I'm experiencing doubt as to which martial art I should take?

J

joseph_cariz

New member
Hello everyone,
I've recently been looking into going back into a martial art. My first choice was aikido, which I preferred due to its smooth, flowing style, but I'm now doubtful as to whether I should take this or not. I want a spiritual, rather soft art that still employs effective defense techniques. Choreographed rolls and pins are all fine and well, but will they work on a dark street when your opponent rushes out at you with no warning with a knife? Will he be so cooperative as to go down when you throw him down, and can' he just simply bash you in the face when you do these fancy moves? My point is, is Aikido realistic enough to hold up on the dangerous streets and not just the dojo? If not, please recommend another style that would be more suitable for a real-life scenario.

And yes, I know that no style is better than the other.
I basically want an aikido-like art with slightly more strikes and defense techniques. Unless Aikido already has those
 
You are asking for two different things. You can't softly and spiritually put an attacker down. That's for movies. When you are attacked, you will need quick reflexes. Not a dance move. Leave that for the movies. Study Kung Fu - maybe Blue Dragon - for the spiritual and stylish side of martial arts. Study Krav Maga if you want to be able to protect yourself or others with quick and brutal success.
 
yes Aikido can be very effective in real world scenarios if you're good at it, the reason all you ever really seen of it is choreographed demos is because Aikidoists dont use it as a sport or competetion and dont do things like sparring, its for self defense only. You might also want to look into Krav Maga, its another martial art thats strictly self defense and it teaches things like fighting against armed attackers as well but Aikido sounds like your thing, especially when you say "I want a spiritual, rather soft art that still employs effective defense techniques"
 
You initially mentioned you want a spiritual soft art, but also want a truly effective hand to hand combat technique.

Although some will disagree, the most effective forms of self defense focus primarily on just that, not spirituality.

Muay Thai
Kick Boxing
Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Combat Sambo
there are likely various gyms in your area that also teach MMA as well.
 
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