The Most Advanced Martial Art in the World "YES I SAID IT"

[@live2win4freedom82]

Brother Aikido is the " Icing on the cake " of whatever martial art(s) you have practiced previously.

[@kagfre8943]

He'll yeah. Exactly....

[@UnexpectedWonder]

It's great as a supplementary Martial Art.

[@richmann2264]

I think of it as a post-graduate degree! Ultimately, even the best fighters will lose a fight - or even be so imposing that an opponent will turn to superior arms, firepower, cohorts and any other means they think will neutralize your obvious advantages. Even FBI/law enforcement are trained to realize that the very LAST thing you want is a physical confrontation! That just means you’ve lost control of the situation...

[@frandi63]

You guys are so inspiring. After a 4 year period where I thought I have quit with Aikido, I came across your vids about 2 years ago. You made me get back to the dojo! All your fault, mates! ;) Thx!!!

[@lawrencehamm1478]

Aikidoflow has piqued my interest in Aikido. Combining Aikido with other arts makes so much sense, because it is truly complimentary, and allows for doing things other than strikes.

[@UnexpectedWonder]

Other than Strikes or tiresome Grappling or Wrestling. It's Great as a supplementary Martial Art.

[@tedsterosa7968]

The problem with traditional martial arts is that, as my teacher would say, some students can't fight their way out of a paper bag. They've been training for years. They know the techniques and the lingo, but they're just not good fighters, BUT they think they are. They have the potential, but the mind set isn't there, or the proper testing/training hasn't been done, or they just don't have the personality for it. So when they try to fight and fail, the naysayers jump on it as an excuse against traditional martial arts. Great video, by the way.

[@attritionwarrior]

Amen Ted

[@BobSmith-uu6fl]

"Right personality" for fighting? Those are all just bullshit excuses you're making for why techinques don't work. Please watch ANY traditional martial art versus MMA, it is embarrassing. They get destroyed. You should train in REAL EFFECTIVE techniques and that's what jiu-jitsu and MMA offers.

[@ricksterdrummer2170]

Bob Smith Jiu Jitsu is a traditional Martial art. Karate is a traditional Martial art. Both JJ guys and Karate guys are doing great in MMA. The guy who wrote the comment is right. I’ve seen a Wing Chun guy maul a boxer. I’ve also seen the same guy get mauled by an MMA fighter, because he didn’t know ground fighting. It’s All about adapting and evolving.

[@ricksterdrummer2170]

If you're talking to me, I have no idea what you just said.

[@Tyler-dd9cl]

@@ricksterdrummer2170 oh shit I'm just now understanding what you said 🤦🏾‍♂️🤣🤣🤣🤣,so I'm a taekwondo black belt right,and you know I've moved on to this art called Kempo karate,it's not fully kempo you know it doesn't have kata or forms it's mixed in with kick boxing,Kempo ,and jiu-jitsu, let's say I combine that jiu jitsu with my taekwondo would that be effective

[@tyrellwilson9334]

I feel like watching these videos is like practicing an argument in your mind in the shower only to have it fail horribly when it actually happens

[@plonk7]

There is nice video of Saito Sensei from 1975 on Aikido Journal TV demonstrating the huge number of atemi (strikes) that can be used during aikido techniques. The original voice over says "Atemi accounts for 99% of the aikido requisite." Not sure "99%" is accurate but it has always been an essential component of aikido, even if many dojos don't use atemi. I was certainly taught atemi when training in Iwama-ryu aikido. So Aikidoflow is simply training in "authentic" aikido.

[@felipealcabri]

Hello, do you have a link ou a video title? Thank you.

