Churchill
What else should we know about you?
You might not expect it, but I love heavy metal music. That ranges from Rammstein to Thy Art Is Murder. But I also enjoy listening to jazz. Chet Baker, for example.
I also like going to a pub in Utrecht with friends. We’ve been going there for over 40 years. Age-wise, we’re starting to stand out! Furthermore, I did Krav Maga for a while. But a sport where anything goes to floor your opponent became a bit too much for me. I also love traveling. The unexpected and making fun memories; Japan and South Korea most recently, next year China or New Zealand?