Anyone else find Aikido to be very confusing? I just started an feel like a dunce.?

Question

I am feel very clumsy and confused as to which way or what I am supposed to throw or be thrown. I have studied martial arts for a good portion of my life, and had great success in Shotokan and Judo. I have heard that Aikido is the most difficult to learn, should I stick it out or return to Judo? thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Forget what you know and start from scratch. The diciplines you already know are in conflict with what you are trying to learn.

Answer 2

It is not surprising. The founder of Aikido lumped together the dangerous and not-dangerous techniques in an indistinguishable manner (so said Saito, Morihiro). Also, the kihon forms have been modified to the point of ineffectiveness by means of newtonian physics when placed in a dynamic environment. He did this to force the issue of KI development. So, if an Aikido technique is "working" in a dynamic environment then it is being done so by the higher principles Osensei valued, not by the physics of the technique. If you look at the kihon kata, it is very clearly bad jujutsu form. This forces the practitioner to pass by the two great Niozo in order to enter the dojo (Agyo & Ungyo). Among many principles attributed to these two (in/yo, guardian dieties, etc...) are paradox & confusion. So, to enter the sacred space (ame no ukihashi (the floating rainbow bridge of Heaven)) one must first pass by paradox & confusion. So, faith does become important in manifesting true aiki. Osensei wrote it takes 10 years to get to the first rung of the ladder, and this is a very good estimate. Shotokan & Judo can rely on newtonian physics to operate, Aikido can not. If it could, then it would not be aiki...just a bad form of jujutsu. Finally, there is no guarantee that you will "get it" either. There are those who plateau, and plateau, and plateau never attaining the state of kaizen (continous improvement). So, if you don't have some faith this is a sketchy proposition. However, the more important aspects of Aikido can be attained, and those have to do with maturation, transformation, and spirituality as a human being. I only anwered this question in this way, as your question seems to regard technical issues and relevant martial prowess.

Answer 3

"Pink, It is unlikely that you can stop your feelings, so I'd say get some guidance on this in order to see your way clear on this situation. I can tell you starting a family is hard, and harder if you aren't secure financially. Go with your feelings as you are in agreement with with your Fiance. What is the rush, anyway? You have plenty of time for kids. It is better to wait awhile, I think anyway. Enjoy your alone time and travel and go places. Most of all, goods and things are getting more expensive. Make a "nest egg" and get many plans in order....... enjoy being a couple for a time. I wish I had done these things when I got married the first time. I got married right away, had my first child right away, and life went too fast! IF I could do it over, well for me I would have dated more instead of "settling" cuz we didn't stay together. But that was just us. I didn't take my time, is what I am trying to say! We can't get the years back, so plan carefully and wisely now and take everything slowly, especially when starting a family. That. alone is VERY demanding! Best wishes to you both!

Answer 4

Your training in hard styles like shotokan and in Judo where strength and weight plays a factor is what's causing the confusion. You're like a weightlifter learning how to dance Ballet. You're used to tensing up and not used to being relaxed while in motion, a lot of the techniques in Aikido requires the practitioner to be relaxed and to use fluid movements and proper breathing to effectively apply them. Just stick around for a while, it usually requires at least six months for a student to get used to the new pace. Plus you need to really be motivated to learn the art, which means you must have the right reasons for learning it in the first place, Aikido is a non aggressive art so don't expect to clobber all your opponents in the gym anytime soon(you'd be disappointed). Otherwise, you're better off going back to Judo.

Answer 5

Aikido does tend to confuse people, most come from mindsets that go against alot of Aikido ideas. The concepts and application of Aikido is very valid. I have been in Aikido for many years now. It is the only "traditional" art that I have found that I can identify with. I have trained in Escrima/Kali, BJJ and MMA along with Aikido. Depending on the style the application can be very forthcoming. Some styles are very "fluffy" others can be very "street like" I've trained in both types and enjoy them both. I, like all other things, mix and gather in an eclectic form. Aikido, for me, is very practical and street worthy as a real life combat form of martial art.

Answer 6

I take the ki-aikido branch. I haven't found it particularly confusing. This branch of aikido focuses mainly on the development and use of Ki (qi,...). The throws are actually much easier when you keep one point and extend forward. However, they continuously train you in easy-to-understand ways. I don't know how your branch of aikido trains for throws. If you are finding it too difficult, it may help to switch to another branch of aikido (maybe mine).

The stuff you DO learn after a while is amazing, I've met ki-aikido practitioners who can throw me without touching me. They can also do other crazy stuff. You start to learn this stuff after about 3-4 months in ki-aikido.

Answer 7

Just take your time!! Aikido is not very hard to learn, but your problem is that, you are used to the LINEAR movements of Shotokan. Systems like Aikido and the more aggressive and deceptive system of Ba-Gua use CIRCULAR movements, steps and strikes! You will be taught to attack and defend when you have maneuvered yourself and or your opponent to a position where their balance and power are useless to them. You usually attack them for the side or rear, more so than head on. That is where the foot work and circular movements come in to play, that is how those systems can be so functional with multiple opponents. Just RELAX!!! remember circle,circle,circle! WATCH your instructors feet and how he steps. You will also find that you will use MUCH less energy in fighting application than your other styles. If you stick it out I think you will be VERY shocked at how effective the (soft) systems are! They do take longer to learn than your other styles but they will be worth it, you will see! Good Luck and RELAX ps If you still have a problem, think about your Judo movements they are also circular.

Answer 8

Aikido has a giant learning curve compared to karate , tae kwon do, or other arts. It does not mean that it is inferior, or that you are not smart or untalented. It takes a long time to settle into, primarily because ukemi (the art of falling) is so important for learning the art and saving your ***. You will obtain as much frustration as black and blue marks, but consider it "paying your dues". One day, you will discover that class is natural to you, that you are no longer the "dumb" kid in class, and that you find things about it you really enjoy. It took me about six months to truly settle in. Some times, it's just a matter of finding the right training partner or a set of moves you are really good at. Stick it out. You'll be okay.

Answer 9

with no set punches or kicks Aikido is one of the harder martial arts to learn....with your background in Shotokan and Judo I'll bet it's a bit of a challenge...I think though you have an excellent background already, and that the Aikido may fill in the blanks as far as your techniques are concerned ...so stay with it a little while longer it may really do you some good in the long run...

Answer 10

there are only a few good strong judo schools left and it would be very hard to find them, believe it or not there are Aikido schools which still train with realistic kumite! however most dont, and its no suprize you are confused since you probably dont get to test the stuff out

Aikido is mostly spiritual and has very little martial left in it, judo is still a strong martial art and has a spiritual side to it, i would recomed sticking with judo

Answer 11

no harm in continuing your aikido. it's just that maybe you still need more time to adjust and get yourself being used to the different style of teaching from karate and judo to aikido.