Matial art types ?

[Burt]

Hi.

I have some questions I hope someone can help me with.

First what's the difference between Aikido and Jiu-Jitsu ? They both seem to be mainly self-defence systems using the energy of the attacker, is this true?

Which style (do you think) offers the best self-defence system ? The question isn't about one style vs. another, I'm only thinking about self-defence.

Hope you can help. Thanks.

[Hookah Smokin Caterpillar]

I don't know anything about Aikido but I know its not supposed to be anything like BJJ. I do BJJ and it personally the MA I like and believe in the most

[Oldskulbus]

Originally posted by Hookah Smokin Caterpillar
I don't know anything about Aikido but I know its not supposed to be anything like BJJ. I do BJJ and it personally the MA I like and believe in the most

Hookah you missed the point of the question. "First what's the difference between Aikido and Jiu-Jitsu ?" Not "What’s the difference between Aikido and BJJ?"
To answer the question: Most historians say that Ju-jitsu was developed back in the day of the samurai it was basically a system of join manipulations and strikes that the samurai could use if he was caught without a sword or he had to give himself space and time to draw his sword. Ju-jitsu continued to develop from that time to become what it is today: a very complete system that incorporates joint locks, throws, strikes, and ground work.
Aikido is a modern child of Ju-jitsu. It is very defensive and takes out all strikes and ground stuff that Ju-jitsu has. Most aikido practitioners don’t train against a unwilling opponent also (which gives them a false sense of security).
Judo also has its roots in Ju-jitsu. It is a highly competitive style that stresses throws and joint locks (but you won’t learn any strikes). Judoka have very rough training and practice against unwilling opponents all the time so they are well prepared for most conflicts.
BJJ is another off spring of Ju-jitsu. The style is all about joint locks, take downs, and ground work. Similar in training methods to Judo, the average BJJ practitioner spends countless hours trying his techniques against opponents that aren’t docile.
If you are deciding between Aikido and Ju-jitsu I would highly recommend Ju-jitsu. It is the style that started a lot of other styles and has almost everything you could want in a self-defense system. If you want to specialize in an aspect of Ju-jitsu I would recommend Judo or BJJ. I say this because the training and state of mind is superior to Aikido

[Szczepankiewicz]

Self Defense?

That was a good answer OSB. Not to be sucking up, but that was very objective.

My response is general:

Some other pointers concerning self defense: Pick a school that does full contact sparring. Judo is a good workout sport and toughens you up, but it is a sport.

The difference being, Judo is a contest, two people working to defeat each other in a similar manner. It's great for training, fitness, and learning how to fall and throw. No striking is involved, and you are trained to compete in the sport, not for every day life.

Self defence is a totally different ballgame. At that point you are looking to follow a different mindset. You go from Communication, to Transportation, to Striking to Grappling and back out again.

From what I have seen, read, heard, and experienced, Judo, Brazillian Jiu Jitsu, and standard martial arts (even other forms of Ju Jutsu) have almost nothing to do with Communication, and very little to do with Transportation. They are limited in striking techniques, and they excel in grapping techniques.

Correct me if I'm wrong, but from what I have seen of BJJ, there are only very basic striking techniques used. Most of these are punches using the knuckles as boxers do. The grappling techniques have evolved from Judo and early Ju Jutsu techniques, and have been refined and are extremely effective, especially on the ground. But all the articles and videos I have seen are about what to do in the ring, not what to do in the street.

And don't get me wrong, I am not bashing BJJ at all. Those guys are wicked at what they do. I don't have the opportunity to train with any of them so I don't have ANY first hand experience. And most of the BJJ folks on this board cross train like crazy so they are more prepared than someone who is strictly in one style alone.

I think most Mousel's people are BJJ, JKD and MT. That looks to be a good combination for standing toe to toe with anyone in any situation. However, standing toe to toe is NOT self defense, at least not in my ever so humble opinion.



These are just some ideas to think about when you are out and about looking for a place to start.

If anyone can correct my mis-statements in this, please feel free to do so.... the more I learn the happier I am...

Regards,

SZ