Mr. Barton...my opinion!
Dear Sir (all),
I have one base belief as to why Aikido has remained less tainted than the other arts you mentioned.
The publics exposure to martial arts via mass media has created a need for more commercialized (soccer mom friendly) "martial arts". Secondly, sports have been used for political gain for centuries. This being said and generally not disputed we come to my opinion.
With out a detailed explanation...Aikido has been the most recent (in my opinion and knowledge) of the arts you listed to gain full media coverage.
Karate (everything from James Bond to Power Rangers)...remember "Karate" is anything with karate chops and fancy kickin....
Taekwon-Do (WTF Olympic push)
Kenpo- Ed Parker's publicity and Jeff Speakman movies (not to mention Elvis)
TAEKWON!
Michael Bateman
Bateman Taekwon-Do Oh Do Kwan
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