Aikido Guy Learning from a Pro UFC Fighter • Modernize Aikido • Ep02

In this video Pro UFC fighter, Tai Chi practitioner Nick Osipczak is giving tips on a live Skype session to an Aikido instructor who is interested to modernize his Aikido to present standards of effective martial arts.
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[@RaisedSpirit]

I had a great time recording this with you Rokas, thank you for being so open-minded and helping benefit the traditional martial arts community! Until next time brother

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thank you! The pleasure was all mine! Looking forward for next projects

[@mcsmoothstyle]

I saw such a high level of respect between both of you trying to find that balance with traditional and modern mma.

[@tomsmith8058]

I just want to say you are amazing. It takes a real humble heart to recognize one's own faults and fix it. After your spar with that MMA guy you could have just blamed others and not do anything. But here you are, almost like a scientist, self-reflecting and doing something about it. Don't listen to all the haters that talk shit about you. The guys that say aikido is shit and talk shit about you. The guys that say you are an apostate and ruining "pure aikido." You are walking your own Budo and that inspires me. Your actions and the journey you are taking are teaching me a lot as well. Keep it going!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thank you Tom. Your words are really motivating for me

[@TheNewton777]

These are very practical videos on how to implement aikido techniques realistically. Great content. Please make more 👍

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks. I'm glad to see positive response

[@GroundZero_US]

Those were a actually some great techniques. You’ve progressed extremely quick

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks!

[@yusufuddin2988]

A very insightful and informative video.

[@nixland]

I like the spirit of the videos that is open mindedness, no ego to learn more. Like it

[@Roro-dr7bg]

Great work! exposing traditional aikido to reality! thank you!

[@cesarag0723]

Great video! I am using some similar drills to handle more dynamic attacks from boxing right now. In the same vein, we learn boxing attacks and boxing movements, then adapt an aikido technique from a boxers entry/counter attack. First we start with boxing drills, then boxing slip/weave, then add Aikido. Once take down is achieved, then we talk about grappling/pinning. Good to see similar movements in the experiment. Will have to share on FB at some point. Keep it up!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Sounds great!

[@WolfKenneth]

That one was great! :)

[@Jenjak]

Awesome video !! :)

[@harageilucid4352]

This is cool man.

[@troym33]

Good on ya for looking for the weaknesses and strengths in your game and being realistic about it.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

+troym33 thanks. I feel that I very important to do

[@AztecUnshaven]

Slick Nick! Hope to see him signed back to the UFC soon! Dude has some top skills and great fights.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

+Unshaven One He's great! I agree

[@46jokers]

Good stuff ...good work :) keep them comiing :)

[@Docinaplane]

There is another way to control from the side. Instead of putting your arm under his and on his back, put your arm over his high on his arm and bend your arm forward. Then take your right arm and put in on the back of his neck while at the same time grabbing your right wrist with the left hand. This is a kimora type position, and you will feel the added strength and rigidity of using both your arms together. Then force him down or knee with either knee. This is also very aikito like, I think.

[@TheRubypokespe]

The concept of Fulcrum is the grappler's best friend

[@georgesoros8]

I think its great he is keeping an open mind to other martial art styles and training methods, because most aikido sensei i have seen and met are not open minded at all. They just trust their techniques will work. Thing is, as he continues it makes me wonder if one day he might decide to quit aikido and do something else. I did aikido for two years long time ago myself.

[@methodkid93]

I think this was great!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks

[@tmibeard]

On that kaitenage, cup your hand closer to the elbow instead of the shoulder to get more leverage.

[@killersalmon4359]

That punching drill in the beginning is how Tai-Sabaki should be taught/trained IMHO. It should be part of every warmup or cooldown (or both?).

[@pedrovillacis3776]

It seem like someone is making history here! Great video. Keep doing them!

[@anthonyallen3328]

This was a lot better in trying to make your akido alive with resistance.

[@killersalmon4359]

This is crazy - the modifications that the Taijiquan guy is suggesting to make Irimi-nage is a fairly common variation of Irimi-nage.

