„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 for adults and children and retreats in Furusato.

She is currently one of the three board members of KNKI, an association which has undergone some significant changes in the past year. She intends to draw on her experience with aikido, meditation and organizational matters to find a way for the future of the organization and the aikido community. “It’s quite challenging work, being on the board of KNKI,” Iris says, “But also satisfying to serve the way of harmony and help putting the visions of so many people into shape.”

Interview by Lisa Alsentzer and Anže Rapoš Božič, summer 2021