I came here because some martial-arts friends on facebook were mocking the video. In my opinion this is one of the best videos I've ever seen on the topic of martial arts, and it clarifies the meaning of decades of Aikido and Daito-ryu practise for me. Thank-you.
I hope all the people who think aikido is useless will watch this. I've been trying to explain to others that aikido is not a set of techniques but rather concepts and philosophy that are like advanced training once you have a good foundation in martial arts. This video explains everything perfectly. Every aikido student should watch this.
I think you can get the idea from the yielding, non-violent nature of Aikido to start out with, but the explanation of the goals of different martial arts was unique and cool. That is: The boxer tries to knock you out, the Judo man tries to pin you, the Aikido man tries to have a conversation. Brilliant. I tend to be like the person below, I don't like violence, and harmony is usually the best answer. IMO we need to get away from the tough guy, always wants to prove who's toughest mentality. It's a pretty poor method of problem solving. Thank you, arigato.
Aikido is an art that everyone comments on, but never takes classes. They just know more, then you a 10yr student knows. Success is never having to get physical.
Aikido is kaleidoscopic and we see that here, where every action by the attacker presents new options for the defender. I like your idea about asking a boxing coach for solutions to a headlock. So many people get lost in comparing martial arts against each other, but they each deal with different problems and scenarios or rules, and they all have weaknesses. This focus on peaceful resolution and not hurting the opponent but instead making him regret his choices is key.
I don't practice aikido, but I've practiced with Aikidoka and one thing is that they are very aware of connection and balance. One of them is able to off balance me so well that if he can make contact before I start my technique I'll never be able to complete it. This to me is the answer to "It's outside the Aikido curriculum." Aikido addresses it by not letting it happen by interrupting the opponents balance before they move to a more advantageous position. Also I've heard that Aikido is 90% Atemi. So when my partners got in trouble with me they would do a quick hit or kick which was 1 to hurt me and 2 to reposition my balance so they were once again in control and a step ahead.
I think aikido might be my type of self defense. Especially since I abhor violence. I carry a firearm, but I really don't want to have to kill someone. I don't want that on my conscience or my heart. Thank you for explaining this to me. I don't much care for fighting sports. But deflecting and distancing myself from violence sounds wonderful.
Ive been practicing bjj for two years now, and I've watched other channels either dissing or comparing aikidos effectiveness in a cage environment. I found your video truly insightful sir👏, I've shared your channel with friends, some of which have been doing aikido for years
Made sense. Half way thru I realized you were describing something I did purely from "how do I survive" instinct one time on a train. Three guys started bullying some asian children. I let the verbal go but when one actually slapped a child I stood up, didn't think about it, simply asked them to stop and move on. (Conversation.) I surely did not want a fight. The three then tried to take to me. A train has certain advantages for one against three - narrow space down the middle of the train made it impossible for them to surround me. Its a blur but I remember trading a few head shots with one, then backing up, putting myself in a corner with railings I could grip and using my feet (Big feet.) to simply keep them away from me. It worked, the train pulled into a station and they all got off. Plenty of other guys on that train, they all just watched. Without any training or desire to fight I did what you were describing - tried to have a conversation, tried to keep distance, tried to make time for something to change, never tried to attack, just stay safe and hoped it de-escalated. Shook me up big time. It appears my personal instincts are congruent with Aikido - something to think about. Thanks for that frankly refreshing insight into one martial art in a world overflowing with martial arts that sell themselves as ways to dominate others.
I trained Baguazhang for almost 14 years. Prior to that Aikido. You have captured the essence that is necessary. I've never heard this from an Aikido instructor.
Thank goodness, someone is explaining it clearly. In my school, I'm the only one to explain this to my classmates (I proved to them Aikido works in fight/self-defense).
I practiced Aikido for 2,5 year and do not know if Morihei Ueshiba would agree with the explanation. But for me this is the best explanation what Aikido is I ever heard. Congratulations! You really understand Aikido at a very deep level
This is why I started studying Aikido. It is really about not being there when the attack comes. Which is why we enter into his attack at a angle that he is off balance and I am balanced.
That's really funny...I've never trained Aikido, but I've trained weapons (HEMA). And since then, I've understood the goal of Aikido pretty much exactly as you explain it. Why? Because we noticed during sparring that a lot of Aikido-like (i.e. probably not exact) techniques started occurring. We didn't try to use them, they just occurred by themselves, because those were logical moves for someone in this situation who has at least a modicum of grappling experience (HEMA sparring generally allows grabs, though I guess it might be different in other schools). Anyway, since then, I've been persuaded that Aikido started out as a complement to weapons training. (That thought was confirmed once I read a bit about the history of your style - the Founder was a really good master of the sword and the spear). Once you know how to keep yourself alive with a weapon, you need to make sure the weapon cannot be simply removed by a grab...or, sometimes, you might want to try using a grabbing move against an armed adversary. Because if you can take his weapon while retaining yours...well, people generally start trying to hold a conversation with you! (In European systems, his expected first sentence is to offer a ransom if kept alive). Also, having the conversation is simply the logical thing to do when weapons are involved. In fact, any serious self-defense teacher would explain to the students that deescalation is always better than applying physical skills. That's double more true when weapons are involved. And wow, the actual moves make so much sense when you look at them as weapons-based moves! I mean, one of the criticisms is that people wouldn't charge in and grab your hands, like in Aikido demonstrations. But have a weapon in said hands, and even people with a lot of grappling experience try to charge in and grab your armed hand before you can use the weapon in it! ...I think I had even explained this on Quora. Or at least I tried to, I doubt anyone paid much attention. I guess that was just a long-winded way to say "kudos from Bulgaria, you got a new subscriber".
I came here because I was a fan of your podcast but I stayed because I became a fan of your videos. This is perfect to explain to new students, new officers, or friends who don’t understand what we do. Thank you for sharing!!!