[@chaos_omega]

The arm drag and the Russian tie (2-on-1) seem like they would be excellent wrestling techniques to add to and aikidoka's repertoire. Once you've done lots of wrestling for takedowns and are comfortable with the Russian tie position, you could probably transition to aikido techniques more easily.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Agreed. Actually in one of the following videos that I will publish in this series my guest will introduce me to exactly those two techniques (Russian tie and arm drag)

[@AztecUnshaven]

that's one of the things Steven Seagal helped Daniel Cormier with, in his first bout with Jon Jones.

[@Joelvel]

Great vid.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks!

[@elenchus]

Some tips for your mukae daoshi (the head drop technique you were attempting, essentially trying to convert your modern irimi nage to the older version). Unfortunately, the original technique, which was called mukae daoshi, was apparently lost in aikikai, but in older styles, like yoseikan budo, you can still learn it. Anyway, your friend's basic advice is correct, put the hand on the very lower back and push in. I would disagree with the face advice merely because the face is very slippery. Instead, ideally, you'll hook your elbow under the chin. This isn't a clothesline attack, but instead, you're changing the angle of their chin/head via the movement of your own elbow. First, applying the technique with your right hand, with your elbow deep under their chin, reach up to wave "hi" to friends. This will elevate their chin and cause them to lean backwards. This next part is very important, and I didn't see you executing it here (likely due to the differences in post-WW2 aikido techniques). After waving hi, immediately reach down with your right hand to pick a quarter off the ground. This should be almost straight down, not backwards, although it works best if it's at something like a 45 degree angle off their center in your direction. This is a much, much more powerful way to execute the technique than the various modern incarnations. However, it can be easily resisted if the opponent gets their chin down or is actively putting their weight forward to offset you. If they force you out but you still have the position, I switch to judo's o soto gari. Instead of using the lapel to push the opponent down after reaping their leg, I'm using using my arm, either under their chin or on their face. This same modification can also be applied to a failed shiho nage. If you opt to try this, make sure your partner keeps their mouth closed or ideally wears a mouthguard. It will pop their jaw shut if you hit it right. As per arm bars, aikido did have a few. There were timbin nage (an arm bar throw), hiji kudaki (a standing arm bar) and kannuki hiki tate. I use timbin nage in BJJ sometimes from side control, as a submission instead of a throw. If it's possible, I'd see if you can find a good yoseikan budo aikidoka to bring those old techniques back, and the more combative, randori-intensive way that aikido was taught before WW2, because yoseikan guys have been doing free style fighting with aikido for about a century now.

[@vesuvius2444]

I love these videos. Although can you get an mma fighter in person to train you at one point?

[@RaisedSpirit]

we are working on it!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Nick (Raised Spirit) said it!

[@vilimikkola2545]

I love watching your martial arts journey, especially from mma/bjj perspective I have :) but I feel you really should go (at least a couple of times) train with someone who has more striking experience than your student here. That would expose you to higher level striking in a safe environment, and more importantly, get experience in footwork.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

+Vili Mikkola I agree. Thank you for pointing that out. I am already considering this option and looking how to do. I've actually even done it once, but my coach that I trained with didn't want to go public on KZbin :) You'll still see more videos like this done by me because I've filmed quite a few already, yet in the future I think I'll add more aliveness into the videos and practicey

[@Devontaye]

Hey Rokas, I love how its turning out and I want to recommend you an idea. You said going for the wrist doesn't work but I disagree. In a video made by CatchJitsu, the fighter used Aikido in an MMA match. Here is what I'm thinking. I want you to get a BJJ / Wrestling /Judo guy to Hand Fight (standing and on knees) with you but try to implement your Aikido into it. After you can do that I think you can try with punches.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Hi Devin, yes, I've actually already successfully used wrist throws when rolling in BJJ so I am starting to see how they work. What I've meant in the video is that I was trying to do while catching the hands in the midst of a punch, rather than coming in close. Your advice to include an experienced practitioner is great. I am starting to look into that more and more as one of the next steps

[@Devontaye]

AikidoSiauliai You are very inspiring :) Thank you for doing these and reading comments and considering what people say. But Aikido CAN work in Ground Fighting? You should take note of what works and what doesn't. You should also do a video of you Grappling a partner and showing the Aikido techniques you use on them :D

[@timoernst]

Already got a name for your new Aikido style? 😁 What about MAA (Mixed Aikido Arts)? Or NBA (No Bullshit Aikido 😅)

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Lol :D Good one

[@MartialArtsJourney]

I'll consider the NBA ;D Just confusing with basketball

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Maybe NBSA :)

[@ezekielgarza1150]

the last move is a elbow lock not should lock. the best training is experience, just free sparr

[@richardaustincraven]

The MMA guy makes many recommendations that are taught in Shodokan Aikido (sport format).

