Ferenc Németh

5th dan Aikido
1st kyu Toho Iai
Founder of Nishio Aikido in Hungary
Head of the Yurusu Aikido dojos,
president of the association.

I was born in Budapest on 3 February 1969 and spent my childhood in Dánszentmiklós. After graduating from Kossuth Lajos Grammar School in Cegléd, I studied IT. Alongside my commitment to martial arts, my family is what matters most to me: my wife and I are raising three children (Eszter, Dani and Peti).

On the Path of Aikido

I was introduced to martial arts in 1996 through Goju-ryu karate. I found my true path in 2001, when I switched to Aikido. An important milestone came in 2009, when I passed my 1st dan examination before John Rogers (Irish Aikido Federation), and in the same year I started teaching classes in Albertirsa. Since 2010 I have been a member of the international YUFUKAN organisation, where we preserve the technical and spiritual legacy of the legendary Shoji Nishio Sensei (1927-2005). The next stages of my development were the 3rd dan in 2015 and the 4th dan in 2019. The most recent recognition came on 11 January 2026, when I was awarded the rank of 5th dan at the Kagamibiraki ceremony.

Continuous Learning and Training

I believe an instructor must never stop learning. That is why in 2011, at Koji Yoshida Sensei's training camp in Hořice, I passed my 2nd dan Aikido and 2nd kyu Toho Iai examinations (examiner: Takashi Kuroki) and obtained a Nishio Budo instructor certificate. I also hold qualifications as an intermediate-level sports coach (2014) and a children's aerobics instructor (2015).

I combine my martial arts knowledge with modern and ancient methods of health preservation. In 2025 I qualified as an NMPT (Natural Movement Pattern Prevention) instructor at the Bene Spine Academy (Bene Gerincakadémia), so that by teaching correct posture I can give my students a more stable foundation. In parallel, since 2021 I have been studying the martial and energetic depths of Shaolin practice at the retreats of Master Shi Heng Yi. Because working with children is a great responsibility, I consider pedagogical preparation especially important, and I keep it up to date through the child protection courses of the Hungarian Coaches' Association (2024, 2025).

Beyond the Tatami

When I am not running the dojo or training, I prefer to spend my free time in nature. I enjoy fishing, cycling, surfing and gardening. Amateur radio (HA7EA) and woodworking are what really help me unwind.

I am grateful to my family, my teachers and everyone who has supported me, and still supports me, on this wonderful path.

Professional Milestones:

1996: Start of martial arts studies (Goju-ryu karate).
2001: Switched to Aikido.
2009: 1st dan (examiner: John Rogers).
2009: Started teaching in Albertirsa.
2010: Joined the YUFUKAN (Nishio Budo) organisation.
2011: 2nd dan (examiner: Takashi Kuroki).
2015: 3rd dan (examiner: Takashi Kuroki).
2019: 4th dan (examiner: Takashi Kuroki).
2020: Created online training materials during the pandemic.
2025: NMPT instructor qualification and Luohan 13 retreat.
2026: 5th dan (Kagamibiraki).

Further Training and Qualifications:

Intermediate-level sports coach (2014)
Children's aerobics instructor (2015)
E.K.A. Kyusho Jitsu (Level 1, 2015)
Qigong studies (since 2021)
Shaolin Temple Europe “The Art of QiGong” workshop (2023)
Bene Spine Academy – Human Kinesiology (2024)
NMPT Instructor – Bene Spine Academy (2025)
Hungarian Coaches' Association – Child protection and ethics training (2024-2025)

You can read more about me on my personal website: about me, dates, events.