Aikido

[simpo two]

Can anyone tell me the fascination for this pastime?

I have a friend who's obsessed with it (I just rang to discover he's still in bed, watching Aikido videos...). I fail to see any point in putting on pyjamas and pretending to hit your friends with sticks whilst muttering the names of Japanese aircraft carriers...

If he does ever get jumped by a gang of hoodies, he'll still get thoroughly beaten up as they won't wait patiently to attack in turn from prescribed directions.

[Monty Python mode] 'Aha, bananas! We haven't done bananas yet have we???'

[turbobloke]

All martial arts have spiritual elements, aikido no less than others. Every devout devotee of every form will defend their own approach of course. Where I think classical aikido scores is over more linear forms - these are often power dominated and appeal to youth whereas aikido can be practised by frail looking elderly souls who are nevertheless quite lethal. In aikido te I think you get the best of both worlds but then I'm biased. Not to the extent of staying in bed to watch videos, but there was this one of an n'th Dan Japanese pensioner, Tamara iirc...

[simpo two]

turbobloke said:

whereas aikido can be practised by frail looking elderly souls who are nevertheless quite lethal.

True, it appears to be more defensive than offensive. Mind you I'm told that Steven Seagal uses it - hence quite handy if you're ever stuck on a hijacked battleship

[shadowninja]

Such arts are based on using the opponent's force against himself. Very efficient. Kinda like a lazyman's style. Although I don't think you're supposed to stay in bed.

[Twincam16]

I can completely understand the fascination with martial arts even though I don't share it. It's about having total discipline over your body and respect for the surrounding environment. Tap into that (sounds like the force, dunnit? ), and some martial artist's physical abilities are amazing.

Can't for the life of me understand these anime films though, these brutal, emotionless 3-hour cartoon gore-fests with plots and occurences akin to Power Rangers or Thundercats, but with an 18-certificate on account of its graphic (literally) violence.

[jimbeaux]

I am an Aikido student. It is a form that uses an opponet's strength against himself. That is why it is particularly useful for women and smallish men. I am not a woman or smallish(ask my wife), but still prefer it's style. Larger people, such as Seagal does, may incorporate offensive techniques to take advantage of their own size and strenght. When any martial art is used, especialy in movies, it is rarely if ever in it's pure form.

[madmike]

jimbeaux said:

Larger people, such as Seagal does, may incorporate offensive techniques to take advantage of their own size and strenght. When any martial art is used, especialy in movies, it is rarely if ever in it's pure form.

True, very true. I was introduced to a little Aikido, and it was along the "offensive" lines vice the defensive (whilst in the military).

People study for different reasons.
Physical fitness
Sprituality
Overcoming drug or alcohol addiction
Self defense
Job related
Watched to many damn kung fu flicks
Boost self esteem
Etc.

I will say that Aikido is VERY effective. If you learn from a good teacher, etc. most martial arts won't just teach you to react to a set position or attack...you will learn how to adapt your responses to anything that gets thrown at you. That's where it really comes in handy.

[Raify]

I'm reading a very funny book called Angry White Pyjamas about Aikido at the moment, can heartily recommend it.

Btw, "hitting each other with sticks whilst shouting Japanese aircraft carrier names" I think that you're thinking of Kendo.

[simpo two]

Raify said:

Btw, "hitting each other with sticks whilst shouting Japanese aircraft carrier names" I think that you're thinking of Kendo.

No, he's a quiet chap, just mutters them. 'Akagi' is a pre-emptive strike with carrier-borne torpedo-bombers, I believe - very effective but tricky to pull off outside a pub on a Saturday evening. However, 'Atora' is suet and only of use in hand-to-hand combat.