To Aikido or Not To Aikido

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[Wyllie]

If you had to choose between Aikido and Judo, without any possibility of cross-training, which one would you choose ?
Why ?

I ask this question because after more than 15 years in the striking arts, I've decided to move on (age is also a factor, I'm turning 34 this month) to grappling-oriented arts.

I've looked around and I'm in doubt between Judo and Aikido.
At this moment, due to my limited free time, I can only choose between one of them.

Thanks in advance for the advices.

Rgds,
Alexandre Wyllie

[Paul Sanderson-Cimino]

Compare local dojos. Find out which has the better instructor and environment.
My feeling is that you'd like aikido better, perhaps because it seems to involve strikes more often, whereas judo (it seems) removes them from the picture. But honestly? Take a look around. I doubt either would be a waste of time.

[Ron Tisdale]

Paul is right...try both and go with the best instructor.

Ron

[Larry Feldman]

Aikido will probably be easier on the body, and when done right easier to practice 'later in life' - especially in the softer styles.

[mj]

If all else is equal, at 35 do Aikido.

If it was 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 I would have said Judo.

[Noel]

Like buying a car, test drive both, do the one that suits you better.

I've tried both, and Aikido fits my mind better. Also know people for whom the opposite is true.

[Lyle Laizure]

I agree with visiting the dojos you have to choose from and determine which will best suite your needs. I am partial to Aikido but to be honest I have not studied Judo.

Good luck.

[PeterR]

Aikido will probably be easier on the body, and when done right easier to practice 'later in life' - especially in the softer styles.
Larry is right. I started Judo at 40 (I'm 42) to basically up my randori time. I do it once a week and I tell you the physical workout is fantastic. You really have to ask yourself what do you want to with your martial arts.

[Devon Natario]

I would do whichever your heart and body desire. I personally research a lot before choosing a dojo to train at.

I want a humble instructor that gives freely of his knowledge, one that is approachable, and one that holds good morals.

Sometimes I dont find this out until I have trained for a few months, but hey- thats okay with me.

I suggest watching a few classes in each, maybe even participating in a few classes. Then choose which one you want. No need to rush into it.

[Emily Fine]

I think you should read about it, and then sit in on a few classes of both styles. What do you have to lose? I'd pick the one that you like the most, and one that has an enviornment where you can learn and be comfortable =) You won't have fun in aikido if the dojo is full of scary people!!!

Good luck in whatever decision you make!

~Emily

[kocakb]

If all else is equal, at 35 do Aikido.

If it was 5, 10, 15, 20 or 25 I would have said Judo.

you are right, I am 26 and after have watched the olympic games, I have a huge desire to start to Judo. Unfortunately, I can not afford training at an other dojo, too.
I like the quarrel !!! helps to calm down after spending your accumulated energy of a work day :yuck: .
If I had to make a choose between them, I would prefer Aikido...(is my first love and want to continue till I am an old old man :) )

[ian]

I pretty much agree. The quality of the instruction is often more important than the martial art, though it really depends on your purpose of doing martial arts. I would say modern competitive Judo is not a self-defence in any complete way, and I often think aikido is better understood by people who have some experience in a striking art (i.e. the reasons for particular body movement and methods during the techniques tends to assume the uke can strike you at any time - this is obviously not the case in Judo)

[Jordan Steele]

The "test drive theory" is the best, but personally I think Aikido will be a better choice and it also provides a solid foundation if you wish to train in other MA later in life. Check te schools out though, the teacher is the most important.