Your Opinion on Aikido?

Answer 1

In aikido, as in virtually all Japanese martial arts, there are both physical and mental aspects of training. The physical training in aikido is diverse, covering both general physical fitness and conditioning, as well as specific techniques. Because a substantial portion of any aikido curriculum consists of throws, the first thing most students learn is how to safely fall or roll. The specific techniques for attack include both strikes and grabs; the techniques for defense consist of throws and pins. After basic techniques are learned, students study freestyle defense against multiple opponents, and in certain styles, techniques with weapon

Answer 2

My experience with Aikido, from 3 different schools I participated in, is that it is a complicated martial art. I had a hard time remebering the moves and practicing them with my partner. It was very frustrating. Aikido schools usually don't have a lot of people in them. I don't know if they get too frustrated with it too or not. There is a reason why everybody doesn't join it in masses and stick with it. If you can get past the frustration/complicated techniques then there are some other things to consider. If you are wanting to use Aikido for reliable self-defense you may be looking at a least 3 to 5 years to be able to use it on a basic level. Aikido takes a long time to get ingrained in you and be able to use without thinking. I would guess, 3 years minimum, 5 years average, and 8 years max to be able to use it decently for self defense. So, take that into consideration before you take it. Once you get an advanced amount of years and become black belt, then, Aikido can be decent for self defense. They do learn a lot of good techniques once the basic and intermediate phases are mastered. If you observe an Aikido black belt in person or even watch them on the internet you should be impressed by their potential power and obvious skill. So, if you can be patient, Aikido may have some decent self defense ability in several years. The other benefits of it vary: spirtiual, exercise, protection from slips/falls, a fun hobby, etc. So, there is more to it than just the pursuit of self defense. I didn't stay with it long enough to get any of these extra benefits but, they are there. I'm not saying don't take it it's awful. I am saying here's what you may encounter if you choose to do it. It is worth a try and if you don't like it, big deal, quit it and move on. If you love it, great, you found something wonderful to do. But, really for self defense, I would definetly caution a 20 y/o woman from taking it. You just won't get the preparation you are seeking in a mere few years. Even on the higher levels Aikido may not be the best martial art to study for self defense for you.

Answer 3

Definitely a lot better on the body than the striking arts and good for the soul too. I took up Aikido in college way back, a few months after I broke my right hand after throwing a punch in a fit of rage, as an alternative art to use in case my fist became useless(after 20 years my hand still hasn't healed right and swells up after about a dozen power shots to any hard surface). Aikido training has improved my balance and stamina and has made me more cool headed and less likely to jump feet first into any trouble.

Answer 4

If you're going to want to practice a martial art, it's Aikido. Although it looks easy, it's not. Aikido trains you on your body and mind.That's how you get something called ki, eternal energy, by combining mind and body. Ki advances infinitely more than physical energy. It also uses the opponent's strength against them. Aikido is also good in real combat. This art uses techniques to make the opponent(s) lose balance and use their strength/momentum against them. To learn more, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aikido
Aikido helps you in many other ways. This art follows the way of misogi, which helps with health and other conditions.

Answer 5

I think it is a wonderful Art.depending on what syle you take. It is very effective against a single attacker,multiple attackers, up to 10 attackers at once.the techniques consist of joint locks,flips/throws,chokes,pins, grappling,weapons are knife,jo-staff, and the katana sword. I have trained in alot of styles of Aikido I myself have taken Tomiki Aikido and Shinbu Aikido, those two styles are really effective in a real life situations.

Answer 6

If you really want to study aikido, go for it. Choosing a martial art is very personal, it's your choice.
Aikido can be very effective, although it is said to take a while for someone to be 'devastating' 'using' it. Have a look at the following sites for further inspiration, and read Robert Twiggers' book, 'Angry white pyjamas' for further insight:
Good luck.

Answer 7

I think Aikido is an excellent system, though less complete than Japanese Jujitsu, it has more than enough to keep you busy for years to come. What Aikido-ka practice more than any other martial art, and therefore their bread and butter, is redirecting energy. In this way, it's a beautiful art to see performed well.

Answer 8

I am a BB in Aikido (this is a true statement, for those who have read other messages by me) I know Aikido is real and effective. It does have problems both real and those people think it has. If twicked it can be a very deadly and effective combat system.

Answer 9

Aikido was the art that I originally wanted to study above all others. I registered at an Aikikai and began my training. And I found it totally esoteric. I'd paid with the understanding that I would learn self defense techniques, advancing upon mastering those and slowly building on what I'd learned. And yes, I did do that... but class always started with ritual sweeping and cleaning of the dojo (even if the previous class had just finished cleaning), it ended with ritual cleaning of the dojo and dusting O-Sensei's shrine, and the entire class was conducted in Japanese. Plus the art, while effective, struck me as too dance-y. I switched to Hapkido and was much, much happier.

I've since visited three other Aikikai in different states and have seen the exact same way of training. And at the community center where we run some of our classes, Aikido uses the studio after us and yes, they too also start with ritual cleaning, conduct their classes in Japanese, and wrap up with ritual cleaning.

I know it's a sign of respect for the art, but I can clean at home. So, very esoteric, but if that's what you're looking for, more power to you. I personally suggest you look into Hapkido, the Korean art that is similar but far more practical.

Answer 10

Aikido is a great mental and physical exercise alternative. However, if you need to learn how to fight in a short time then chose something else. If you want to have real skills in a short time then chose something like boxing, Thai Boxing, MMA, BJJ or even judo.

In my experience it has always been easier to teach an athlete combatives than to teach a "martial artist" to have the attributes of an athlete.