What do you think of aikido?

[aku aku]

Hello,

I'm thinking of checking out an aikido class and was wondering how effective it is for self defense. I heard that you need a high level of skill for it to be useful. I have a strong striking background from jkd and I thought that aikido skills might be useful if I'm grabbed and unable to strike, or maybe use the striking to set up aikido throws and take downs. Anyway, aikido seems to do a good job in the standing grappling range, which I'm pretty weak in and I would be intersted to hear your opinions. Another option is a judo class in town. Judo seems to have the advantage of more realistic training but doesn't seem as self defense oriented.

I hope I made sense, it's late and I'm tired, good night.

Thanks.

[academian]

aikido is a good style

[HtTKar]

Aikido is a good art, and you dont have to be an expert to use it. Just that there are more effective close range arts (JUDO). Aikido is best used when your drunk, wrestling around with your buddies and you dont want to hurt them. Aikido's a great supplement for any art, and you will definitly learn alot. But if your focus is self-defense, go with Judo. Judo will help make you very strong in the range you described.

[DAT]

I would ask your JKD instructor why he doesn't have anything for you at the grappling or takedown range. You should not have to look elsewhere JKD should address this range where you think Aikido would apply.

On the surface it sounds like you are studying JKD-lite or Psuedo-JKD!

[sojobow]

On the surface it sounds like you are studying JKD-lite or Psuedo-JKD!

JKD-lite or Psuedo-JKD! -err Priceless!

I'd take it up before I'd take up Judo. I would take Jujitsu before Judo also. Plus, you'll learn sword fighting and the long staff. Carefull with the "Gentle Arts" stuff. It ain't gentle. A Koryu so expect to be there a few years too.

[aku aku]

I would ask your JKD instructor why he doesn't have anything for you at the grappling or takedown range. You should not have to look elsewhere JKD should address this range where you think Aikido would apply.

On the surface it sounds like you are studying JKD-lite or Psuedo-JKD!

Actually, they do cover that stuff, mostly in a seperate grappling class, not quite like aikido but some pretty cool stuff. I haven't been going to that class for a while though and I've been curious about aikido because I've heard so much but don't really know much about it.

[SimonM]

I've never met an Aikido BB I couldn't beat.

I will admit I havent met all that many Aikido BB's though.

The martial theory of Aikido is sound but I have some issues with the training techniques I have seen.

My main criticism of Aikido is that they put too much emphasis on ALLOWING the fancy throws to work every time rather than stress testing their work. If an Aikido instructor used a more effectively SD oriented training program it would be a very good grappling art.

[Fu Man]

Although I study Judo, I firm believer in the effectiveness of Akido as a martial art.

Ted

[DAT]

"Actually, they do cover that stuff, mostly in a seperate grappling class, not quite like aikido but some pretty cool stuff."

Most JKD schools do not employ "Aiki" type grappling which depends a lot on wrist techniques. Look for more Silat or BJJ type standup locks along with BJJ ground work.