John Boswell

You say he is not arrogant and not talking in a bad manner, yet how can he judge aikido after watching half of one class?

He has no understanding why we train the way we do.
He has no real experience with someone that has trained in aikido for as long as he has JKD.
He passes judgement and forms an opinion on aikido based on his experience with you, hits you (even if it is a light hit) and you know that isn't a fair opinion of aikido... so why do you defend him?

If he's right, why do you trian in aikido?

The answer is not to carry rocks or do anything crazy or silly to get "better." Continue to TRAIN to get better. Work on your own skill... not against his.

If you do continue to "train" with this friend of yours, look for openings in his attacks. You say he's punching continuously? Is he in a horse stance? Kick him in the jewels! When he blocks that, take that arm and continue the circle and throw him in kaiten nage! Look for openings... but the best opening this guy has is the door leading away from him. He is arrogant. Don't kid yourself.

That's my opinion. Good luck with whatever you choose.