[@plonk7]

Felipe Brito I think you have to sign up and pay to access it: aikidojournal.vhx.tv/videos/morihiro-saito-atemi-waza-c1975-youtube

[@martinberov3067]

@@plonk7 This one ? kzbin.info/www/bejne/j6fWg6V6iN5sbJI

[@asteriskcolon]

You say "authentic" Aikido. And it makes me wonder, as I am training a style of Aikido that is still evolving (there is a direct lineage to OSensei but our head of the style is trying to push Aikido to the next level while keeping the basic principles -- I've seen many techniques change dramatically since I started training in 2009) -- should we call our style something else besides Aikido? I'd love to give it a new name, since what it is, is not entirely a traditional martial art in the first place. But the "Aikido" word also fits because it's keeping true to the principles (not necessarily the technical mechanics) of what OSensei laid out. We rarely use much atemi but we constantly resist the throws; I'm left with Aikido I can apply fairly easily in BJJ because of all the pressure testing, even though I'm not left feeling like I need to strike very much.

[@plonk7]

@@martinberov3067 Yes, that's the same video. Good find!

[@hunglenguyen291292]

4:52 Ondrej: "Not again!" LOL

[@huggies1110]

”I can take his wallet I can run, Aikido gives me that choice”😂😂😂

[@teenermeener971]

I was thinking the same thing.

[@hypersmudge1]

Well, you’ve got me very, very curious about Aikido. I like what you said about it also being for seniors. I’m 70 and do Tai Chi Chuan and some Chin na daily. I’m thinking that adding in some Aikido training to that would be a great compliment. Thanks for your great videos! Really effective.

[@zibbyz3402]

Love your enthusiasm and joy with your practice, and "choice", thanks again!

[@globalnews-g]

Happy to see you again I love what you re doing . I have nothing to say but watch and learn . Best wishes from Morocco.

[@TetaroSeth]

Azu you always make me smile :) I have the same approach with the way I teach and practice karate. I draw from Aikido to bring more flow and variety to my Kata applications. I also find myself drawing inspiration from arts like Judo, BJJ, Tai’Chi and Bagua. Thanks for the great content over the years!

[@tmarevisited118]

Aikido needs atemi. More schools need to be teaching it that way. Aikido needs teachers who have been in real physical confrontations. Anyone who has never been in a real fight will not know how to fight. Period. Randori needs to be multiple attackers and it needs to build in intensity and randomness of attacks as students advance. That's how I was taught, and that, in my opinion, is one of the absolute best things about aikido when it comes to preparing students for reality. "Mixing in stuff from other martial arts" is inevitable when the art seems to have forgotten such a huge part of the curriculum (atemi waza, which I personally believe is based in kyushojitsu, so that's how I teach it) My opinion, you guys are teaching it right. Good on ya

[@azuspointofview5110]

I fully agree with what you are saying. Glad that you appreciate what we are trying to do.

[@alanfreeman7374]

Rae Heskett Right on..👍

[@victorude9334]

As someone who practices with a more mature group of yudansha, I agree, but how do you do it when you don't have peers to practice with? Going to a different dojo isn't really an option for me right now.

[@tmarevisited118]

@@victorude9334 I think we just make the push for it. I am doing my part by trying to start a dojo myself and just started doing videos on here and Patreon. The later to help raise money to open the school. I have a GoFundMe campaign running too. Again, that's just for my part. Surely there are a few other students out there who want a more realistic experience. Maybe see if your sensei would be willing to let you use the space for some more "freestyle aikido" after class one day a week or something? Maybe if more teachers see the demand they will be moved to continue their own education, or offer a different kind of class for advanced students? If all else fails, just start your own club. Aikido needs this kind of progress. It will be lost without it.

[@victorude9334]

@CreativeAbstract GC Come on down to the dojo some time. We'd be happy to show you what doesn't work 😂

[@marcatkinson5187]

This the best martial arts channel on youtube. Because you emphasis the brain as the most powerful tool. Well done.

[@andreasmann1493]

Good stuff guys! I train Aikido for almost 20 years but added also some Silat tools. This gives me the freedom to decide to de-escalate or using a more devastating engagement in case I have to fight for my life.