Aikido training helps people to become psychologically stronger and flexible. I have trained for 5 years and I use the principles in my corporate conflicts, it fits well. Also in crowded buses to avoid collision .. in football ground .. it just worked for me everywhere including a physical conflict situation. But one thing I realised, that Aikido is an inner art, a life style and a motor neurone activity, main goal is to save yourself from harm .. and at the end harmony wins, not me. That’s why it is stupid to fit Aiki in MMA.
I have been involved in aikido for a long time but overtime been doing more of a combatives JKD mixed martial art approach now for quite a while but this has really brought me back to aikido. Thank you 😊
I think everyone watching this would slightly understand what you're explaining differently. But for me this was a great explanation of your view of Aikido and one that in my circles hasn't been explored much. I really do want to promote Aikido as a Traditional Martial Art, not a Modern Self-defence. And I think this video does help explain it this way.
I started watching this thinking it would be rubbish, but actually it's very good. I trained for over 20 years, in various schools (and taught). It's always how the guys that look weedy and beardy are often the ones that are tough as nails. Thanks for this.
Wow, What a beautiful explanation and one that the youtuber Martial arts Journey needs to hear as well as anyone else who disrespect Aikido. including all those mma and bjj types.
Been practicing Kobayashi-Ryu Aikido for a year now. This video has thrown light on some of the basic questions an aikidoka can have. By far the BEST explanation of what aikido is on the whole of TH-cam. Lots of love from India
“In Aikido we never attack. An attack is proof that one is out of control. Never run away from any kind of challenge, but do not try to suppress or control an opponent unnaturally. Let attackers come any way they like and then blend with them. Never chase after opponents. Redirect each attack and get firmly behind it.” ― Morihei Ueshiba
I am sick and tired of the aikido v ufc arguments. Aikido ain't fighting,it's stopping fights. I was doorman for 13 yrs,,then I went into corrections,,now prison here in Ireland has no batons,no pepper spray,no vests even ffs lol it's all based on control and restraint etc. I have used aikido over my lifetime on doors and indeed in prisons as my go too. Aikido is "surge" breaker I feel,it interrupts violence etc not aid it. Prisons are full of dangerous and some UFC fighters and when they kick off control and restraint individuals step in just like aikido etc to Stop it. Aikido ain't fighting guys,,stop throwing it in octagon. It's the universal referree.
I have to agree with most of the comments, I almost dismissed this post but wanted to see if there was anything to glean from 20 minutes of my time. I'm glad I viewed the post. It is a concise account of aikido philosophy. As a 50 year student) of jujitsu many of our moves are similar, a difference is that we punish the assailant more severely. Thank you for a very good presentation.
Aikido does make perfect sense as a practical Martial Art when Traditional Japanese Weapons are involved. It's harder to see the practicality of the self defense or combat applications with empty handed demonstration alone compared to some other arts. The empty handed version is still sublime in my humble opinion. Your exposition of Aikido's objective along with your explanations of the techniques are thorough, very clear and truly efficient. Your mechanics are crisp and graceful. You covered in twenty minutes, what it took me a year in class to fully digest as a beginner. This was a First Rate Demonstration....no flattery. I hope to see more. Great video.
Excellent initial explanation forbeginners as to stages 1 and 2! l. keeping the distance 2. stepping out of the line -when facing a faster opponent 3. when grabbed or taken by surprise, choosing a weapon is not something a beginner can handle. Instead, stepping aside plus a rapid 180-degree turn such as tenka ashi-, or an ura/irimi tenkan could help more!!! After all as you put it. Aikido is the art of motion! With my more than three decades of Karate, training behind, use and handling weapons could be left to higher levels of students. Best regards, and many success. Paul, 67, retired instructor of martial arts.
Thank you for the video Sensei. I've practiced aikido religiously and had a break for some years. I like this video, but being honest i've also always enjoyed the fact that aikido kind of deters the people who usually comment or hates on it. I get that people want "effectiveness", but the fact of the matter is almost no aikidoka has that as a goal in my opinion. If they like it they stay training because it is infinitely deep and extremely technical, not to mention a lot of fun. To me It's really something else, an "art" in the truest sense of the word. I like the fact that O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba was an enlisted soldier in the Russo-Japanses war, the thought that he had enough of war and wanted to preserve the "martial spirit" in a peaceful way, is really a beautiful notion to me. It kept me fit, it made me mentally stronger and not to mention peaceful and it also gave me the ability to fall in the most graceful way imaginable. I really don't want anything else from it. It is also a way to meet so many pleasant and interesting people. To me it is the most magical thing i've ever experienced. Take from this what you want, but that is all i have to say. Sorry i got a little long-winded, but it felt good to write this.
Aikido needs more of this! A lot more... still, I think the work against knives was a bit over simplified... knives allow for quickness and mobility... I would like to see more live drills on the principles shown on this video, which do make sense in theory. As a lot of other comments brought up here, best explanation on Aikido I ever saw. Practiced for about 17 years and never heard anything like that... gave up on it due to practicality and a bunch of other toxic stuff common to it's own culture, but been flirting with the idea of dealing with it again, specially after those videos.
I started with Aikido & then went to Judo. I've also taken some Arnis. I've found it best to try various martial arts to find what's best for you. Always great to take what you've learned from one art to another.
