Help! How to explain what Aikido is in one sentence

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[Tony Hudspith]

Hi everyone
If you can put yourself in my place for a moment and sympathise with me but more importantly help me.
I was at a wedding recently in my suit etc on which I always wear an Aikido lapel badge. This always bring up the question "What's that Aikido you do then?"
I can koshi people from one end of the mat to the other. I can taisabaki like a spinning top but can I hell give a good answer to that question.
People tend to answer it for me by saying "Is that the one with the sticks?"
If anyone can come up with an ideal, one sentence phrase to sum up Aikido I would be greatly appreciated. I think I gave a different answer each time as the previous one wasn't to my liking.
I can see this one being a difficult thread to answer.
Many thanks

Tony

[David Humm]

-- Answer.. don't wear an aikido badge which draws questions.

[MM]

How about ...

Using universal harmony to hit your attacker with a planet? :)

[odudog]

How about: a non-violent martial art of unarmed self defense.

[wildaikido]

Aikido is a martial art that emphasises harmonising with the energy of your partner, through techniques that include strikes, locks, and throws (and yes we use sticks :D).

Regards,

[Dewey]

I love these situations (note my sarcasm) because no matter what you say, it's not adaquate nor does it do justice to Aikido. I try to keep it real simple, then only go into details if they seem interested.

To people somewhat familiar with the martial arts:
"It's a style of jujutsu."

To those with no knowledge of the martial arts:
"It's like Judo"
-or-
"It's a modern version of the martial art that the samurai used"

To my 87 year old grandmother who gets confused easily, I just call it Judo...and hope O'Sensei will forgive me!

My reasoning? Most folks, even with very little or no knowledge of the martial arts, at least have an idea what Judo is...if not just from what they see on TV or in the movies. If they don't know what Judo is, they at least know what a samurai is.

[Qatana]

"That stuff Steven Segal "does"".
(yes I am being facetious)(and refuse to use smileys)

[Mark Uttech]

My simple answer has always been: "Aikido? Aikido is wonderful." and for those who persist, I add, "come and see."

In gassho,

Mark

[Michael Meister]

I find a variation of nikyo quite useful. You know, that kind of thing, when people try take something out of someones elses hand, by prying back fingers... that certainly isn't aikido.
Aikido is, when they actually let go, because you help them keep a tight grip on the object they want so much.

[lbb]

-- Answer.. don't wear an aikido badge which draws questions.

That would be my approach, too. Wearing a badge invites questions that can't be adequately answered with a one-liner. If you're not prepared to have a discussion, best leave the badge at home.

[Erick Mead]

Why is everyone missing the obvious?

Aikido is explained around the world in a single sentence:

"Here, grab my wrist."

[Mark Uttech]

Why is everyone missing the obvious?

Aikido is explained around the world in a single sentence:

"Here, grab my wrist."

I don't think that "here, grab my wrist" works at all and does not give a good impression; it makes skeptical people all the more skeptic. That may be why it isn't as obvious as you think. It would be interesting to have a poll to see how many people actually use that sentence.

In gassho,

Mark

[statisticool]

martial art focused on blending with an attack

?

[Erick Mead]

I don't think that "here, grab my wrist" works at all and does not give a good impression; it makes skeptical people all the more skeptic. That may be why it isn't as obvious as you think. It would be interesting to have a poll to see how many people actually use that sentence. Does no one anymore have a sense of humor ? Obviously, you have no idea how long a sentence I usually cobble together.

Try this as a condensed but very close paraphrase of O Sensei:

"In Aikido you never go against the attacker's power -- using the principle of absolute nonresistance, all attacking power is contained inside a circle, and striking or cutting, there is essentially one line or one point -- avoid this, remain outside of that circle, and he becomes powerless, and no matter how strong he is, you can convert him in a gentle way because you can pin him easily while you are outside of his circle, while he has already become powerless."

NOW "Grab my wrist and try to punch me."

[Dewey]

Does no one anymore have a sense of humor ?....

(cut/edit)

...NOW "Grab my wrist and try to punch me."

Did you ever notice my signature?

[Mark Freeman]

Does no one anymore have a sense of humor ? Obviously, you have no idea how long a sentence I usually cobble together.