[@barryweaver8833]

As a Krav Maga practitioner I think you have the best Aikido for the street and real fight situations that I've ever noticed.... I think what you do looks like magic in motion..... Very impressive and you got me believing that it definitely works!

[@azuspointofview5110]

Thanks a lot. I love Krav Maga. I wish I had the time to practice it but work and kids has completely taken over my life.

[@Tigerpaws9097826]

That is quite an impressive observation, globe IZ Truth! I have to confess to being an armchair martial arts enthusiast; I have a health issue that makes the rough-and- tumble of even controlled martial arts practice physically dangerous, and to my regret can't practice. So, my observations clearly have some limitations. But I know Krav Maga to be an extraordinary method of self-defense. I am not sure it conveys the philosophical elements often contained within Oriental martial arts so well, but Krav Maga is an excellent discipline for protection of oneself and others. To read a Krav Maga practioner's admiration of this Aikido teaching is an education in itself.

[@barryweaver8833]

@@Tigerpaws9097826 Thanks and sorry for your health issues.... We have a little thing we do sometimes where we try other forms of MMA with our sparing, it's a lot of fun especially since Krav really doesn't have rules per say. I think there is something special from each and every form of any martial arts. I'm one of the only ones I know of these days that incorporates some Ninjitsu in the mix, it stumps 'em every time LOL.... My knees aren't what they used to be though. I've been and always will be a huge fan of Steven Seagal since day one. He definitely made Aikido work.... Never forget Bruce Lee..... Some training or any training is better than no training.... Take care, you might check out some of Bas Rutten vidoes. kzbin.info/www/bejne/iHK5c6tsrN-Xprc

[@Tigerpaws9097826]

@@barryweaver8833 Thanks so much for the guidance and recommendations!

[@barryweaver8833]

@@Tigerpaws9097826 I don't know about all of that, but thank you and take care!!

[@LosoIAm]

" ... we are just walking down the street together ... " - so hilarious, thank you!

[@georginaclarke6187]

I started Aikido about 7 months ago, so I'm still in the "what the...... is all this about?" stage...Also I've started later in life (primarily I've joined in because I was giving my daughter a lift to training..!). It's way out of my comfort zone, but I absolutely love it ( The Society/club to which I belong is amazing and really patient with me..and everyone else!). I've made it to 5th kyu (yay!) I like what you say in the video and I like all of your videos...thanks for the inspiration!! :)

[@johnnycash7944]

Aikido is extremely effective with a compination of strikes from other martial arts..its the mother of fighting spirit, thank you guys

[@attygarland6909]

Would still like to see 2 or 3 of you guys put on swim trunks and snorkels (or even air tanks, if qualified divers) and go to it underwater to see what techniques work if an Aikidoka were to be attacked by another swimmer/diver under water. I got this idea the other night while watching some old episodes of Sea Hunt on T.V., w. Lloyd Bridges. Seems his "Mike Nelson" often came up under attack by some underwater ruffian, who usually end up either trying to stab him with a knife or choke him from behind. Obviously, throw and fall Aikido techniques are not going to be effective under water, or probably atemi (i.e. strikes) either. The obvious solution would be joint locks, w. pain applied to make the ruffian either flee or allow them to be manipulated up to the surface. In fact, it seems that Nelson usually does just that (very interesting, in that the T.V. shows were filmed before the invention of modern Aikido by Uyeshiba S.). Typically, he disarms the attacker bearing a knife with some kind of painful joint lock. In the case of a chokehold from behind, its seems his usual response is to get loose and then "roll" under or over the attacker and get behind them to apply a hold of his own to control the fiend. 👍

[@Matt_Mosley1983]

After making a video called _"Aikido Needs To Grow Up"_ :-) You should do a *1-MINUTE TECHNIQUE WORKSHOP* series where you show a move and how to use it quick and easy within a 60-seecond window. #MiniLessons

[@angryprincess5544]

ok you've convinced me. i've been researching which martial arts to learn, watched a few of your vids now. i just looked up aikido in my area there's a dojo that teaches aikido, karate and bjj together. soon as covid is over that's what i'll go with. thanks guys! subbed.