This is by far one of the most thought-provoking satisfying answers to this question I have ever heard bravo! It was a pleasure listening to you sir. For me, being able to explain the art in such a provocative way is the sign of a true master of the art
Thank you for the video. I am a aikidoka in Taiwan. The ideas you mentioned in this video is quite same with what i have learned. My sensai once said that the core idea about akikido is the body position between you and the attacker and your footwork. While facing a fighting situation, there might be no time for fancy techniques, but it is useful to keep your distance or when you can't, use ikkyo to block and throw a punch in their face. "Aren't punches aikido?" as you mentioned, the idea of aikido is more like a system, actually, there are "atemis" in aikido, which means punching or albow attacks when you find a chance and a door that your opponent opened in their defence. Of course, once might said that aikidoka's punches are more useless and untrained compared with a boxer's punch, but in my opinion, no martial arts are perfect, and why can't we also go to classes of boxing and learn from them politely? It is not that kind of stuff that you choose a side and can't cooperate with people learning other techniques. Lastly, o-sensai was once served in the Japanese military during the WW2 teaching soldiers about bayonets. He had a great experience with military cultures, and I simply don't think the original aikido was mostly considered as useless for the public(which was what I saw on the internet, sad but true). There must be something wrong and I am still finding answers. By the way, there is a saying about aiki-jo in Japan says that the techniques came from o-sensais experience of rifle bayonets.
Thank you! I've taken Aikido for about ten years (newbie) and your explanations of why we do things in Aikido is excellent! I see practice in a different perspective.
This is my second viewing of this video, the first had me totally mesmerized. This is not only the best Aikido video I have ever seen, it is the best Martial Arts video I've ever seen. I'm not an aikido guy (over 15 years in TKD/Hapkido) but I think I'm about to become one.
Thanks for the video. My core focus is Parkour and Gymnastics and I've been struggling lately to figure out where Aikido fits into this. Your explanation helps, thanks.
Brilliant. I have seen a lot on aikido and different explanations. Aiki-jutsu and the distinction between that and aikido also helps to explain the mindset of the arts. Great video and a great instructor!
For years I have been telling people that all that Aikido wrist grabbing is because the Aikido practitioner is holding a weapon. Thanks for confirming it.
Over 40 years of practice and teaching and I still find that very few really understand Aikido or any other Martial Art. My Sensei, Kawahara Sensei, Shihan, ( passed away on June 2, 2011), former Technical Director of the Canadian Aikido Federation and Member of the North America Technical Committee, often pointed out that when you are grabbed in practice you are practicing exercise for technique, not a technique. Atemi or striking is 90 or more percent of Aikido but many of those who practice do not know this, he would say just hit and if the person was downed no need for technique. That atemi, was critical in helping to break the balance of your partner, that balance must be broken for technique to work. For the beginner it is not just open handed exercise but weapons practice that must be learned from the beginning, sword, knife, staff, spear. It is the practice of Aikido as a true Martial Art that one learns how to deal with violence naturally, calmly. No competition because competition has rules and there are no rules in a true Martial Art. Competition means combat sword against sword, blindness, blood, death. Aikido teaches the ugly truth about violence that it is to be avoided. If you have to use any martial art in self defence then it is combat, you can be pushed fall and hit your head on a curb and die, nothing special that happens all the time. What is combat, you practice in the dojo as if you are on the battlefield, the feeling you have on the battlefield is like practicing in the dojo, and both are the same as having your morning coffee, nothing special. This is the real secret of any true martial art, practicing and studying will lead you to discover that one or more people attacking you is nothing special no different than your morning coffee. Not easy, but fun, and it is a lifetime of study and practice. Kawahara Sensei said that if a Black Belt stops practicing then they are no longer a black belt. All true Martial Arts are just different starting point on the same journey. One is not better than another. But they all have somethings in common, there is no competition, there are no rules, we do not fight fairly if we have to fight, we wear no protective equipment. Talked to long and rambled some, late night. One thing to remember is that any Sensei can only teach you a very small amount about 10%. Practice everyday, study and you will discover the other 90%. Kawahara Sensei would say, " Practice properly, do not injure one another and have fun.
This is the typical defence for non functional martial arts. "Oh its so dangerous so you cant practice sparring in a reasonable way". Well you know what. If Aikido is so realistic that you cant pressure test it, then it doesnt matter if you have "no rules" because you also have "no real experience". Its like saying its better to practice swimming in your kitchen cause the ocean is much more dangerous than a pool. Doing something simple as Judo where you at least learn to break a grip or throw someone that is not your compliant partner will prepara you better. Boxing as well. If im wrong, please show me aikido where pressure testing and reaction testing excercises are used cause id love to see it.
If 90% of Aikido is punching, then Aikido should teach people how to punch, lol. I remember trying Aikido for a couple months after doing some boxing. I remember they were trying to demonstrate techniques, and when I did a punch, they told me i was doing it wrong. Instead of retracting it and staying balanced, they told me to throw myself into my punch, lol. I tried it for a couple months, but if the whole entire art form falls apart when someone has a modicum of knowledge of how to fight, then it doesn’t seem like a great system. I can think of martial arts that are better at the not fighting thing too, like the French martial art called Parkour, aka the art of running away. If someone wants to dedicate their life to something that is functionally useless, then that is their choice. I like Fencing and Kendo, but I don’t imagine many situations where I would be defending myself with a sword, lol. I do these things because they are fun and I enjoy them, and there is nothing wrong with that. Aikidokas are just so absurdly full of themselves though with zero actual experience on how to fight. It’s unearned bravado that can potentially get them really hurt someday.
Loving this explanation. After studying various arts Aiki-Do is like the icing on the cake. Aikido is a great art once you understand its concepts to cross train in👑💯🔥😎👑👍🏼
Video Thumbnail clicked accidentally! Subscribe button clicked intentionally! ...it's like the cosmos is in conversation with itself...Throwing down some energetic harmony in intercourse with some good vibrations...Aikkeeedoooohhhh!
I think Fresno is very lucky to have a teacher of your caliber. I am a long term practitioner and in my twenties and thirties had to use Aikido in many situations, several times against groups of attackers and I agree with your approach especially against groups. When in conflict with a group my fear was being stabbed so distance control and settlement into negotiation was always how I survived. I will check out the rest of your vids.
