What is "combat"?

Bill Danosky wrote: You probably know this- The Kidotai (those black armored Tokyo riot police) agree- They are required to complete the famously grueling, year long Yoshinkan boot camp before they get their button. And nobody thinks they're not ready for duty. Civilian students at Hombu that get the nod from Kancho can enter the Senshusei course, too. That's like letting civilians into Navy Seal training!

Actually, that training is done for only one reason and that is to toughen those guys up and get them in shape. If you look at what riot police do on the job there is virtually no opportunity for anything that resembles Aikido (other than jo and they get their jo training from Jodo folks at the department).

Kevin Leavitt wrote: Bill, I was just reading through your post. I hope you don't think that Kit and I think aikido type training is not a valid form of training. As obviously the Japanese feel it is worthwile. Some Trivia: Who played a big part in the founding and shaping the Marine Corps Martial Arts Program (MCMAP)?

Since I'm highlighting what a huge range of techiniques and training there is in Aikido, even I would say there are dojos whose programs are not suited for real life applications. So it seems like we are all three thinking the same thing.

I do want to mention that Yoshinkan Aikido is very much more martial than some types, and deals with both kinds of ukes- willing and unwilling.

BTW, Kevin- Who did play the part in founding the MCMAP?

Richard Strozzi-Heckler Sensei. A good read on the subject, and I highly recommend it, his book, "In Search of the Warrior Spirit". You should get the latest edition (This year or last year), as it contains updates since he originally wrote it back in the late 80's.

The DNA of aikido is in MCMAP. While not directly involved with the Army's MACP, the same underlying principles are there.

I hear that Yoshinkan is very forthright in their approach. I have no experience with it so I cannot comment.

Get the book and read it if you have not!

That's very interesting- We are taught that those odd attacks uke originates are from ancient weapon retention techniques. Katate is derived from someone trying to stop you from drawing your katana, and that kind of thing. I'll admit they're outdated now, but these were still valid attacks when O Sensei was learning. It's always fun to have nights where you practice your waza against more western attacks.

It'd be interesting to study applying Aikido skills to the statistical attacks in that Calibre Press report. You guys are really lucky to have regular access to the miltary and police programs.