Iris Scanlon has been practicing aikido since 1985, when she was captivated by a sense of déjà vu and a chance meeting with Yoshigasaki Sensei. In 2001, she opened her own dojo, Aikido Dojo Infinity Moves, in Mülheim an der Ruhr in Germany, and made aikido her profession. In her dojo, she teaches adults as well as children of different ages.

She has long been hosting annual seminars with both her teachers, Yoshigasaki Doshu and Beppe Sensei, and herself organizes international seminars and retreats for adults and children.

At the time of the interview, Iris was a board member of the KNKI, founded by Yoshigaski Sensei. Following the reorientation of the KNKI, Iris is now involved in the Kyodotai (a loose association of like-minded dojos in Germany) to support young teachers and promote women and children in Aikido.

Interview by Lisa Alsentzer and Anže Rapoš Božič, summer 2021 –