I lost every fight I been in my entire life. Strangely, I've never been knocked out in a fight. It's funny how I'm naturally peaceful and I'm a Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Master Healer. To me, Aikido in a way is like the perfect martial art for me to master. Thank you so much, sir, for making this amazing video! God bless you!
Loved this explanation! Just found your channel and I'm excited to dive into more of your content. Also excited to find another bald, red-bearded martial artist on youtube making great videos! Solidarity!
If you have only been exposed to the kinetic or rationalized aspects of Aikido then this is a good enough explanation. My understanding of Aikido is different since I studied the Koichi Tohei school
The Art of Moving. Why I train constantly in what I call the Octagon. 8 directional movement. Which when working right or left equals 16 directional movement. And is really exponential movement. The Multiple of 8s.
Thank you for the explanation. I don't see too much that is unique to aikido, but maybe I just don't know what to look for. The philosophy / objective of having a conversation (or as we call it, de-escalation or sometimes negotiating) is a good goal to have, but it seems to me that this could be used no matter what your specialty is. I would say that the object of wrestling isn't to pin someone necessarily, but to control them. Likewise boxing is more about the best way to punch rather than to knock someone out. Add a system like muay thai or something for elbows, knees, etc, and various weapons in various styles. Defense figures prominently into everything, too; how to not be hit or lessen the effect of a strike or grab or placed in a disadvantageous position etc. Awareness of space is fundamental to every martial art I can think of. Training lets you use what you have. Also, if there are more people or weapons involved, I don't care who you are or how good, you'll probably get hurt. Just the way it is. Anyway, nice to see a semi-grounded approach rather than people just dancing around like you see in some other videos & movies. I mean, I can appreciate choreography, but a lot of "martial arts" you see seem to be long on that and short on stuff that would actually be useful.
I agree nothing you are seeing in Aikido is unique. However if you do study Aikido, it's good to know what it is you are practicing and be able to explain that to others.
Excellent explanation! That said, why would anybody think that they want to be in a fight? The only people that claim that they want to fight or fight back, never have been in a real fight. Besides, in real life it is more useful to train your mindset as much as your physique. And then again: if you are polite, open-minded and assertive, chance is you will never be in a fight or need to fight. But keeping your mindset trained and body flexible is very useful. Because it is way more likely that you will trip and fall at a given time in life, learning how to fall (Ukemi) will be precious, especially when you get older. When I was young I was skeptical about Aikido, having already studied various other martial arts. But I kept practicing Aikido anyway, and now, in my 40s, the things I learned from Aikido are the most useful ones. I work as a dispatcher/planner at a transport company. It is stressful, but through Aikido I learned to keep my head cool and keep overseeing situations. I am flexible, fit and still in good health. There is no downside in beeing in any given situation + keeping your head cool and beeing physically fit.
Ground techniques are very important in aikido, aikikai usually doesn't address this. In the US everyone wants to go the mma thing that they see on TV and try the ground and pound thing so I say that ground techniques are very important from this perspective. I understand your teachings as I train aikijitsu and can speak on the ground positions from experience. Thanks for your explanations tho,very informative.
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This explanation is brilliant, thank you! Perhaps all these 14 yo internet trolls should watch this b4 saying Aikido is useless.
All martial artists of other disciplines should see this. Proper contextualization makes aikido much more understandable. Great job.
This explanation blew my mind. I have never heard of Aikido explained this way.
Glad you enjoyed it!
THANK GOD this channel exists. Aikido, when properly learned and applied, is a phenomenal martial art for effective use “on the street”.
Absolutely brilliant. This is the best explanation I have heard or seen before on Aikido.
Ngl, this is really inspiring me to take Aikido classes
I came here because some martial-arts friends on facebook were mocking the video.
In my opinion this is one of the best videos I've ever seen on the topic of martial arts, and it clarifies the meaning of decades of Aikido and Daito-ryu practise for me. Thank-you.
I am delighted to hear that. Glad the video was useful to you.
I can tell from this video that you are an excellent instructor. You are explaining some very fundamental and important principles here
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!
I hope all the people who think aikido is useless will watch this. I've been trying to explain to others that aikido is not a set of techniques but rather concepts and philosophy that are like advanced training once you have a good foundation in martial arts. This video explains everything perfectly. Every aikido student should watch this.
I think you can get the idea from the yielding, non-violent nature of Aikido to start out with, but the explanation of the goals of different martial arts was unique and cool. That is: The boxer tries to knock you out, the Judo man tries to pin you, the Aikido man tries to have a conversation. Brilliant. I tend to be like the person below, I don't like violence, and harmony is usually the best answer. IMO we need to get away from the tough guy, always wants to prove who's toughest mentality. It's a pretty poor method of problem solving. Thank you, arigato.
Aikido is an art that everyone comments on, but never takes classes. They just know more, then you a 10yr student knows.
Success is never having to get physical.
Aikido is kaleidoscopic and we see that here, where every action by the attacker presents new options for the defender. I like your idea about asking a boxing coach for solutions to a headlock. So many people get lost in comparing martial arts against each other, but they each deal with different problems and scenarios or rules, and they all have weaknesses. This focus on peaceful resolution and not hurting the opponent but instead making him regret his choices is key.
I don't practice aikido, but I've practiced with Aikidoka and one thing is that they are very aware of connection and balance. One of them is able to off balance me so well that if he can make contact before I start my technique I'll never be able to complete it. This to me is the answer to "It's outside the Aikido curriculum." Aikido addresses it by not letting it happen by interrupting the opponents balance before they move to a more advantageous position. Also I've heard that Aikido is 90% Atemi. So when my partners got in trouble with me they would do a quick hit or kick which was 1 to hurt me and 2 to reposition my balance so they were once again in control and a step ahead.
