Yea, only a white belt. But i stand by my observations (Albeit
arguably uninformed). But yes, i do agree that Aikido can, when
practised by certain select practitioners be useful, but like i
said above, i do not htink Aikido can consistently train fighters.
Anyway, like you said, Aikido is too defensive in nature for it to
be implemented in a soldier's UC program.
Ok, a short list of my dis-satisfaction with Aikido:
- Trg Method is nonsense. As far as trg goes, Uke is supposed to
follow the other's lead. No Resistance, No Spontaniety.
- I haven't seen any practitioner in the club that i felt could
deal with the basic Jab-Jab-Cross or jab-Cross-Hook combo. None.
Try catching those punches. This criticism can also be directed at
the now defunct SAF UC program. I really dun think the inside
outside block transitioning to an arm grab and coupled with a *HIA*
and followed by a back fist to the nose will do.
Ditto for plum hold and knee to the face.
- As you said, too defensive in nature.
- BAsically, i think Aikido's philosophy sounds all fine and dandy
except that it is very difficult to apply that philosophy in any
realistic setting.
Now, some would say that if Aikido is so lousy, why is Morihei
Ueshiba acknowledged as a great fighter? i dunno, though some have
suggested that as he grew older, his style of aikido changed and
became softer.
I learnt more in my first month at my MMA club and in my first
month at my BJJ club than i ever did in Aikido, or SAF UC. Eg.
First Jab of my first sparring session knocked the contact lens
right outta my eye. So much for the inside-outside forearm block,
and so much for blending.
That said, the elbow lock and wrist locks i learnt in aikido
weren't really useless, esp the elbow lock. But, i can learn those
in JJJ, Judo, BJJ, Wrestling, Sambo, etc etc etc. And when i used
the elbow lock, i just powered by way into it., thereby
contradicting the philosophy of aikido.
Another thing that i liked about Aikido is that it is simply
beautiful to watch at times, when the demonstrator seemingly flows
into the throws, etc. Beautiful, but i seriously doubt its
effectiveness.