Erick, your sentences are the stuff of legend, I hear that the Oxford English department are now running a module entitled "How does he do that?";)

regards,

Mark
p.s Aikido is "loving your attacker into submission"

[Aikibu]

Hi everyone
If you can put yourself in my place for a moment and sympathise with me but more importantly help me.
I was at a wedding recently in my suit etc on which I always wear an Aikido lapel badge. This always bring up the question "What's that Aikido you do then?"
I can koshi people from one end of the mat to the other. I can taisabaki like a spinning top but can I hell give a good answer to that question.
People tend to answer it for me by saying "Is that the one with the sticks?"
If anyone can come up with an ideal, one sentence phrase to sum up Aikido I would be greatly appreciated. I think I gave a different answer each time as the previous one wasn't to my liking.
I can see this one being a difficult thread to answer.
Many thanks

Tony

Was she hot??? You know.... The babe that asked you "what Aikido was"....LOL :D

Next time...stay centered...breath deeply...and the answer will come to naturally just like the techniques do:cool: LOL

My standard Chick Answer.... "Aikido is the way of love baby." :D

It works..................Sometimes anyway.:eek:

William Hazen

[SeiserL]

The art of entering and blending.

[Aikibu]

The art of entering and blending.

Tried that line a few times.... I always ended up with a drink on me or a slap on my face...:D

William Hazen

A Master of the Gentle Art of AI-( as in you!!)CAD-DO

[Dewey]

Was she hot??? You know.... The babe that asked you "what Aikido was"....LOL :D

Next time...stay centered...breath deeply...and the answer will come to naturally just like the techniques do:cool: LOL

My standard Chick Answer.... "Aikido is the way of love baby." :D

It works..................Sometimes anyway.:eek:

William Hazen

Tried that line a few times.... I always ended up with a drink on me or a slap on my face...:D

William Hazen

A Master of the Gentle Art of AI-( as in you!!)CAD-DO

http://brianpdewey.com/bania2.jpg

That's gold, William, gold!

[wildaikido]

(and refuse to use smileys)

:eek: This makes me :( What have the :) little smileys done to you :confused:

You should be :o things like this make me :grr:

[adriangan]

How about: a non-violent martial art of unarmed self defense.

Mike beat me to it...Hmm...if I were to give a different definition when asked by someone who doesn't know anything about Martial Arts, I'd tell them it's kinda like the Golf of Martial Arts :D

[xuzen]

Aikido is a private non-judgemental, non-gender bias, non ageist, non-anything S&M club. We pay top money to have total stranger produce pain upon us. Instead of leather thong.. we wear a Hakama. But still HAWT baby!

Boon.

[happysod]

Aikido is "loving your attacker into submission" As this is a PG12A website I'm going to have to leave that one alone... so is your nickname really sensei lurve?

[SeiserL]

[QUOTE=William Hazen;188242]Tried that line a few times.... I always ended up with a drink on me or a slap on my face...:D QUOTE]
Ah yes, the old days before I studied Aikido. I remember them all too well. ;-)

[Daniel Ranger-Holt]

Everyone says to me..."ah aikido, the one with the sticks." I just let em go with that. Cos if i tell em self defence they come along, then realise its going to take a bit longer than they want to learn this "self defence" and leave anyway.

lol @ "grab my wrist"

[Mark Freeman]

As this is a PG12A website I'm going to have to leave that one alone... so is your nickname really sensei lurve?

I go by many names Ian, so if you wish to use this one when you address me....feel free ( it does have an particular aiki bunny feel to it ) :D ;)

regards,

Mark
p.s. I was under the impression that O Sensei said that "Aikido is love" among many other things.

[wildaikido]

p.s. I was under the impression that O Sensei said that "Aikido is love" among many other things.

Aikido is life!

[Paul Sanderson-Cimino]

1) Don't wear an "aikido badge". That's dorky. The little American flags are bad enough.

2) I'll echo what was said early on --
A) "It's a style of jujutsu" (if they know martial arts)
B) "It's like judo" (if they don't)

I would be wary of saying something like "It's based on samurai martial arts" because that sounds a little ... you know?

If someone is further curious, I'd say it's a re-formulation of classical jujutsu styles. I might work in my current understanding of the roots of aikido by suggesting, "For example, ways to break free of a hold or draw a weapon when someone's trying to prevent you from doing so." I'd then add something about how the modern art of aikido is usually studied as a way of improving interactions and similar personal goals.