I think aikido might be my type of self defense. Especially since I abhor violence. I carry a firearm, but I really don't want to have to kill someone. I don't want that on my conscience or my heart. Thank you for explaining this to me. I don't much care for fighting sports. But deflecting and distancing myself from violence sounds wonderful.
Call for peace, but carry a big stick
Ive been practicing bjj for two years now, and I've watched other channels either dissing or comparing aikidos effectiveness in a cage environment. I found your video truly insightful sir👏, I've shared your channel with friends, some of which have been doing aikido for years
Thanks!
The Cage is not the Dojo, They had different goals.
Made sense. Half way thru I realized you were describing something I did purely from "how do I survive" instinct one time on a train. Three guys started bullying some asian children. I let the verbal go but when one actually slapped a child I stood up, didn't think about it, simply asked them to stop and move on. (Conversation.) I surely did not want a fight. The three then tried to take to me. A train has certain advantages for one against three - narrow space down the middle of the train made it impossible for them to surround me. Its a blur but I remember trading a few head shots with one, then backing up, putting myself in a corner with railings I could grip and using my feet (Big feet.) to simply keep them away from me. It worked, the train pulled into a station and they all got off. Plenty of other guys on that train, they all just watched. Without any training or desire to fight I did what you were describing - tried to have a conversation, tried to keep distance, tried to make time for something to change, never tried to attack, just stay safe and hoped it de-escalated. Shook me up big time. It appears my personal instincts are congruent with Aikido - something to think about. Thanks for that frankly refreshing insight into one martial art in a world overflowing with martial arts that sell themselves as ways to dominate others.
I trained Baguazhang for almost 14 years. Prior to that Aikido. You have captured the essence that is necessary. I've never heard this from an Aikido instructor.
Thank goodness, someone is explaining it clearly. In my school, I'm the only one to explain this to my classmates (I proved to them Aikido works in fight/self-defense).
I practiced Aikido for 2,5 year and do not know if Morihei Ueshiba would agree with the explanation. But for me this is the best explanation what Aikido is I ever heard. Congratulations! You really understand Aikido at a very deep level
Glad it was helpful!
This is why I started studying Aikido. It is really about not being there when the attack comes. Which is why we enter into his attack at a angle that he is off balance and I am balanced.
This is such a good explanation of Aikido, clears up all the BS, thanks for making the vid!
That's really funny...I've never trained Aikido, but I've trained weapons (HEMA). And since then, I've understood the goal of Aikido pretty much exactly as you explain it.
Why? Because we noticed during sparring that a lot of Aikido-like (i.e. probably not exact) techniques started occurring. We didn't try to use them, they just occurred by themselves, because those were logical moves for someone in this situation who has at least a modicum of grappling experience (HEMA sparring generally allows grabs, though I guess it might be different in other schools).
Anyway, since then, I've been persuaded that Aikido started out as a complement to weapons training. (That thought was confirmed once I read a bit about the history of your style - the Founder was a really good master of the sword and the spear). Once you know how to keep yourself alive with a weapon, you need to make sure the weapon cannot be simply removed by a grab...or, sometimes, you might want to try using a grabbing move against an armed adversary. Because if you can take his weapon while retaining yours...well, people generally start trying to hold a conversation with you! (In European systems, his expected first sentence is to offer a ransom if kept alive).
Also, having the conversation is simply the logical thing to do when weapons are involved. In fact, any serious self-defense teacher would explain to the students that deescalation is always better than applying physical skills. That's double more true when weapons are involved.
And wow, the actual moves make so much sense when you look at them as weapons-based moves! I mean, one of the criticisms is that people wouldn't charge in and grab your hands, like in Aikido demonstrations. But have a weapon in said hands, and even people with a lot of grappling experience try to charge in and grab your armed hand before you can use the weapon in it!
...I think I had even explained this on Quora. Or at least I tried to, I doubt anyone paid much attention.
I guess that was just a long-winded way to say "kudos from Bulgaria, you got a new subscriber".
HEMA's weak/strong, Fuhlen etc are also pretty helpful to explain Aikido omote/ura etc
As I am getting reintroduced to Aikido I am glad I came across this video. Thank you sir for this beautiful interesting break down of the art.
Glad you enjoyed is
I came here because I was a fan of your podcast but I stayed because I became a fan of your videos. This is perfect to explain to new students, new officers, or friends who don’t understand what we do. Thank you for sharing!!!
Glad you enjoyed it! Thanks for all your support!
Aikido training helps people to become psychologically stronger and flexible. I have trained for 5 years and I use the principles in my corporate conflicts, it fits well. Also in crowded buses to avoid collision .. in football ground .. it just worked for me everywhere including a physical conflict situation. But one thing I realised, that Aikido is an inner art, a life style and a motor neurone activity, main goal is to save yourself from harm .. and at the end harmony wins, not me. That’s why it is stupid to fit Aiki in MMA.
I have been involved in aikido for a long time but overtime been doing more of a combatives JKD mixed martial art approach now for quite a while but this has really brought me back to aikido. Thank you 😊
Yes because it has different goals from many martial arts. The goals are not competitive but to survive and deescalate conflict.
This is alot like Gracie jiu jitsu which I train but I am starting to grow pretty fond of aikido because of explanations like this!
I proud of you to have someone like this in the Aikido workd.
Very kind of you to say, glad you enjoyed the video!
Thank you very much sensei for reminding everybody of the aiki spirit.
I think everyone watching this would slightly understand what you're explaining differently. But for me this was a great explanation of your view of Aikido and one that in my circles hasn't been explored much.
I really do want to promote Aikido as a Traditional Martial Art, not a Modern Self-defence. And I think this video does help explain it this way.
