Thank you all very much. From what you tell me, aikido is more of a state of mind, health and principles which has physical applications (the clothes line technique etc.) I remember when Tyson went to Japan and wondered what he thought about judo, aikido etc. He also played around with champion Sumo Sally Konoshiki. Glad that you pointed out how Tyson would watch the feet/body. Its not so much the fists alone that make boxing effective.
As a form of self-defense, you say that aikido relies on suprise and uses superior balance and positioning to control/restrain your opponent. Cool. Can you imagine the psychological impact of an average sized Joe controlling and redirecting a bigger guy? That would also seem really effective against multiple attackers, by making your opponent a human shield, while controlling him. Against another martial artist, I would have to question its effectiveness. I have never seen aikido vs. boxing or aikido vs. jj.
My only concern is that it would take many years to be effective, whereas other arts can seem effective right away but on the positive side you could practice into your old age. I don't think aikido could be taught as a weekend seminar for women's self-defense, but could be taught to law enforcement/bouncers. It seems like an art that would compliment judo/jiujitsu.
__________________
The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know. Slow is fast; fast is slow.
Love it, leave it or fix it.
|