Shiho,
I appreciate your comparison of aikido training to judo training. I honestly can not perceive a difference between well done aikido technique and well done judo technique.
For example:
http://www.judoinfo.com/video4.htm click on Kyuzo Mifune Sumi Otoshi
The 'gentle way' saved my life and the lives of my parents, but that is a very personal story.
I will share from my heart that I miss judo randori; the feeling of freedom during good ukemi, and moreso the joy of turning out of big throws and throwing partner entirely with their energy is something I yearn to feel again.
David