[@Wes66-143LakePowellProductions]

If you had trained Billy Jack, those guys around the courthouse wouldn't have stood a chance :)

[@joseaparecidoconceicao7878]

The way you show how Aikido can be a practical martial art in real life is inspiring. I think could understand in this video why people say that Aikido will not work in a real fight: the details are a key point, and when you are under pressure is easy to forget the lessons and make mistakes. In the same way, the combinations with other martial arts showed that how not be a naive student.

[@elprofevegano]

OMG I totally agree with you! You have explained it just perfect. Loved this video. Long live AIKIDO :D

[@LosoIAm]

I thought the title was somewhat provocative but having watched it, I can see your point-of-view, esp. for the kind of work you do! To me: best defense, no be there! (Mr. Miyagi) Thank you for such a great video.

[@stanfordburke7085]

Thank you for what you do teach us how to defend ourselves and how to look at the situation of protecting ourselves. I live in one of the most dangerous Cities in America Baltimore.I am 66 years old and have had training in Tamarindo, wrestling,Shoronru and now Aikido .I will be honest at first I had my doubts but after watching all of you demonstrate I have gained a bit of confidence. Thank you Azu ,Andre and Damien.

[@nektariosktoridis5374]

keep up the good job man i am doing aikido only 4-5 years i see you are advance but you make my day i am so proud now because i am practising aikido!

[@rfrancoi]

Great video Sir. You make a lot of sense.

[@monjurrashed8358]

Hey, brother, today i have seen your video first and loving it. you r a very nice talker and i like the way you explain your moves so much simply.

[@LG-cz6ls]

This. From day one, we were taught atemi, but it really sank in when muggins was uke and my instructor cote gaeshi'd me into a spin and held her fist up, which left me with a sore nose. If it had been a punch, I'd have had a broken nose. Lesson learned! Randori with freedom to attack in any way is also great training. Especially when you're a 5ft 4 female and not exactly built like a rugby player. Two key things we were taught was that Aikido is movement and, if in doubt, use your head. Literally, if need be (my instructor passed her 2nd Dan by nutting an uke who had got her pinned). I started training to control my temper and was, shall we say, a tad scrappy in my youth. It worked, I became much better at preventing situations from escalating. However, I have been attacked on more than one occasion and used Aikido with success.

[@johnlock8979]

It was so interesting especially about MMa guys who used to say aikido doesn't work! It doesn't need to work! We use aikido for the street and it works well! Like Azu said if i need to fight in cage i go and train MMA! And this is the main answer for people to think aikido doesnt't work! I was a boxer and now i train aikido and you know what it is so dangerous to use boxing in the street you can easily kill someone and end up in prison so aikido gives a choice!

[@azuspointofview5110]

Hell yeah. Love that comment.

[@LG-cz6ls]

The MMA thing really gets on my tits. Being fit and building up to a scheduled fight with rules and a referee in a cage is nothing like real life.

[@LG-cz6ls]

@@MisterKzzt They put in huge amounts of work on fitness, strategy and technique in the build up to taking on an opponent they will have studied in the octagon. No argument there. Some guy on the street is most likely to be an unskilled mug, but could have genuine experience and skills. Mr MMA would be foolish to assume that the ring bears any resemblance to some git determined to smash a glass in their face.

[@LG-cz6ls]

@@MisterKzzt What question? Are you so stupid you don't realise you didn't ask one?

[@LG-cz6ls]

@@MisterKzzt I can only conclude that your grasp of English isn't great. Have a nice weekend.

[@13thCharacter]

Thanks for reminding me why I train. Your videos are a perfect way to finish off my two-class Wednesday.

