Internal Martial Arts

the

TAIKIKEN

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Someone said: “Repay an injury with kindness.” 

The master said: “If you repay injury with kindness, with what, 

then will you reward kindness. 

You should repay injury with justice and kindness with kindness”.

2025

Hans Bakker invites you to step into the halls of the Tai Ki Ken Honbu in Amsterdam and you’ll encounter a fighting art unlike any other. Here, under the discerning eye of Hans Bakker Renshi, “Great Ki Boxing” — known as Tai Ki Ken — comes alive in ways that transcend traditional martial disciplines.

 Originally developed by headmaster Sawai Kenichi, Tai Ki Ken fuses the internal grace of Chinese wushu (Yi-Chuan) with the steadfast rigor of Japanese Budo. The result: an unprecedented blend of nei-chia (internal) and wai-chia (external) methods that shape both body and spirit.

At the heart of this thriving scene stands Hans Bakker, a seasoned practitioner and dedicated steward of the Tai Ki Ken legacy. Highly respected and deeply committed, Bakker has devoted decades to mastering the art’s physical techniques and spiritual subtleties. His leadership at the Amsterdam Honbu reflects a philosophy centered on authenticity, personal growth, and the nurturing of that elusive inner force known as “yuan-chi.” More than just a coach or teacher, he’s a mentor who inspires students to believe in themselves and to surpass their own expectations.

The essence of Tai Ki Ken lies in the cultivation of “yuan-chi,” that universal vitality simmering within every individual. At its core, this practice isn’t just about throwing a punch or blocking a strike; it’s about discovering the wellspring of personal energy that fuels true strength, agility, and resilience. Under Bakker’s careful guidance, students learn to move effortlessly, to react without hesitation, and to channel their inner power with spontaneity and freedom. Through his patient instruction, they gain not only physical skills but also a deeper understanding of themselves, forging a connection between body and mind that endures beyond the dojo walls.

The aim is clear and bold: to empower students to harness and master their yuan-chi, transforming the intangible into tangible gains. Through dedicated Tai Ki Ken ki-training, practitioners aspire toward mental clarity, physical robustness, and enduring wellness. Borrowing from the traditions of Chi Kung and Yang Sheng Kong, this training isn’t merely about combat technique — it’s about forging a lifelong foundation of fitness, balance, and vitality. In short, Tai Ki Ken stands as a beacon for all who seek to evolve not only as fighters, but as fully realized human beings. Under Hans Bakker’s thoughtful leadership, this art invites each practitioner to step into their own power, learn the quiet strength of discipline, and embrace a healthier, more harmonious life.