I started watching this thinking it would be rubbish, but actually it's very good. I trained for over 20 years, in various schools (and taught). It's always how the guys that look weedy and beardy are often the ones that are tough as nails. Thanks for this.
Wow, What a beautiful explanation and one that the youtuber Martial arts Journey needs to hear as well as anyone else who disrespect Aikido. including all those mma and bjj types.
Been practicing Kobayashi-Ryu Aikido for a year now. This video has thrown light on some of the basic questions an aikidoka can have. By far the BEST explanation of what aikido is on the whole of TH-cam. Lots of love from India
Glad you found it useful, and thank you for the nice comment! Sending love right back at you!
The best breakdown of Aikido I have ever heard.
“In Aikido we never attack. An attack is proof that one is out of control. Never run away from any kind of challenge, but do not try to suppress or control an opponent unnaturally. Let attackers come any way they like and then blend with them. Never chase after opponents. Redirect each attack and get firmly behind it.”
― Morihei Ueshiba
So dealing with the attack at the point of intention . Systema is similar . Great explanation .
I finally found a channel that gets aikido, samurai would be proud.
Bravo sir. This is the best most thought-provoking most provocative answer I have ever heard. You are a true master of the yard.
I am sick and tired of the aikido v ufc arguments. Aikido ain't fighting,it's stopping fights. I was doorman for 13 yrs,,then I went into corrections,,now prison here in Ireland has no batons,no pepper spray,no vests even ffs lol it's all based on control and restraint etc. I have used aikido over my lifetime on doors and indeed in prisons as my go too. Aikido is "surge" breaker I feel,it interrupts violence etc not aid it. Prisons are full of dangerous and some UFC fighters and when they kick off control and restraint individuals step in just like aikido etc to Stop it. Aikido ain't fighting guys,,stop throwing it in octagon. It's the universal referree.
Very insightful about the intention and context of Aikido systems.
Such an underated channel...I nominate you for TH-cam's martial art teacher of the year. ❤️🙏 Subscribed and restructuring my school curriculum.
Glad you enjoy it, thanks for subscribing!
I have to agree with most of the comments, I almost dismissed this post but wanted to see if there was anything to glean from 20 minutes of my time. I'm glad I viewed the post. It is a concise account of aikido philosophy. As a 50 year student) of jujitsu many of our moves are similar, a difference is that we punish the assailant more severely. Thank you for a very good presentation.
Wow!!! Best explanation of Aikido I’ve ever heard!!! Very; honest, knowledgeable and practical!! Good stuff!!!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Aikido does make perfect sense as a practical Martial Art when Traditional Japanese Weapons are involved. It's harder to see the practicality of the self defense or combat applications with empty handed demonstration alone compared to some other arts.
The empty handed version is still sublime in my humble opinion. Your exposition of Aikido's objective along with your explanations of the techniques are thorough, very clear and truly efficient. Your mechanics are crisp and graceful. You covered in twenty minutes, what it took me a year in class to fully digest as a beginner.
This was a First Rate Demonstration....no flattery. I hope to see more. Great video.
Thanks for posting this video. I think that's the most useful Aikido video I've ever seen.
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent initial explanation forbeginners as to stages 1 and 2!
l. keeping the distance
2. stepping out of the line -when facing a faster opponent
3. when grabbed or taken by surprise, choosing a weapon is not something a beginner can handle.
Instead, stepping aside plus a rapid 180-degree turn such as tenka ashi-, or an ura/irimi tenkan could help more!!! After all as you put it. Aikido is the art of motion!
With my more than three decades of Karate, training behind, use and handling weapons could be left to higher levels of students.
Best regards, and many success. Paul, 67, retired instructor of martial arts.
Thank you for the video Sensei. I've practiced aikido religiously and had a break for some years. I like this video, but being honest i've also always enjoyed the fact that aikido kind of deters the people who usually comment or hates on it. I get that people want "effectiveness", but the fact of the matter is almost no aikidoka has that as a goal in my opinion. If they like it they stay training because it is infinitely deep and extremely technical, not to mention a lot of fun. To me It's really something else, an "art" in the truest sense of the word. I like the fact that O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba was an enlisted soldier in the Russo-Japanses war, the thought that he had enough of war and wanted to preserve the "martial spirit" in a peaceful way, is really a beautiful notion to me. It kept me fit, it made me mentally stronger and not to mention peaceful and it also gave me the ability to fall in the most graceful way imaginable. I really don't want anything else from it. It is also a way to meet so many pleasant and interesting people. To me it is the most magical thing i've ever experienced. Take from this what you want, but that is all i have to say. Sorry i got a little long-winded, but it felt good to write this.
I like the correlation between the use of tanto and the Uke trying to grab your arm to stop the attack. Very eye opener.
Excellent video and explanation of aikido thank you so very for sharing this great information!!
Aikido needs more of this! A lot more... still, I think the work against knives was a bit over simplified... knives allow for quickness and mobility... I would like to see more live drills on the principles shown on this video, which do make sense in theory.
As a lot of other comments brought up here, best explanation on Aikido I ever saw. Practiced for about 17 years and never heard anything like that... gave up on it due to practicality and a bunch of other toxic stuff common to it's own culture, but been flirting with the idea of dealing with it again, specially after those videos.
Glad you enjoyed it, glad I've peeked your Aikido interest again! We have a podcast called "Aikido: Discussed"- you might like it.
@@ChuShinTani I'll be checking it out! Thank you!
Simply brilliant! I have never heard a more precise and true explanation of this highly evolved martial art!
I started with Aikido & then went to Judo. I've also taken some Arnis. I've found it best to try various martial arts to find what's best for you. Always great to take what you've learned from one art to another.
Such a fine explanation! Thanks for this!