[@lsporter88]

I must agree. Most excellent commentary.

[@johnmonteagudo8164]

I've only been taking Aikido for 5 weeks or so now but I can see what you are saying and I agree,

[@biscoitinhoeacag]

Spot on! love the show keep it up guys!

[@lennybridgeman6634]

He's feeling the pain and the shame! Awesome :-D

[@Gkuljian]

I'm new to Aikido, and fascinated. How does it work on the ground, though?

[@rickwe818]

I would like to see a video for beginners showing simple Aikido moves that are fairly easy to do to help for self defense. Thanks!

[@pbaylis1]

Haha, very humorous. I'm almost sold on Aikido. I quite like the choice aspect of it. Always wanted to know those various locks as well.

[@michaelwarfield158]

Hello there Azu. Nice presentation. A Measured Response is key. Aikido can b applied to many different situations.

[@raybees4707]

I've watched many of your videos but this was one of the best...keep up the good work.

[@jcnieves2992]

Thank you

[@pissedhulk7794]

I agree, I can't wait to start.

[@alanfreeman7374]

BRAVO Azu!!!💯

[@WilliamBarber-gg1dn]

Do you have any Aikido classes in the United States such as New York City

[@danielbrennan5872]

Good video, havent watched yourm videos for a lil while, your looking fit, keep up the good work.

[@attygarland6909]

Perhaps proof of just how advanced of a martial arts Aikido is can be found in the fact that one of our most sophisticated police forces trains in it. Yes, I finally found that one such law enforcement organization does so. It's the United Nations personnel police defense force (IIRC it is called). Obviously, they want to be "diplomatic" in stopping an attacker of some country's ambassador, choosing either a "firm restraint" or a forceful take out, if necessary, of such law breaker. 😉

[@SifuEricKHermansen]

thanks

[@jonathannoerr5997]

BRAVO!!!! "CHOICE!!!!"

[@mraffabilityGB]

Being in the right place at the right time is the key. Kata is for learning and is different from application.

[@scrooba11]

Love love AikidoFlow. Azu, you are awesome.

[@crystalwiser5980]

Nice you got it man i love it when it clicks.

[@zeilonyt]

Hey Azu, at 10:02 it's not Tenchi Nage you're doing but Irimi Nage I think. Love your videos !

[@jeandjamba8439]

I like it....how can i be trained

[@tubascv]

Dear Azu (sorry if I writed wrong) I'm Aikido practicioner (Sandan), Taekwondo & Shotokan (Shodan) and I Identify myself with your videos and theory about self defense using Aikido philosophy. I've been wrongly interpreted by my Master (Shihan 7th. Dan) when I use the "same concept" you have concerning the praticity of Aikido (adapted) on the street. He said I'm Mixing. I don't agree. It's a long discussion, but, as I was Police & Army Self defense Instructor, my knowledge of these martial arts leading to that discover that you've been talking about. So resuming, I've been learning as well using many of you videos to improve more & more my skills.. Thank you very much...Big hug from Cape Verde Islands (west Africa)

[@GiC7]

Nice, thanks

[@MrEdium]

Judo & Aikido work well together.

[@jlguidry2]

When you started, were you studying "pre-" or "post-war" aikido?

[@jding6266]

Love your energy

[@lucywells1000]

I love this video! Thank you!🙂

[@lazarhrebeljanovic1389]

I trained shortly aikido when I was younger. This is without any doubt the best explanation of aikido in the whole internet. You guys are amazing. I wish I could continue training but I am 35 years old now and you can hardly learn old horse doing new tricks, right? :D Best regards from Serbia!

[@themetalicarus0284]

100% spot on, great vid!