[Dewey]

I'll echo what was said early on --
A) "It's a style of jujutsu" (if they know martial arts)
B) "It's like judo" (if they don't)

I would be wary of saying something like "It's based on samurai martial arts" because that sounds a little ... you know?


Yeah, I thunk that one up all by myself, and it does sound very SCA-like. I haven't used that one yet and hope I never have to, although I almost had to. Thankfully the person saw the movie "The Last Samurai" so I used that as my springboard.

[SeiserL]

Aikido is not a spectator sport that can be explained in words.

[mathewjgano]

Aikido is not a spectator sport that can be explained in words.

I was just about to say the same thing by quoting the doka of the day!
:D

[Derek]

As to "here grab my wrist"

At my office, when someone asks me about aikido, everyone who has already asked quickly warns the would be grabber, "don't do it!!"

And me, a kindler gentler aikidoka.

[SeiserL]

And me, a kindler gentler aikidoka.
According to who? ;-)

[Shannon Frye]

Sorry Mark, Gotta go with Eric on this one - it's the first thing that came to my mind as well (whether as a joke or serious).

Aikido "explained through words" is just words - and subjective to that persons experiences. Aikido is best "experienced". Too many people "talk " martial arts - not enough DO aikido.
:circle: :triangle: :circle:
Shannon

I don't think that "here, grab my wrist" works at all and does not give a good impression; it makes skeptical people all the more skeptic. That may be why it isn't as obvious as you think. It would be interesting to have a poll to see how many people actually use that sentence.

In gassho,

Mark

[Jess McDonald]

I like the S&M analogy; pain for money. LOL :)

[Qatana]

if you're gonna use a S&M analogy its more like Total Power Exchange, ot the Ultimate Switch...

[Mark Freeman]

Aikido "explained through words" is just words - and subjective to that persons experiences. Aikido is best "experienced". Too many people "talk " martial arts - not enough DO aikido.
:circle: :triangle: :circle:
Shannon

Them there's fightin' words Shannon;)

[Dewey]

Sorry Mark, Gotta go with Eric on this one - it's the first thing that came to my mind as well (whether as a joke or serious).

Aikido "explained through words" is just words - and subjective to that persons experiences. Aikido is best "experienced". Too many people "talk " martial arts - not enough DO aikido.
:circle: :triangle: :circle:
Shannon

Them there's fightin' words Shannon;)

http://brianpdewey.com/yoda.jpg

"Do...or do not. There is no try...."
O'Sensei Yoda

[JeffDuncan]

Hi everyone
If"What's that Aikido you do then?"

Tony

"Its a Force Using Force Martial Art."
Im Lazy- Instead of having a physical struggle with a guy I perfer to ride His Muscles helping him see the errors of his ways.

This is usually followed by some muscle grabbing me or punching at me. (I work on a military installation, where "combatitives" are a way of life).

Ikei,
Jeff Duncan

[Shannon Frye]

Hehehe - "Uhoh- betcha'd really like to --- grab my wrist, huh?!"

Sorry - couldn't resist!!!

:D
Them there's fightin' words Shannon;)

[Tony Hudspith]

Hi everyone
Thanks for these amazing replies, some funny, some serious and some..... well let's just leave them others alone shall we?
I'm glad to see there are so many different thoughts on what Aikido is and goes to show my answers have all been right but also wrong in that they are all insufficient.
As for the people telling me not to wear the badge,this is something that generates interest in Aikido and I have managed to enhance peoples lives by introducing them into Aikido. So if I look dorky wearing a badge then it's worth it.
As what Sensei Seiser said, "Aikido is not a spectator sport" he is spot on with that comment. People need to get out there and try it and we ALL need to spark their interest by talking to them first then after their first session of nikyo's and kote gaishi's smile and walk away before the get you back LOL
Once again many thanks

Tony

[Aikibu]

Hi everyone
Thanks for these amazing replies, some funny, some serious and some..... well let's just leave them others alone shall we?
I'm glad to see there are so many different thoughts on what Aikido is and goes to show my answers have all been right but also wrong in that they are all insufficient.
As for the people telling me not to wear the badge,this is something that generates interest in Aikido and I have managed to enhance peoples lives by introducing them into Aikido. So if I look dorky wearing a badge then it's worth it.
As what Sensei Seiser said, "Aikido is not a spectator sport" he is spot on with that comment. People need to get out there and try it and we ALL need to spark their interest by talking to them first then after their first session of nikyo's and kote gaishi's smile and walk away before the get you back LOL
Once again many thanks

