Martial Arts

[Mr.QuakQuak]

What I like about arts like Aikido is that it makes your attacker look like a fool if all goes well.

Now Aikido doesn't do any weapons training, correct ?

 

[unharmed]

Most of all I am looking to keep myself clear minded,calm, and disiplined.

Your motivations sound like they are very closely aligned with mine. Might I suggest kendo? It is an extremely vigorous, cardio activity and will definitely (providing you find a good sensei) help you towards your goals.
It is also a kind of a 'gateway' art into the more esoteric classical, Japanese systems.

 

[atomic_turtle]

I don't want to debate this or start an arguement but if some one has a gun, they know how to use it, are willing to and are 10'+ away then if you try to attack them then you will most likely die.

You need to watch Berry Gordy's The Last Dragon. Becasue when you have reached the final level and mastered the power of the glow then you too will be able to catch bullets in your teeth like Bruce Leroy.


Who's the Master............Sho'nuff

 

[unharmed]

Now Aikido doesn't do any weapons training, correct ?

Not true. Many Aikido schools have training in ken (sword) and jo (short staff). True, this training is mainly aimed at developing the open-handed techniques but it is there nonetheless. Morihei Ueshiba (the founder of Aikido) was an accomplished martial artist in many armed and unarmed styles.

 

[Mr.QuakQuak]

Now I just need to find a way to see if I can find a school/dojo in my area.

 

[unharmed]

Now I just need to find a way to see if I can find a school/dojo in my area.

Google to the rescue: http://www.google.com.au/search?q=aikido+new+jersey&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&hl=en&btnG=Google+Search

 

[Mr.QuakQuak]

Many thanks ^^

I've been watching videos of this art. Light on your feet and nice fluent alm motions. Three opponents on the master. Whew , beautiful.

 

[unharmed]

Many thanks ^^

I've been watching videos of this art. Light on your feet and nice fluent alm motions. Three opponents on the master. Whew , beautiful.

No probs. It is, indeed, a beautiful art to watch.

I am planning on taking it up myself sometime in the near future to supplement my weapons training. That's unless I can find a Daito Ryu school somewhere near me

 

[Mr.QuakQuak]

Found 2-3 dojos within 15 miles or less. Only two arts I'm interesting in is Krav Maga and Aikido now. Most likely will look into Aikido. I just hope it is somewhat demanding physically because I can sure use the fitness.

 

[Eyescream]

Based on the limited knowledge I have of Aikido, if exercise and fitness of the body is what you are looking for, you'd best be suited with something more physically aggressive. Not saying that Aikido isn't physically strenuous, I have very limited exposure to it, but from all that I know of it, the foundation is using your opponents energy against them. So, rather than requiring of you to exert excess energy, you let them do all the work, you just insure that that energy doesn't dissipate in your chest

All of that's true. Aikido's a really strong art, and it's based almost totally in the Chinese internal arts (Tai Chi, Hsing I, and Ba Gua Zhang), in that it's strength comes from energy instead of total brute force.

Friend of mine took it for a few years and really liked it. If Aikido's form work is anything like Tai Chi's, your legs'll get a huge workout, your stamina'll increase dramatically, and control of the muscles you do have will also increase. It's good meditation, too. Instead of doing yoga and making weird noises, I go through my forms and come out with a clear head.

 

[Mr.QuakQuak]

I found two Aikido schools a few miles away. One is in Hoboken, all I need to do is hop on the lightrail.

 

[unharmed]

All of that's true. Aikido's a really strong art, and it's based almost totally in the Chinese internal arts (Tai Chi, Hsing I, and Ba Gua Zhang), in that it's strength comes from energy instead of total brute force.

I think the phrase "based almost totally in" is a little misleading. I suspect you mean "very similar to" in which case I would agree with you.
What aikido is based on, predominantly, is Daito-Ryu Aikijutsu which is the art that Ueshiba studied for most of his martial arts career

 

[Planet Boulder]

I am a 3rd degree Brown Belt in Kenpo Karate. I test for 2nd degree next week.

Absolutely LOVE it!!!

 

[unharmed]

Good to hear, Boulder. Good luck with your grading.

I am a 3rd degree Brown Belt in Kenpo Karate. I test for 2nd degree next week.

Absolutely LOVE it!!!

 

[Planet Boulder]

No matter what martial art you choose, if it is well taught in a disciplined respectful setting, if you stick with it ( and don't just stop at the green belt level like so many people seem to do) you will develop confidence, strength, physical conditioning, insight and patience, among other advantages.
Do not stick around in an abusive dojo. Try to find one in which everyone is treated with respect and a place you look forward to going.

This is, without a doubt, the single most useful piece of advice you will read in this thread.

Agree 100%. Simply put, there are a lot of egos out there and a lot of misinformation floating about. In the end, read what the two posters quoted above stated.

 

[Planet Boulder]

Good to hear, Boulder. Good luck with your grading.

Thank you, my friend, though, as we both know, it will simply mean that I haven't even reached true "beginner" status yet.

 

[Eyescream]

I think the phrase "based almost totally in" is a little misleading. I suspect you mean "very similar to" in which case I would agree with you.
What aikido is based on, predominantly, is Daito-Ryu Aikijutsu which is the art that Ueshiba studied for most of his martial arts career

My understanding was that Ueshiba spent time in China and Taiwan. When he returned to Japan from there, he developed Aikido based on what he had learned about Chinese internal arts (combined, apparently, with the Aikijutsu he studied previously).

I'm only going on what I was told; but it may very well not be correct. I like your story better anyway.

 

[unharmed]

My understanding was that Ueshiba spent time in China and Taiwan. When he returned to Japan from there, he developed Aikido based on what he had learned about Chinese internal arts (combined, apparently, with the Aikijutsu he studied previously). I'm only going on what I was told; but it may very well not be correct. I like your story better anyway.

You are correct, he definitely spent largish periods of time in "Manchuria". Both during his time in the army and afterwards. From what I can tell, the details of what he studied (if anything) during these periods is the subject of some uncertainty (and many heated discussion on Aikido discussion boards ).
It would certainly be somewhat naive, IMHO, to state that he (and, subsequently, Aikido) was not heavily influenced by the Chinese arts you mention. If not in technique then certainly in philosophy.

 

[unharmed]

Thank you, my friend, though, as we both know, it will simply mean that I haven't even reached true "beginner" status yet.

Too true. Within the Australian Kendo Federation, shodan (first dan) is generally reached after 3-5 years study. Then, as one of my sensei is fond of saying: "you can start learning kendo"

 

[Eyescream]

You are correct, he definitely spent largish periods of time in "Manchuria". Both during his time in the army and afterwards. From what I can tell, the details of what he studied (if anything) during these periods is the subject of some uncertainty (and many heated discussion on Aikido discussion boards ).
It would certainly be somewhat naive, IMHO, to state that he (and, subsequently, Aikido) was not heavily influenced by the Chinese arts you mention. If not in technique then certainly in philosophy.

lol, I can only imagine what a flamewar on a martial arts board would be like.

Anyway, we'll say we're both right and call it a day.

*hug*