[@MartialArtsJourney]

+Richard Craven I am actually very interested to connect with someone who is a dedicated and experienced practitioner of that. Do you have a recommendation of someone who would be interested?

[@richardaustincraven]

AikidoSiauliai - Our club is based in Edinburgh (Shodokan Scotland). I'm sure someone would be happy to answer some of your questions. Check us out on FB. :)

[@bozidarskobalj3166]

in new movie about bruce lee is excelent described use off technics and difference between shaolin and at the end shoes a birth off new style after being relaxed and preatiness off defending style scool and rooths and new creativity and also defense moves style as aikido as preaty or functional!

[@Kabamaru2000]

i am a BJJ black belt and a 2 Dan in Japanese JuJutsu,i have to congradulate you for this video.You are embracing the future while maintainning respect for the past. A M A Z I N G job,well done.OOSSSSSSSuuu

[@SRVGH34]

Great work. You must be used to the physical toughness of the UFC and BJJ fighters. A large part of their effectiveness is based on body toughness. I thing that even with a proper technique, you won't be able to implement it if you don't have at least a good physical condition. You must be used to be punched in the face otherwise you will always fear the moves of your partner and you won't be able to move properly.

[@user-kc9jw8sl6d]

Still without sparring this is just dance... more realistic dance but dance. You need some training with real punches without uke. Not a crushing battle - but the fight where "enemy" doesn't help you to do your job.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

I agree. I will be moving on to this as the following step

[@dielain]

What about nishio? You already have it in nishio aikido pls reply

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Hi, do you have video examples?

[@dielain]

AikidoSiauliai m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/baGspqdrp6uYpZY here s old skool example but you will not find everything in life through KZbin 😉 i practice nishio aikido in germany and we do sparring and pressure testing as well as the sowrd kata from nishio and its everywhere in germany and also denmark practised like that.. nishio has seen the problem aikido has in aikkikai style when faced with the term of self defence and effecienty and developed a new open system which is capable of.. i am happy that you do this stuff but also sad that you ve not studies and searched for originals that can help you in your development.. try a nishio school or visit a semknar or weekend workshop here s a link for germany

[@dielain]

www.nishio-aikido.de/English/1240610910296/index.htm. If you like you can contact the headteacher of germany

[@dielain]

AikidoSiauliai and you can find it in denmark and hungary too.. its a small group worldwide because it was seen as kind of unsual in aikido world .. but still you can find there loads of stuff you learn now.. just do ome researh please

[@dielain]

Would be kool if you can tell me your opinion After doing some Research ???'?

[@hattorihaso2579]

doing great but add in some gloves and real punching so you dont freeze up maybe take a few boxing lessons or kickboxing

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Good advice. I will look into it

[@loudcryofthe4thangel]

So...basically don't train Akido thinking it will teach you to actually fight.

[@backwardwalker]

I can see you are starting to progress. But you are missing a few critical "real fighting" skills. You won't get far until you learn a few key things. There are a few of the missing pieces that you can't get from standard Aikido, but which you need. 1. You need to learn how to shift your head out of the way. from jabs, swings and overhand strikes. Your fear of strikes is freezing you up, and preventing safe fast movement. Watch how boxers move their head. 2. You need to learn how to use your forearms, not your palms for deflections. There are no fingers in fighting, football and basketball. First deflect then shoot your hands to their shoulders or biceps, like boxers do when they get in trouble. 3. After you shift and deflect, you need to learn the basics of clinching like wrestlers and judoka.

