It pretty common that somebody asks me which martial art is best. The next most common thing is somebody essentially telling me which martial art is best, usually by attempting to illuminate me about a particular system’s shortcomings (“Your eastern tiger style is nothing compared to my crane form!”). Yes, I do know that kickboxing doesn’t teach about ground and pound, and trouble will ensue once a double leg occurs.
In particular, I’ve been musing over the debate between Mixed Martial Arts and Traditional Martial Arts. Old vs New, in all its arguable glory.
A lot of movies play off this riff; an old grizzled veteran gets paired up with a new spunky greenhorn. The new kid on the block is bothered by the old-school methods, the senior complains about novice’s know it all attitude. Humor ensues. Above, Will Smith from Men In Black II explains it:
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Tags: aikido, debate, karate, karate vs mma, tkd vs mma, tma vs mma, traditional
I’ve heard it all.
“Aikido is too dangerous, so therefore it isn’t allowed in MMA.”
“Aikido doesn’t work on trained fighters or resisting opponents.”
“Aikido masters are bound to a philosophy of gentleness and non-fighting; therefore no true Aikido master can compete legally anyway.”
“Aikido is sucks in MMA, therefore Aikido sucks.”
“Steven Seagal knows Aikido, and he’s killed like 300 people. It must be awesome.”
I’m sure you can dig up your own “nuggets of wisdom” on a Sherdog or Youtube – these sites being the epitome of truth, balance and logic. ( Personally, I love the way information and error is rolled into one comical thread of flaming, poor grammar and misrepresentation)
Aikido isn’t the only disputed martial art in MMA; I’ve heard similar jaw-jacking about Karate, Judo, Dog Brother’s stick fighting, etc. There are always fanboys and haters, no matter what you choose. I’ve recently had some people ask me about this, so I’ve decided to post my thoughts.
Anyway, there is some sorting out to do.
In the next few pages, I’d like to see if I can shine some light on Aikido and it’s relation to MMA.
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Tags: aikido, MMA
2nd Dan instructor Logan Heinrichs demonstrating a throw; Logan will be at both days of training
- picture from www.wagokan.com -
Sensei Masanobu Hayata (my sensei’s sensei) is flying in from Osaka Japan to teach a few classes this weekend. He will be teaching mostly stand-up techniques, attack angles, wristlocks, etc. It will be awesome training. Hayata Sensei has a very open teaching style, and is very good a what he does. All skill levels are invited, provided they show appropiate respect.
It is sugguested you bring a $25 dollar per session donation for Hayata Sensei, as he pays his own way to fly over from Japan to come here.
For Friday the 7th:
7:30-8:30 PM
Steiner Aquatic Center,
645 South Guardsman Way
Salt Lake City , UT 84108
Training will be in one of the upstairs classrooms (TBA - Just ask lady at the desk what room the aikido seminar is in, she’ll tell you)
For Saturday the 8th:
1:00-5:00 PM
Park City Racquet Club
1200 Little Kate Road
Park City Utah, 84060
Tags: aikido, Seminars