The USAF should really consider implementing the open mind policy to mixing Aikido with other forms. Martial Arts evolution is inevitable. The spiritual, cultural Aikido is stagnating the martial part of the art. Aikido is a modern martial art that has evolved from the core foundation of other martial forms.
The world we live in today requires all martial arts to continue the natural progression of evolving. Real life self defense as it pertains today, requires a constant vigilant approach to effectiveness. The Aikido world needs some refinement and reform. The purist mindset only serves to catapult the demise of the effectiveness in Aikido. Why allow a great martial art such as Aikido, diminish to fantasy and fairy tales. With all the bad publicity on youtube and other public arenas, the morale of the Aikido community could serve to deal with the realities of some Aikido concepts, which has become forums for public bashing. Yes we can ignore what other say, but some would like to see evolution continue the effectiveness route, rather than the cultural route.
I think organizations such as Real Aikido, are attempting to address this issue. They have applied the core foundation of Aikido and applied several concepts from Judo and Jujitsu. It would seem to some, especially those who are open minded that we would embrace the Real Aikido organization rather than undermine there concepts, Aikikai organization. It only serves in the best interest of the true nature of martial arts that we exhaust the principles of effectiveness and keep an open mind to learning other martial concepts.
The core foundation of Aikido for martial arts can be very effective, but there are some serious limitations to certain aspects of the art. We need more realistic approaches to countering certain real life attacks according to todays aggressive attackers. The cultural, spiritual aspects can be extremely annoying for those of us who are concerned with pure self defense and not a cultural lesson. Again the organization, such as Real Aikido should be embraced.
