Years ago I wrote rokas and told him not to forget to put aikido into its historical context and evaluate it for what it is: your video shows what I meant
I'm doing Iwama ryu Aikido where there's always an emphasis between taijitsu and weapon techniques, as Saito sensei said, 'Think of weapons when doing taijitsu and think taijitsu when doing weapons'. Well said sensei....
I’m not an aikidoka, nor will I probably ever be. I just love analysis and breaking down complex realities. My philosophy background also plays into that. Your videos are fascinating, and I support via Patreon because you are bringing so much light to bear on this martial art. Kudos.
So basically at its core Aikido is a weapons retention system, that's super cool and makes a lot of sense in the context of samurai in the Edo period where ambushes and sudden escalation in a civilian context were much more common than battlefield encounters. I wonder how this would combine with Iaido forms
Great videos although I would like to say that Daito Ryu Aikijutsu, the predecessor to Aikido, makes it pretty clear that the techniques are all in relation to accessing, denying access to the weapon systems of a Edo period samurai as well as countering unequal or disadvantageous situations in relation to the katana, wakazashi and tanto.
Much respect. Your Teaching is very enlightening organized and direct. Please share more. I would definitely become a student to learn from you. If you weren't in another state. And I've been in the martial arts since 7 and also teach martial arts full time.
Very good video. There is a book on Aikido by Gaku Homma 'The Structure of Aikido' that shows, in a series of rather small pictures, the techniques of Aikido first sword vs sword. Then the same technique against the sword unarmed followed by unarmed vs unarmed. Really shows how to understand many aspects of the art that really do not make much sense as they are presented 99% of the time.
Thanks for suggesting that book. I just bought the Kindle edition. It seemed like only the “sword hilt technique” chapter relates to Chris’ message. The other sections were sword v sword (kenjutsu), pretending to have swords but unarmed, then “aikido.” I would have liked more unarmed attacker vs sword retention defender as that really seems to be what aikido is about per Chris’ message here? Anyway thanks again for suggesting the book. 🙏🥋
Completely agree. When Martial Arts first came to the west, people would ask "why should I learn that?" And the easiest answer was "for self defense". Long story short, this has resulted in the average person not respecting certain styles because they don't "work in the streets" as they say. People need to understand the self defence is different than battle-field warfare, and competition is different from self defence.
I love this perspective! When you made the connection that Uke is actually trying to disarm it made a lot of sense. I started watching experts teaching knife and stick disarms and the wrist grabs were there. So then I started looking at other martial systems forms... and they start to make more sense if you think of them as armed systems vs unarmed systems. As you say, historically you wouldn't try to defend yourself without a weapon, and you sure wouldn't do it on a battlefield.
Brilliant explanation and demonstration. That was extremely thorough and made perfect sense. I do not say that lightly Mr. Hien. This is indeed the proper context that Aikido should be seen in. There should not and indeed is not a need to defend Aikido's virtues as an unarmed system of Self Defense and Combat. It is definitely a system for navigating and hopefully deescalating encounters with armed aggressors. It is an Art that demonstrates a hard won level of Emotional and Spiritual Maturity for Japan as a High Civilization ( could and should be for ours as well). If someone wanted to have an all around Modern Self Defense aspect to Aikido training, I would humbly suggest adding gentle demonstration of very basic Jujitsu Close Combat (which Militaries also teach), as well as very basic Combat Judo (which Military Police and Advanced Infantry learn). This along with Aikido's particular Method of Instruction, Meditative Practice and Peace Loving Philosophy would make it a most practical and well rounded High Internal Art along the order of Tai chi Quan in my most humble opinion. I cannot properly express my admiration for the level of insight and compassion you have attained on your journey. Most untrained or inexperienced civilians will not understand Aikido's utility and power as a Spiritual and Meditative Art, but you indeed do. So once again I must give you my highest Salute. Great video.