I Have Studied Various Martial Arts for over a 40 Year Period, Aikido Being One,
And I Think this Is Good and Useful Information
This is by far one of the most thought-provoking satisfying answers to this question I have ever heard bravo! It was a pleasure listening to you sir. For me, being able to explain the art in such a provocative way is the sign of a true master of the art
Thanks for your kind words. Glad you enjoyed the video!
Thank you for the video.
I am a aikidoka in Taiwan. The ideas you mentioned in this video is quite same with what i have learned.
My sensai once said that the core idea about akikido is the body position between you and the attacker and your footwork.
While facing a fighting situation, there might be no time for fancy techniques, but it is useful to keep your distance or when you can't, use ikkyo to block and throw a punch in their face.
"Aren't punches aikido?" as you mentioned, the idea of aikido is more like a system, actually, there are "atemis" in aikido, which means punching or albow attacks when you find a chance and a door that your opponent opened in their defence. Of course, once might said that aikidoka's punches are more useless and untrained compared with a boxer's punch, but in my opinion, no martial arts are perfect, and why can't we also go to classes of boxing and learn from them politely? It is not that kind of stuff that you choose a side and can't cooperate with people learning other techniques.
Lastly, o-sensai was once served in the Japanese military during the WW2 teaching soldiers about bayonets. He had a great experience with military cultures, and I simply don't think the original aikido was mostly considered as useless for the public(which was what I saw on the internet, sad but true). There must be something wrong and I am still finding answers.
By the way, there is a saying about aiki-jo in Japan says that the techniques came from o-sensais experience of rifle bayonets.
Thank you! I've taken Aikido for about ten years (newbie) and your explanations of why we do things in Aikido is excellent! I see practice in a different perspective.
Glad it was helpful!
I want to learn more. Exciting! I have a lot of respect to conversation over violence.
really interesting and well explained. thanks a lot
This is great! Thank you. I just started Aikido and I love the explanations given.
Glad it was helpful!
Wow.. def one of the best explanations of aikido out there!
Best aikido explanation video i've watched ty!
This is my second viewing of this video, the first had me totally mesmerized. This is not only the best Aikido video I have ever seen, it is the best Martial Arts video I've ever seen. I'm not an aikido guy (over 15 years in TKD/Hapkido) but I think I'm about to become one.
Glad you found the video helpful! Thanks for the comment!
Thanks for the video. My core focus is Parkour and Gymnastics and I've been struggling lately to figure out where Aikido fits into this. Your explanation helps, thanks.
Very well articulated and demonstrated. Thank you
Brilliant. I have seen a lot on aikido and different explanations. Aiki-jutsu and the distinction between that and aikido also helps to explain the mindset of the arts. Great video and a great instructor!
For years I have been telling people that all that Aikido wrist grabbing is because the Aikido practitioner is holding a weapon. Thanks for confirming it.
Solid video. I like your approach to Aikido and the way you explain it's purpose.
That was a really good explanation sir, really similar to what I answer when I'm asked about aikido. Well done! New subscriber from now on. 🙇🏻♂️
Thank you, glad you enjoyed it!
Over 40 years of practice and teaching and I still find that very few really understand Aikido or any other Martial Art. My Sensei, Kawahara Sensei, Shihan, ( passed away on June 2, 2011), former Technical Director of the Canadian Aikido Federation and Member of the North America Technical Committee, often pointed out that when you are grabbed in practice you are practicing exercise for technique, not a technique. Atemi or striking is 90 or more percent of Aikido but many of those who practice do not know this, he would say just hit and if the person was downed no need for technique. That atemi, was critical in helping to break the balance of your partner, that balance must be broken for technique to work.
For the beginner it is not just open handed exercise but weapons practice that must be learned from the beginning, sword, knife, staff, spear.
It is the practice of Aikido as a true Martial Art that one learns how to deal with violence naturally, calmly. No competition because competition has rules and there are no rules in a true Martial Art. Competition means combat sword against sword, blindness, blood, death. Aikido teaches the ugly truth about violence that it is to be avoided. If you have to use any martial art in self defence then it is combat, you can be pushed fall and hit your head on a curb and die, nothing special that happens all the time. What is combat, you practice in the dojo as if you are on the battlefield, the feeling you have on the battlefield is like practicing in the dojo, and both are the same as having your morning coffee, nothing special. This is the real secret of any true martial art, practicing and studying will lead you to discover that one or more people attacking you is nothing special no different than your morning coffee. Not easy, but fun, and it is a lifetime of study and practice. Kawahara Sensei said that if a Black Belt stops practicing then they are no longer a black belt.
All true Martial Arts are just different starting point on the same journey. One is not better than another. But they all have somethings in common, there is no competition, there are no rules, we do not fight fairly if we have to fight, we wear no protective equipment.
Talked to long and rambled some, late night. One thing to remember is that any Sensei can only teach you a very small amount about 10%. Practice everyday, study and you will discover the other 90%.
Kawahara Sensei would say, " Practice properly, do not injure one another and have fun.
This is the typical defence for non functional martial arts. "Oh its so dangerous so you cant practice sparring in a reasonable way". Well you know what. If Aikido is so realistic that you cant pressure test it, then it doesnt matter if you have "no rules" because you also have "no real experience". Its like saying its better to practice swimming in your kitchen cause the ocean is much more dangerous than a pool.
Doing something simple as Judo where you at least learn to break a grip or throw someone that is not your compliant partner will prepara you better. Boxing as well.
If im wrong, please show me aikido where pressure testing and reaction testing excercises are used cause id love to see it.
If 90% of Aikido is punching, then Aikido should teach people how to punch, lol. I remember trying Aikido for a couple months after doing some boxing. I remember they were trying to demonstrate techniques, and when I did a punch, they told me i was doing it wrong. Instead of retracting it and staying balanced, they told me to throw myself into my punch, lol. I tried it for a couple months, but if the whole entire art form falls apart when someone has a modicum of knowledge of how to fight, then it doesn’t seem like a great system.