Tony

All dorkiness aside... did you get her to check out Aikido or a Date? :)

William Hazen

[Walter Martindale]

I'm amazed... 2 pages of replies and nobody's posted:

"Origami - with people"
Cheers
8-)
W

[Mattias Bengtsson]

While this is a bit longer than one sentence, I explained Aikido to a couple of beginners as:

"If youre out on the street or in a bar, and there's this guy trying to start a fight with you and you just now this is gonna go bad, and there no way for you to get out of there, do you:

1) punch the guy in the face or kick him, then you probably should go train boxing or karate or something

if you:

2) grab his arm as he holds you, throw him down to the ground and apply a painful lock to him, then you should go train Judo or Jujitsu or similar

but if you:

3) keep talking him out of the fight, trying to defuse the situation until the very end..

then go train Aikido..."

[tedehara]

"That stuff Steven Segal "does"".
(yes I am being facetious)(and refuse to use smileys) :)
:D

[observer]

Just, for me. (http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-4352036890688171625&q=aikido+reverse&total=12&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=3):)

[grondahl]

And the point is?

(trying to solve the conflict without violence is kind of common sense, is common sense something we learn in the dojo :freaky: ?)

While this is a bit longer than one sentence, I explained Aikido to a couple of beginners as:

"If youre out on the street or in a bar, and there's this guy trying to start a fight with you and you just now this is gonna go bad, and there no way for you to get out of there, do you:......

3) keep talking him out of the fight, trying to defuse the situation until the very end..

then go train Aikido..."

[Mattias Bengtsson]

And the point is?

(trying to solve the conflict without violence is kind of common sense, is common sense something we learn in the dojo :freaky: ?)

no..
You are quite misunderstanding what I'm trying to say here.

When I spoke to these two beginners I was trying to point out to them that solving problems varies from person to person.
We are all different, me, for instance don't try to take out my frustrations on some other person just because someone else don't agree with my opinions on a forum in another thread...

So what I was telling these two kids is that depending on how one prefers to solve a problem in life, some martial arts might be more suitable than others. Aikido being the one most suitable to people who seek peaceful resolutions.

If you believed I was saying that I learn how to solve violent situations by talking myself out of them at our dojo, youre quite wrong. in our dojo I learn how to be able to break someones wrist or elbow if they try to punch me...

That doesn't mean that is how I will solve the situation though, because I'd rather not fight at all.. and if I were forced into it, I would use it as a final option even then..

In fact, it is a good fortune I am such a gentle person who don't want to hurt anyone, considering some of the dangerous aspects of some techniques.

I guess I could have phrased it in another way:
"there are three kind of people who train martial arts. There are those who want to win fights, so they train Boxing or MMA and compete.
There are those who want to be able to defend themselves, so they train things like jujitsu, krav maga.
And then there are those that don't want to fight, and they train Aikido..."

Another sweeping generalization of different martial arts, but I think
the point comes across. :D

[Mattias Bengtsson]

And the point is?
common sense, :freaky: ?)

Youd be surprised on how many people out there in the world who lacks common sense in different situations.. Martial artists or not..

[Elaine Adams]

I always answer "come along to Peterlee on a Thursday night and train with one of the best Sempai in my organisation and find out"

Ok for that green belt now Tony? :D

[Angela Dunn]

* Elaine Cough Sensei Cough!*

The kids at respect now call it the place where Ange learns how to go beat up people ...(Me Never!!! I have no idea where they got that impression but a few did take interest in the younger members class :) ) or "An unusual form of keeping fit" depending on which age group.

I tend to describe it as a Martial arts form of self defence, it works for most people.

[Robert Gardner]

QUick question, and I know its off topic, but anyone heading to Billingham tomorrow mind passing past Boro? Colin can't give me a lift.

Edit: Or Peterlee on Thursday...either is good.

[Nikopol]

"grab my wrist"

Yes after I thought about it. It seems that some of the posters haven't clicked that this is about having them grab your wrist and then (gently!) applying a technique, or a few techniques.

In other words, words about Aikido are not Aikido,
the demonstration gives them an actual idea of what it is,

and may lead to more explanation and understanding.

so perhaps "grab my wrist" is not the explanation, it is the invitation.

then the explanation is, "Aikido is this.."