[@BigLonerG]

I'd like to add to pt.3 for "real fighting skills". I'm a young Judo brown belt, but I've been doing Judo a lot longer (just didn't attempt getting my black belt and 2nd dan, etc... Now I've started MMA, been at it for 2 months now 3 days a week. Judo is not that handy at all haha :p, you always clinch without wearing a gi or clothes you can grip so wrestling has the advantage + if you clinch or do only takedown drills/sparring and further groundwork, most of the time you fall in a position where you need to know BJJ because Judo or wrestling just won't get you there. Judo is still great for dominating who gets took down though, just don't get too comfortable because wrestlers are strong and know just as good how to control someone standing up in a way they are immobilized and will fall down at your will :p

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks. Good tips. I am looking into it

[@backwardwalker]

The typical way Judo (and boxing and bjj and aikido) is trained leaves out how to clinch against strikes. But, once you learn how to do this against typical strikes, you WILL find many Judo throws and wrestling takedowns really work. But, MMA leaves out grabbing the belt and pants even though EVERYONE wears pants or shorts. And, once you get a belt or knee grip, the clinch happens right away. BJJ tactics don't work well against a standing striker when you're on your back. I suggest you get up ASAP to be safe.

[@Momsspaghetti777]

Why don’t you just go to an MMA gym and train there without the aikido and then try adapting the art to work with aikido and adapting your aikido to work with the art This Skype calls are counter productive

[@Joelvel]

Some Black Dude, I think they wont allow him to film it during training.

[@Momsspaghetti777]

That makes sense for learning curriculum and all that but sparring isn't necessarily impossible to film, he's done it before. By the way I'm surprised you haven't gotten a lot more popular, Mindsmash featured you recently

[@Joelvel]

Some Black Dude, Well im not here for subscribers and all. Already have my Facebook and Instagram for fans and such mate.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Skype calls are more for audience and to reach people I wouldn't be able to reach otherwise. I am training on my own as well :)

[@basty1man]

I appreciate you trying to learn but the fact you are an instructor in martial arts and yet are terrified of a simple jab, its just not right you can't be teaching people how to defend themselves if you can't even deal with the basics. And for your continued growth you really need to spar alot in all facets and in combined MMA style sparring. You simply cannot learn how to properly fight without sparring.

[@sosamerT]

you are suposed to be a sensei but you behave like an amateur student. "we don't do these things"? The fact that you or your students punch in the way you describe isn't aikido's problem man... also, at the end of the video, is this really the way you do kaitenage?

[@MartialArtsJourney]

+sosamerT :)

[@sosamerT]

this is not an answer man, don't you want to write a sentence? However, I watch your videos and I like many of them. Aikido maybe has many problems but I strongly believe that a good teacher can teach an Aikido that is really effective. you are not the only one on this path of modernization

[@MartialArtsJourney]

sosamerT Oh yes, you are right. There are people who are far ahead on this path. Unfortunately they are not making themselves very public. At the same time there is a huge number of people who have a very similar experience to mine and I am doing my best to support them while sharing my own process

[@sosamerT]

If you ever come to Thessaloniki, Greece, we'll be more than happy to come and train with us. Search for Budokai Dojo. Also, my sensei's experience on this path has created Phylatto method, I don't know if you've ever heard of it. These guys from our dojo won a month before their 2nd gold metal at the world championship. kzbin.info/www/bejne/inmog5Z-fNBqhdE This is from the world championship in 2014. kzbin.info/www/bejne/jITIhHWGbq6llck this is from the latest one, you can skip the talks as they're in greek. Or you can skip everything if you are not interested at all :p Have a great night man

[@vanyaz4445]

Just stop waisting time and go train MMA full time.

[@VicTor-tc5bi]

I repeat my words: You can't to do basic techniques against certaine attack without abstraction of the resistance of an uke. Aikido works when you have no grip and the important is words of O'Seonsei about real fight: real fight is the 90 % of atemis. Where are your atemis ?

[@wadoryujujutsukempo6289]

I agree 100 % , the older aikido techniques were the ones that worked. The one I was shown years ago and stands out was irimi nage, it was a double palm heel strike to the head, left palms the face (instead of grabbing the back of the head), followed by a hard right(now its the shoulder).A Daito ryu class I took part in, did practice striking and blocking, very similar to karate which surprised me at the time, wasn't like aikido at all.