[@xl_akash_lx]

4:26 What''s with that wallet thing?!! XD XD LMAO

[@Serjohn]

4:03 great technique the best move of the entire video great elbow

[@gambit752]

Aikido in its traditional form works really well. I see what aikidoflow is doing by implementing strikes etc but what you guys at aikido flow need to understand is by practicing aikido and doing jiwaza you’re building reflexes and sharpening your understanding of your opponents anatomy and how to use leverage against him/her which is how it’s so useful in the street. Adding elbows and strikes is fine but aikido in its purest form practiced efficiently is enough to protect yourself against a guy on the street swingin at you

[@scooterwilson1776]

Thanks for another great video just wish you would make more and more often.

[@gabrielwintermute294]

I love Aikido and I love your videos!

[@osvaldofernandez9562]

I love Aikido!

[@claredin]

I hit "like" on the 10th second. Your enthusiasm is infectious!

[@peaceofmind9965]

Wait till I share this

[@MrGhostly12321]

*knocks on the door* hello it's BJJ here, just seeing what's up

[@mycatsballs8195]

MrGhostly12321 lol he doesn’t know about it apparently, BJJ is on the top of the food chain.

[@unlimitedmind69]

You are great man!!! Cool ::)

[@azaghar99]

You are a happy man ...man

[@raytodd8710]

Love you guys and how passionate you are of Aikido. Would like to see you all get with Lenny Sly and do some Aikido videos.

Can you make videos about 6th-1st kyu tests tecniques?

[@balazsmagyar8979]

Great videos, keep up the good work

[@thomashewittknewit5510]

Very informative thank you for the upload

[@evanjames3453]

I love training in different martial arts like I’ve done karate and now I’m in mixed martial arts and I now would love to give aikido a try because it is true what you said how in these other martial art its mostly aim to protect and hurt in dire situations but aikido is so advanced that you can just us it in circumstances were no one has to get really seriously hurt because aikido gives you the chose i am defiantly going to start looking in to gyms around me to train in this art thanks man for the awesome vids

[@shinobihiriyu-originalninj4634]

I am sorry to say this but the most complete and advanced martial art is ninjutsu, and I am not talking about bujinkan but real shinobi art. It is a way of life and the definition of martial art. A shinobi must learn : The art of fighting with and without weapons, gathering information, spying, infiltrating, breaking and entering, swimming and diving, building small boats and anything that can make you cross water. Climbing, Making an air glider ( flight ) survival in the field ( Bushcraft / scout stuff ), hunting, Stealth and camouflage, first aid, making weapons ( knifes, swords, bows, spears and so on. ), making explosives ( bombs, rockets, land mines, and gun powder ), making blinding powder, learning about religion, politics, philosophy, psychology, hypnosis, economy and technology. But the most important lesson is the end goal ! Freedom ! Meditate on that.

[@michaelpower38]

Can you manipulate joints when he is punching you in the face with his left fist which is hanging on his side

[@donnchadhmcginley3153]

Doesn't happen if done right, ..you're not just holding hands

[@islamdib9641]

If you can fight one of those mma's fighter ans stand in the box then you can say that aikido is the best.

[@TheMagicJester]

Islam Dib you obviously don't know much about the history of mma...or why certain techniques are banned

[@islamdib9641]

@@TheMagicJester Sorry sir but you didn't get my idea,if Aikido can't save your life in fight's street so there is no benefit in wasting time to learn it.

[@asteriskcolon]

So, Dan Theodore and Roy Dean can both say Aikido is the best. Although they don't; Roy Dean says Aikido "works for its intended purposes" and Dan Theodore says (basically) "Aikido is a good martial art that needs adaptation to work well in MMA" Although Jason Delucia did fight in the UFC and he may say Aikido is the best, since he created the style "Combat Aikido" years afterward.

[@dalebrown9901]

This is the first time I have seen another martial artist that has the same teachings that I do!! I taught the Kentucky State police for many years.and I taught as far as I can see the same way you teach. I took all the wasted movement out and taught how to survive. It would be an honor to meet you and talk over techniques. Dale Brown hanshi 10th dan Aiki Ju jitsu

[@OzanYucer34]

your energy is super.. :)

[@roadkingrichard4269]

Great video, really enjoyed it. I practice Yonsei GoJu Karate, it's a blend of GoJu and Aikido in Topeka, KS

[@envirotekgraffitiremovalsy8432]

These videos are awesome 🥋👍🏼

[@brandontraub9049]

yea when I can afford it I definitely will learn this.