Steve Merritt taught a syllabus of self defense based on Tomiki Aikido that was popular and incorporated into the defensive tactics of many police forces in the Southeastern USA. Selma police academy that teaches the Alabama state trooper still use that curriculum incorporated with more modern bjj based content.
Wow that helps to make sense of a lot of things I wonder why all aikido schools don’t teach this approach from the beginning it would make things set in your mind so much easier I believe, and I think that’s the whole point of or the whole philosophy behind Nishio Aikido.
It’s because they don’t really know or understand it. They try to put aikido into its own category removing it from its original martial context (armed grappling). Also all the videos I’ve seen of clips of the founder have been unarmed.
It makes a lot of sense:historically and technically.Btw most of karate katas start with a block/defense to the LEFT,where are supposed to be the sword.
Really brilliant! Aikido as a fighting technique is very misunderstood. And still it's always important to learn disarming techniques for self-defense. Regardless of what anyone says Aikido is still relevant because of it's staunch disarming techniques! Krav Maga and other modern martial arts style borrow heavily from Aikido... and Judo of course I just wish I could have explained this better when I first started Aikido!
Years ago I wrote rokas and told him not to forget to put aikido into its historical context and evaluate it for what it is: your video shows what I meant
I'm doing Iwama ryu Aikido where there's always an emphasis between taijitsu and weapon techniques, as Saito sensei said, 'Think of weapons when doing taijitsu and think taijitsu when doing weapons'. Well said sensei....
I started with Iwama ryu as well, I believe Saito Sensei left us some great insights! Thanks for your comment!
I’m not an aikidoka, nor will I probably ever be. I just love analysis and breaking down complex realities. My philosophy background also plays into that. Your videos are fascinating, and I support via Patreon because you are bringing so much light to bear on this martial art. Kudos.
Thank you so much, for both your kind words and patronage!
So basically at its core Aikido is a weapons retention system, that's super cool and makes a lot of sense in the context of samurai in the Edo period where ambushes and sudden escalation in a civilian context were much more common than battlefield encounters. I wonder how this would combine with Iaido forms
Great videos although I would like to say that Daito Ryu Aikijutsu, the predecessor to Aikido, makes it pretty clear that the techniques are all in relation to accessing, denying access to the weapon systems of a Edo period samurai as well as countering unequal or disadvantageous situations in relation to the katana, wakazashi and tanto.
As an after thought, the statement "Aikijutsu/aikido comes from kenjutsu" sounds true.
Much respect. Your Teaching is very enlightening organized and direct. Please share more. I would definitely become a student to learn from you. If you weren't in another state. And I've been in the martial arts since 7 and also teach martial arts full time.
You should check out my Patreon. I showy approach to Aikido in more detail, and give things that you can use in your classes.
Very innovative way of explaining these forms. I understood aikido better once I use a weapon with a technique.
Very good video. There is a book on Aikido by Gaku Homma 'The Structure of Aikido' that shows, in a series of rather small pictures, the techniques of Aikido first sword vs sword. Then the same technique against the sword unarmed followed by unarmed vs unarmed. Really shows how to understand many aspects of the art that really do not make much sense as they are presented 99% of the time.
Thanks for suggesting that book. I just bought the Kindle edition. It seemed like only the “sword hilt technique” chapter relates to Chris’ message. The other sections were sword v sword (kenjutsu), pretending to have swords but unarmed, then “aikido.” I would have liked more unarmed attacker vs sword retention defender as that really seems to be what aikido is about per Chris’ message here? Anyway thanks again for suggesting the book. 🙏🥋
Ow. It makes sense! I wish my sensei had this approach when I stsrted learning aikido. Thank you
Excellent video and demonstration 😃👍 you are my absolute favourite aikido guy, you have a deep understanding of the art.
Keep it up brother 🥋🥊⚔😃
Really good explaining. All aikidokas must watch your videos. Thank you 👍🏻
Thanks!
Completely agree. When Martial Arts first came to the west, people would ask "why should I learn that?" And the easiest answer was "for self defense". Long story short, this has resulted in the average person not respecting certain styles because they don't
"work in the streets" as they say. People need to understand the self defence is different than battle-field warfare, and competition is different from self defence.
