[Amnell]

There seem to be a lot of people who want to do or already love doing Aikido. I can't quite figure out why, though, because most other systems with an emphasis on self-defense or combat have teachers that will tell you that Aikido, as it is taught today, is next to useless.

I brought this up with my head instructor last Thursday after our grappling class. I was partnered with someone twice my size and it occured to me that the principles of Aikido would have been handy, and commented as much to my instructor. He told me that the philosophy is great, but the techniques are dated and no longer viable!

(I somewhat disagree with him on the last comment, but he does have a point about their being dated)

I hear this quite frequently. I've heard it so much that I would like to get a lot of experience with a different art like Jujutsu that also uses joint-manipulation and takedowns and then try Aikido. Y'know, get a solid foundation in something that "works" and then get all philosophical.

What do other people hear about Aikido? What makes you want to study it?

The art that I would like to get into next is Arnis/Escrima. I've had lots of exposure to it throughout my life as a martial artist, but never once had it as a focus. I recently learned that there is a school near to where I live, I just don't have the money to go to my current school and this one, also! Suxxorz.