[Paul11]

The founder was a fighter. His earlier videos show him smacking people at the begininng of his moves. Aikido can be practical, but only after practicing for a long time. After you learn balance and body mechanics it's not so much about moves and knowing where you can move next and control the opponent.
It also emphasises (some styles) softness, which are great for wrestling.

You have to be carefull because some people see it as some type of new agism and make it too soft. If I mix in kicks and punches, then it's a great combinaton.

When I taught in the states it was in a kng-fu/karate dojo. So I would take what the teacher taught and show how to defend against it in the aikido style. Mix in strikes (ok, not pure aikido) and you have a good style.

The best thing about it is you relearn body mechanics, so in a fight, when things get chaotic and you loose your coordination due to adrenaline, you will at least lower your center of gravity, keep soft, etc.