In Germany, extremist groups are forming ‘Active Clubs’ that combine outdoor activities and martial arts training to prepare for potential violence. Recent police operations have disrupted gatherings organized by these groups, revealing their connections to right-wing extremism. Political scientists note that these clubs promote a fabricated narrative of ‘white genocide.’ Recruitment strategies involve late-night training sessions, while members often disguise their extremist affiliations under the guise of sports, raising concerns about public safety and the normalization of violence.
Hiking and Combat: The Rise of ‘Active Clubs’
Across Germany, a concerning trend is emerging among certain extremist groups: the formation of ‘Active Clubs.’ These organizations, often led by seasoned activists, combine outdoor activities like hiking with martial arts training, all while preparing for potential violent actions and coups.
In October, a significant police operation in the Westerwald region made waves nationwide, as authorities shut down a martial arts gathering at a location known as the barrel factory in Hachenburg. The event was organized by ‘Der III. Weg,’ a party recognized for its extremist views. Participants hailed from various parts of Germany, as well as Belgium and the Netherlands, many of whom fall into the right-wing extremist category according to police assessments.
The police action sparked outrage within the extremist community. Shortly after, a video surfaced on Telegram, expressing ‘Solidarity with the barrel factory against police repression.’ The footage shows four masked individuals holding lit Bengal flares against the night sky, standing behind a banner featuring Otto von Bismarck’s image alongside a militaristic quote attributed to him: ‘When the Germans stand together, they drive the devil out of hell.’ The atmosphere is amplified by the sound of right-wing music in the background.
Uncovering ‘Active Club Germania’
The banner is adorned with two logos: ‘Rheinlandbande’ and ‘Freundeskreis Westerwald’ (FKWW). These names might seem innocuous at first glance, but a quick search on Telegram reveals a more extensive network. Within the ‘Active Club Germania’ channel, FKWW is marked as a location on a map depicting various active groups across Germany.
Political scientist Jessa Mellea, researching for the Berlin think tank CeMAS, describes ‘Active Clubs’ as a new phenomenon within the right-wing extremist movement. These groups focus on martial arts and fitness, purportedly to combat a fabricated notion of ‘white genocide.’
An undated map associated with ‘Active Club Germania’ outlines 19 active groups, including names like ‘Active Club Taunus’ and ‘Active Club Leipzig.’ Videos from the channel feature young men engaging in martial arts, hiking, and distributing stickers with right-wing messages. The imagery closely links these ‘Active Clubs’ to extremist ideology, as evidenced by the logo depicting a hiking knife reminiscent of that used by the Hitler Youth.
The Federal Prosecutor’s Office has recently charged four members of the Eisenach neo-Nazi martial arts group ‘Knockout 51.’
Understanding Freundeskreis Westerwald and Rheinlandbande
In response to inquiries about her group, Melanie Dittmer, a prominent figure in the Freundeskreis Westerwald, claims, ‘We are focused primarily on hiking and various sports, culture, and the welfare of Germany.’ Dittmer notes that the FKWW was established in 2018, prior to the emergence of ‘Active Clubs’ in Germany. With decades of involvement in extremist circles, Dittmer has previously engaged with the Young Nationalists and organized anti-Islam protests.
The Rhineland-Palatinate Office for the Protection of the Constitution describes FKWW as ‘an informal group with neo-Nazi characteristics.’ Online, FKWW maintains a close relationship with the ‘Rheinlandbande,’ which also claims to promote community and sports. According to officials, members of the Rheinlandbande were present at the martial arts event in Hachenburg that was disrupted by police.
An Antifa collective, ‘Antifascist Research Oberberg (Arob),’ released a video showing a group of young men exploring a castle ruin. One individual, identified as Paul F., a 19-year-old local craftsman, provides a brief history of the site. The Bonn police confirmed they have encountered this group before and classify them as belonging to the right-wing spectrum. Paul F. frequently shares videos from similar hikes and posts images from a summer solstice celebration, featuring a burning wooden rune sculpture.
Recruitment Strategies of ‘Active Clubs’
How do these ‘Active Clubs’ recruit new members? In response to an inquiry, the ‘Active Clubs Germania’ linked to the ‘Active Club Taunus’ provide details about their training sessions. A voice message reveals that classes are held late in the evening, with options for both wrestling and Jiu-Jitsu.
The individual behind the message, known as ‘Holmgangr,’ operates from an unassuming martial arts studio in the Taunus region. As incidents of right-wing motivated crimes surge in Germany, the activities of these groups become increasingly alarming.
Deceptive Appearances?
When competing as an ostensibly neutral athlete under his real name, ‘Holmgangr’ conceals his tattoos with clothing. However, his social media profile displays images of him wearing a balaclava and gas mask alongside symbols from the international neo-Nazi group, ‘Misanthropic Division.’ His posts primarily celebrate sports, hiking, and camping, leaving his extremist beliefs obscured.
Extremism expert Alexander Ritzmann emphasizes that the strategy behind ‘Active Clubs’ lies in their dual nature. ‘Violent right-wing extremists engage in training while presenting themselves as merely sports enthusiasts.’ Ritzmann, affiliated with the Counter Extremism Project, suggests that these clubs are fundamentally designed to cultivate a network of combat-ready extremists, highlighting a growing concern for public safety.