A burning question - or is it?

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[bobmaxine]

I wouldn't mind engaging in a little dialogue about the practicality of what we do. I proceed under the assumption that we would not likely come out unscathed in an actual violent encounter with a knowledgeable fighter - and that this is absolutely ok with me, that aikido is not only seperate from the outside world (aesthetically speaking) but quite apart from questions of "who would win". We are constantly considering the best way to unbalance uke etc. after a fully committed prearranged attack but not worried about things like fakes, kicks or other tactics from knowledgeable attackers. But since what we are after (a certain state of mind) does not depend on these considerations, we need not overly worry about them. Is this so?

[Chris Li]

I proceed under the assumption that we would not likely come out unscathed in an actual violent encounter with a knowledgeable fighter

Well, most likely nobody would, no matter the martial art. It's not whether or not you emerge unscathed that matters, it's what the other guy looks like.

Best,

Chris