[@boefje1971]

loe your videos sir thnx a lot :)

[@tukstakau942]

Awesome love it

[@ChrisSecurity]

I absolutely agree... Always improve...Aikido gives you a choice...

[@-westman3619]

I like how Ondrej grabbed you, and you ended up taking his wallet after restraining him lol

[@victordesimone3246]

Excelenttttttttttttttttt senseiiiii excelenttttttt. Regards since Montevideo Uruguay

[@johncowan3405]

My issue is that in confrontations the adrenalin dump affects your fine motor skills, this results in difficulty in doing these finely executed moves. This is beautiful but id like to see it used when adrenalin is flowing

[@TheFirefighter1247]

I want to learn akido but nobody teaches anywhere near me I have to travel 70 to 100 miles one way to find a place

[@KM-eu7bt]

Based on the "additional elements" you combined with Aikido, I would summarize this under the martial art "Jiu Jitsu" which, I can say from my own experience, is quite effective. Especially because there are a lot of self-defense elements, also against weapons (let's leave the sword out here)!

[@monnoo8221]

very interesting. in some sense, because Aikido(flow) allows for flexible response, or even hyper-flexible response through developing patterns on the go (on the flow?), it allows to express, to create expressions. Much like as in a language. A style only comprising punches and hits, compares to animal shouting and roaring, while Aikido seems to have expressive capabilities, I said it, similar to natural language. Thanks so much! New goal: visiting you and learning from you :)

[@Sfourtytwo]

Wrsetling techniques are detailed and can be tweaked a lot, in other news water is wet.

[@LG-cz6ls]

clarence Ha! I like your style!

[@TheMagicJester]

Water is hydrogen and oxygen, it's not wet, it just feels wet

[@Sfourtytwo]

@@clarkb.582 As opposed to your Ninjitsu?

[@mcmc1863]

Its a good effective art, ut is very technical, takes a while to be proficient, great vid!

[@paul-cristianmihai4431]

Have anyone here saw the COMPETITIONAL side of Aikido ? When someone is not compliant, when someone resists, Aikido looks like failed judo throwing attempts. Please, just search KZbin and see for yourself. There is a reason why Aikido is not used in MMA - that is because in a real, violent, one-on-one, dog-eat-dog situation, you need something that works. P.S. : Good luck fighting multiple opponents (I was once immobilized, in a confrontation, by a group of 10-12 kids - I was at the time 28, they were like 16-18 max ; it didn't degenerated, but I learned my lesson, when I realized I couldn't move an inch, being grabbed from all sides by smaller opponents...). Right now, THERE IS NOT A SINGLE MARTIAL ART THAT CAN BE EFFECTIVE ABOVE ALL OTHERS ! For striking, you could learn boxing or Muay Thai (the most no-nonsense styles of striking I know), for grappling BJJ, Wrestling, Sambo (BJJ I thinks is the best for the ground game, wrestling is the best for standing control and takedowns, Sambo is a great combination of the two) ; for a real, effective way to be able to protect yourself, you must train in multiple disciplines. Also...don't try to apply Aikido techniques for fighting an armed aggressor - please, just run/shoot him ; this way, you will get home alive (if you don't trust me, give a kid/person a marker and try to avoid being written on ; after that, imagine that the marker was a knife).

[@oldnatty61]

Aikido is one of the advanced arts, but it's not the most. Their are others that share this quality. They are called internal arts. Also, no art "gives" you the choice. With any art you make the choice to what level you take it.

[@gabrielkesshinsanchez9139]

are you talking about Budo?