I can think of martial arts that are better at the not fighting thing too, like the French martial art called Parkour, aka the art of running away.
If someone wants to dedicate their life to something that is functionally useless, then that is their choice. I like Fencing and Kendo, but I don’t imagine many situations where I would be defending myself with a sword, lol. I do these things because they are fun and I enjoy them, and there is nothing wrong with that. Aikidokas are just so absurdly full of themselves though with zero actual experience on how to fight. It’s unearned bravado that can potentially get them really hurt someday.
Awesome! Why nobody teaches aikido this way? It will be more popular.
Very nice conceptual explanation! I really like it!
Just a phenomenal explanation! Really well said!
Loving this explanation. After studying various arts Aiki-Do is like the icing on the cake. Aikido is a great art once you understand its concepts to cross train in👑💯🔥😎👑👍🏼
Video Thumbnail clicked accidentally! Subscribe button clicked intentionally! ...it's like the cosmos is in conversation with itself...Throwing down some energetic harmony in intercourse with some good vibrations...Aikkeeedoooohhhh!
One of the best explanations I've ever heard! 👏
Hey I don't realize it's your newest video! I'm new to aikido & still learning it. Thanks for your explanation in this video.
Best explanation of Aikido ever.
Brilliant. Thank you Sensei.
You're welcome, thanks for watching!
I think Fresno is very lucky to have a teacher of your caliber. I am a long term practitioner and in my twenties and thirties had to use Aikido in many situations, several times against groups of attackers and I agree with your approach especially against groups. When in conflict with a group my fear was being stabbed so distance control and settlement into negotiation was always how I survived. I will check out the rest of your vids.
I lost every fight I been in my entire life. Strangely, I've never been knocked out in a fight. It's funny how I'm naturally peaceful and I'm a Usui Shiki Ryoho Reiki Master Healer. To me, Aikido in a way is like the perfect martial art for me to master. Thank you so much, sir, for making this amazing video! God bless you!
Loved this explanation! Just found your channel and I'm excited to dive into more of your content. Also excited to find another bald, red-bearded martial artist on youtube making great videos! Solidarity!
Agreed... my sensei always said the best defense to a punch is not to be there
Beautiful explanation of the philosophy behind it.
Very good explaination, Sensei. Now I understand more about Aikido. Keep up the good work, Sensei ! And greeting from Aikido Indonsia !
This is a great way to explain it! Thank you 🙏
Great analogy! Creative teaching approach. Good for you.
If you have only been exposed to the kinetic or rationalized aspects of Aikido then this is a good enough explanation. My understanding of Aikido is different since I studied the Koichi Tohei school
There are many interpretations of Aikido - in my opinion they are all valid as long as they can be understood, transmitted and actualized.
Une excellente explication des fondements de l'Aikido. Un grand merci.
Excellent, thank you!
The Art of Moving. Why I train constantly in what I call the Octagon. 8 directional movement. Which when working right or left equals 16 directional movement. And is really exponential movement. The Multiple of 8s.
What a wonderful explanation - thank you very much!
You're very welcome!
Thank you for the explanation. I don't see too much that is unique to aikido, but maybe I just don't know what to look for. The philosophy / objective of having a conversation (or as we call it, de-escalation or sometimes negotiating) is a good goal to have, but it seems to me that this could be used no matter what your specialty is.
I would say that the object of wrestling isn't to pin someone necessarily, but to control them. Likewise boxing is more about the best way to punch rather than to knock someone out. Add a system like muay thai or something for elbows, knees, etc, and various weapons in various styles. Defense figures prominently into everything, too; how to not be hit or lessen the effect of a strike or grab or placed in a disadvantageous position etc.
Awareness of space is fundamental to every martial art I can think of. Training lets you use what you have. Also, if there are more people or weapons involved, I don't care who you are or how good, you'll probably get hurt. Just the way it is.
Anyway, nice to see a semi-grounded approach rather than people just dancing around like you see in some other videos & movies. I mean, I can appreciate choreography, but a lot of "martial arts" you see seem to be long on that and short on stuff that would actually be useful.
I agree nothing you are seeing in Aikido is unique. However if you do study Aikido, it's good to know what it is you are practicing and be able to explain that to others.
Wow, this was extremely helpful. Thank you.
Glad you found it useful!
That explains a whole, while lot. Excellent👊
Glad it was helpful!
Excellent explanation!
That said, why would anybody think that they want to be in a fight?
The only people that claim that they want to fight or fight back, never have been in a real fight.
Besides, in real life it is more useful to train your mindset as much as your physique.
And then again: if you are polite, open-minded and assertive, chance is you will never be in a fight or need to fight.
But keeping your mindset trained and body flexible is very useful. Because it is way more likely that you will trip and fall at a given time in life, learning how to fall (Ukemi) will be precious, especially when you get older.
When I was young I was skeptical about Aikido, having already studied various other martial arts. But I kept practicing Aikido anyway, and now, in my 40s, the things I learned from Aikido are the most useful ones. I work as a dispatcher/planner at a transport company. It is stressful, but through Aikido I learned to keep my head cool and keep overseeing situations. I am flexible, fit and still in good health.
There is no downside in beeing in any given situation + keeping your head cool and beeing physically fit.
Ground techniques are very important in aikido, aikikai usually doesn't address this. In the US everyone wants to go the mma thing that they see on TV and try the ground and pound thing so I say that ground techniques are very important from this perspective. I understand your teachings as I train aikijitsu and can speak on the ground positions from experience. Thanks for your explanations tho,very informative.
Happy to see all these new videos popping up. The school looks good; hope all is well.
Working through all this Covid-19 stuff. At least it has given me the opportunity to get more videos out!