The Art of Aikido in these Modern Times

Over the last several years I’ve talked a lot about how I believe that the way aikido is taught falls drastically short of modern practicality. This has led to many misunderstandings. I’ve been accused of saying that aikido doesn’t work in modern times. That’s ridiculous. I wouldn’t waste 25 years of my life on something that doesn’t work. What I am saying is that I believe in the principles of aikido. Where today’s teachers fall short is in the presentation. If aikido is to survive, even to evolve we have to address the modern fighter. We have to train against hooks, jabs, uppercuts, knees, elbows, the groundfighter as well as modern weapons. I recently dug up an article discussing this and these next video clips will go along with those themes. 

If you want more examples of aikidoka doing this, check out Lenny Sly A former Tenshin practitioner, Sly is advancing his own aikido with what he refers to combative concepts. It’s great stuff. A word of warning, his videos aren’t always safe for younger ears or if you are at work. Regardless, his stuff works.

–Sensei Gary Boaz

Reposted with Permission from Facebook

The other side of the coin to the traditional munetsuki kotegaeshi. Please don’t think I’m saying that kotegaeshi doesn’t work. That’s not what I’m saying. Quite the opposite. Apply the principles to a modern attack and see what happens. Get your butt outside the freaking box folks!

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Sifu Lee on Teaching Yourself

To those teenagers & young adults who do not have jobs & don’t have much money to spend for tuition in a Martial Arts school, do not underestimate your ability to teach yourself. If you want to get good at basketball, just grab a ball & start shooting some hoops, you don’t need a coach to do that.

If you want to get good at playing pool, get a cue stick & start shooting. The first & most important is to do it. You can learn so much just by watching, if you can watch & learn, you will progress rapidly.

There are great benefits to joining a Martial Arts school but if you are a teenager or a young adult, your parents may not approve. Many people state to me that they have been interested in the Martial Arts since they were teenagers. I say do not lose that inspiration, simply do it. Buy the books, watch the movies, & start training on your own. Start teaching yourself by watching & following. You will learn much about yourself during the process.

As you progress you may develop friendships with other Martial Artists who can help you progress more quickly. When you get a job & become an adult then you can decide for yourself to join a Martial Arts school. Even if you practice any sport or commit yourself some sort of consistent exercise program for many years, you can easily transfer those skillsets to the Martial Arts. As long as you put time to develop your body, you shall be readily prepared to reach high levels in the Martial Arts.

Sifu Freddie Lee

[Thoughts via FMK Facebook]

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