in respect by the ff Aikidokas post.
by: Dieter Haffner:
Aikido stands where it is now thanks to all the challenges Morihei Ueshiba did not step away from or were engaged by himself.
And let us not forget the shihans that introduced aikido to the world. If I am not mistaken, they were challenged a lot as well.
Shall we call them all hypocrites?
by: Dan Rubin
Feelings on "open mat" policy
http://www.aikiweb.com/forums/showth...t=15980&page=2
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by: Andrew Macdonald
My 2 cents
yeah, perfectly ok to challenge and rise to the challenge of other arts, we pactice a maritla art after all, challening other arts can really let you see how good your techniques is especailly when, the other person doesn't know the uke side of the arrangement, and won't allow you to do a technique
however, you must keep in mind the spirit in which you offer and/or accept these challenges. if you go in as a meat head looking to throw down then maybe you need some time to look at yourself. and if such a person enters your dojo you haev a choice, show him the door or show him the floor
by: Dalen Johnson
Heres my take on it:
What is it you think Aikido does and what is it for?
I mean what situations is it best suited for?
Do you know, do you have experience? Have you tested the other waters yourself? [one of the requirements for my 2nd kyu test will be to have, at minimum, observed another martial art.]
Why is this?
Things are part of a bigger picture, as it were.
Aikido came from jui-jitusu and has even changed itself over the years from that of what the founder originally practiced.
In my opinion there is yin-yang and Aikido and MMA would be a good example of that.
Each has their place, and when and why they are effective.
Knowing this is key to when someone comes up and is curious as to if your art works... By working, what does that mean and how does that apply?
As for those that say Aikido is deadly... not sure that is what your implying... it could be. But as discussed in other forums, the way some people attack your more than likely to be missed if you didnt move.
I will say straight up that there is nothing wrong with practicing Aikido in a way that is not as live, or rather more 'artistic' than that of MMA. It has a legit value and something that should be strived for which is the harmony.
Many times people come in and they do want to overlook the aspect of harmony and its role. Little do they know that as they age that perhaps they will want to find alternatives to pain in their training. And yet someone may argue that how does this help them on the street, which means they missed the whole point.
In a real situation its about not getting in the fight.
{Geez, you would thought everyone watched karate kid by now!}
But this is not only a nice philosophical buzz... its the truth.
My point is that fighting should not occur unless its a mutual decision, and that much of what we think is unavoidable is avoidable if we learn more about who we are and how what we do gets us into some of the messes it does.
Again, this comes with time and experience.
Though in this world it could be that a younger generation wont need the years of suffering that we obviously have needed with wars, etc. to learn this.
So step into my dojo, and Ill give you options.
You want to box... get some gloves. You want to learn some principles that you can take with you in various aspects of life, then we can get into Aikido.
Part of that is training with people in a close enviroment that you would otherwise not want to train with. Many times we train with one partner who we feel comfortable with. That wont train you for anything, let alone for the street as many so believe they are prepping for.
Get to know yourself by working with different energies around you, and you will be amazed at how fast you pick things up...
Peace
dAlen
by: George S. Ledyard
Just remember what Funakoshi said... If it's not important enough for one of you to die for, then you shouldn't be fighting.
by: Jon Reading
I believe it is acceptable to engage another martial artist who challenges your competence as a martial artist. I think you create a positive environement in which to test each other's skill, and you enjoy the opportunity to learn about yourself. Or, you decline the challenge and cite your experience is not sufficient to engage in a challenge. There is nothing wrong with saying, "I can't beat you, you are better than I." You never know, maybe that person works down to your level and you still have a great training experience.
Aikido does not need defense. If someone challenges aikido, they can write hombu dojo and express their concerns for the quality of the art. It is inappropriate to challenge a system because you have no personal control over that system, only your skill in learning and using that system.
by: Mannix Moya
On the side, would you know how Omar Camar responded to challenges during the dojo storming days? Maybe you can start a thread about it
(Its just me: when the storm past our country and yet there is another storm coming).