Best aikido technique breakdown I’ve seen, you get an immediate subscription!! Lol
You’re great cela rend les choses bcp claires! Thks from 🇫🇷
wonderful explanation and illustrations.
Thank you!
Most excellent!
I love this perspective! When you made the connection that Uke is actually trying to disarm it made a lot of sense. I started watching experts teaching knife and stick disarms and the wrist grabs were there. So then I started looking at other martial systems forms... and they start to make more sense if you think of them as armed systems vs unarmed systems. As you say, historically you wouldn't try to defend yourself without a weapon, and you sure wouldn't do it on a battlefield.
Brilliant explanation and demonstration. That was extremely thorough and made perfect sense. I do not say that lightly Mr. Hien. This is indeed the proper context that Aikido should be seen in. There should not and indeed is not a need to defend Aikido's virtues as an unarmed system of Self Defense and Combat. It is definitely a system for navigating and hopefully deescalating encounters with armed aggressors. It is an Art that demonstrates a hard won level of Emotional and Spiritual Maturity for Japan as a High Civilization ( could and should be for ours as well).
If someone wanted to have an all around Modern Self Defense aspect to Aikido training, I would humbly suggest adding gentle demonstration of very basic Jujitsu Close Combat (which Militaries also teach), as well as very basic Combat Judo (which Military Police and Advanced Infantry learn). This along with Aikido's particular Method of Instruction, Meditative Practice and Peace Loving Philosophy would make it a most practical and well rounded High Internal Art along the order of Tai chi Quan in my most humble opinion.
I cannot properly express my admiration for the level of insight and compassion you have attained on your journey. Most untrained or inexperienced civilians will not understand Aikido's utility and power as a Spiritual and Meditative Art, but you indeed do. So once again I must give you my highest Salute.
Great video.
Shout out to Josh and Maya.😁🤪🖖
Kind of you to say, thanks!
Steve Merritt taught a syllabus of self defense based on Tomiki Aikido that was popular and incorporated into the defensive tactics of many police forces in the Southeastern USA. Selma police academy that teaches the Alabama state trooper still use that curriculum incorporated with more modern bjj based content.
@@kevionrogers2605 I can definitely see that. It's great for weapon disarms and quickly escaping grab attacks.
Wow that helps to make sense of a lot of things I wonder why all aikido schools don’t teach this approach from the beginning it would make things set in your mind so much easier I believe, and I think that’s the whole point of or the whole philosophy behind Nishio Aikido.
It’s because they don’t really know or understand it. They try to put aikido into its own category removing it from its original martial context (armed grappling). Also all the videos I’ve seen of clips of the founder have been unarmed.
Thanks again for sharing your hard work and excellent videos
Glad you found it useful!
🙂
Love this info. have always thought Aikido aikijitsu and hapkido techniques related to dealing with and against armed opponents.
Glad you enjoyed it!
It makes a lot of sense:historically and technically.Btw most of karate katas start with a block/defense to the LEFT,where are supposed to be the sword.
Great! Thanks for sharing!
My pleasure!
Nice sir
Brilliant approach, as always!
Thanks! Glad you liked it!
Very interesting.
Really brilliant! Aikido as a fighting technique is very misunderstood. And still it's always important to learn disarming techniques for self-defense. Regardless of what anyone says Aikido is still relevant because of it's staunch disarming techniques! Krav Maga and other modern martial arts style borrow heavily from Aikido... and Judo of course
I just wish I could have explained this better when I first started Aikido!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Muy buenas técnicas... Para defenderse de agresiones en la calle... Muchas gracias desde Perú
Yes !
Gracias!!
De nada!
Thinking about taking up aikido. I’m too combative after years of traditional martial arts
Few years back I said the same thing and people started making fun of me
The same thing happened to me- keep at it!
Larger than Seidokan!
Excellent