WHY I QUIT MY AIKIDO ORGANIZATION • Correct Me If I Am Wrong

In this video I am talking about why I has quit my aikido organization. There's a lot of different reasons for it, and quitting your Aikido organization is no small thing. Any organization has problems, my own dojo has problems, and I don't think any perfect Aikido organization in the world exists.
But I hope through this video, you will start to see the reasons why I, personally, found it important that I quit my Aikido organization, and where I'm going next.
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[@troyt6864]

Adapt what is useful, reject what is useless, and add what is specifically your own. ~Bruce Lee

[@kingofaikido]

The problem is nothing is finally useless... It all depends on how you think about things. Without the useless, we cannot find the useful. Without the empty space inside the cup, the cup is useless. What seems useless, like empty space, can be very useful if you know how to encapsulate it. Without making mistakes, we cannot progress to knowing what works. Everything, then, one might say, hinges on making lots-a-mistakes...

[@ianmcabee8036]

Troy Timmer reject simply typing Bruce Lee quotes on fighting videos for likes and add your own thoughts

[@adamduffield7782]

Keni Lynch first step to success is failure. Without failure you cannot learn. You are right in what you say

[@ac-lo6dt]

@@ianmcabee8036 on the contrary if the quote is useful then it is useful, doesnt matter where it comes from... (Paraphrase) b. lee

[@MikeNewWest]

I have never understood how Aikido players and schools seem to ignore the actual life of Ueshiba. Before he developed Aikido he became highly skilled in jiu-jitsu, judo, sumo, several forms of karate. He submitted himself to freakish physical training on his farm and was renowned for being incredibly strong. AFTER all of this, he had his profound insights about Aikido. In my opinion, many people who practice martial arts for decades come to similar realizations. Things like: "do more with less." "Use technique, not brute force." These are principles Carlos Gracie would no doubt agree with. But these realizations are the crowning achievement of many years struggle and real application. Maybe we can't skip all of the steps Ueshiba took to get to enlightenment.

[@allopez8563]

Hi I miss your post when submitted my opinion. Yes I also think Aikido was not intended to be a base martial art but an art to be trained once a person was an accomplished martial artist. In my country one of my classmates in Hung Gar had 4 years cross training in Aikido but had 8 years in Hungar and used to be an amateur boxer in this teen years. He could pull off the Aikido techiques in the middle of the fight but he already knew the dinamics of strike fighting and was aware of when to apply the techniques.

[@jonathanthompson592]

@@allopez8563 so it's an advanced martial art that ones learns only after mastering the arts of violence?

[@DuplicitousDark]

@@jonathanthompson592 , Ueshiba became enamored with the omoto religion and got sick of fighting(as all young men do the older they get)

[@basedpatriotLT]

So aikido players would say - after he gained all that experience in those martial; arts, he put everything that he knew and made the "best" art - aikido. Why would he develop aikido if he thought it was worse than those arts he trained before?

[@MikeNewWest]

@@basedpatriotLT I think you may have missed my point. Ueshiba was already transformed by all of the intense training he did prior. So, I'm not talking about the "techniques" of Aikido vs. some other style. I'm suggesting that the rigorous training he put himself through may be the reason HIS Aikido was incredible and a lot of other folks' Aikido is not.

[@Aikidoflow]

Now you have no limitation, what a fantastic place to be in, We are really looking forward to seeing what you can do

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thank you! Yes, Aikido has too limitations in itself, I am sure without limitations we will do amazing things all together!

[@brokenradio9590]

You guys should do a seminar together

[@MartialArtsJourney]

I'll tell you a secret... We will, in April in Lithuania :) Planning to announce it in the next two weeks!

[@brokenradio9590]

AikidoSiauliai bro.... badass. :)

[@orion555]

"No limitation" meaning without boundary? No boundary of meaning means no meaning. Freedom without the responsibility of distinction or clarity is nonsensical. Duality, multi-parallel universes and/or unity are worth simultaneous consideration.

[@azuspointofview5110]

I hear you. We did the same thing a while ago. We need the freedom to explore.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thank you Azu! It does seem the path that people who really want the answer take eventually

[@jpesmar]

I trained in Aikido for some years, moved on to other things that suited me better. I met a lot of Senseis and Aikido practitioners who were amazing in their own right, within Aikido. Rokas is by far the bravest I've seen, in the sense that he's not afraid to discover that what says or does might be wrong. He's not afraid of putting his name and reputation on the line, as long at it helps him and other people move one step closer to being better. His quest for finding the truth and improving himself is what martial arts and combat sports are really about; being the best version of you there is to be. I have nothing but respect and admiration for you Rokas, wish you the very best on this new stage of your life.

[@SLYSCOMBATIVECONCEPTS13]

Congratulations, welcome to my world Rokus. Lenny~

[@daswordofgork9823]

THE ROGUE WARRIORS - Where Warriors are FORGED great to hear from you Lenny.

[@jodywarrender2849]

The more you all publicise your journey, the more people will see different options and maybe view an alternative. Thanks all for your honest videos, I’ll be watching as usual with open eyes.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thank you Lenny! And yes, this world of ours is growing!

[@handsomestik]

Oh shit, it's Lenny!

[@sebastianflorez1294]

Your world? Lenny aren't you one of those senseis that never trains with anyone outside of your own dojo? Aren't you one of those senseis that never spars? Your world is nothing Like Rokas.

[@Nygaard2]

I see you’ve picked Batman as your new sensei! Good choice!

[@jujuliolezesuiglaz1780]

Nah he got to learn from the best aikido master: steven seagal

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Lol :D Yes, I agree!

[@bodhitree33]

Ah, you think darkness is your ally?

[@chaos_omega]

Hello Rokas! I am an MMA practitioner who has always had a bizarre interest in aikido. I feel like there are practical skills to be learned from aikido. Because of the attitudes in the aikido community regarding cross-training in "modern" or "sport" martial arts, I feel reluctant to train at a dojo (also I am broke at the moment.) Would it be prudent to find open minded aikidoka to train with?

[@Allthetube01]

That is s good initiative, where do you live?

[@chaos_omega]

Canada, in Calgary.

[@nchawkin]

For what it's worth, you are welcome in Santa Barbara any time. I appreciate your support through the years!

[@antoniolonigro5105]

Yes, but find a black belt if you can. Aikido is difficult to master and the principles are easy to explain but hard to understand. I'm sure you can learn a lot about anticipation, evasion and "absorbing" attacks, also some grappling principles, but I don't know how much of the actual techniques can be translated in mma, as they are developed with samurais in mind

[@chaos_omega]

+Antonio Lonigro I'm not trying to adapt aikido for MMA (though I believe that is a worthy goal.) I have moved away from practicing for sport and now want to practice for self defence reasons (though, I still believe intensely in the utility of how people in so called "sport" arts train.) Also, thank you for your acknowledgment Sensei Chawkin! ;) I will probably take you up in your offer someday!

[@iorekby]

I love the way this guy left Aikido behind because of the delusions within the community, the cultishness, the amount of people who were so personally invested in it they couldn't handle any criticism of it... and then started doing BJJ. If anyone thinks Aikido is cultish, just wait until the OP gets a load of the cult of modern BJJ. I've done both and the BJJ cult is just about as loco as it gets. If this guy was hoping to leave all that behind, he's in for a rude awakening someday with BJJ.

[@cesarag0723]

Rokas-san, we were independent for a while. I think it’s a natural evolution as you move up in the ranks. The decision to go back into an org was very straight forward for us, in that you can not progress in rank or knowledge of Aikido without a teacher/promotional system. And it becomes very hard to promote your students, as a dojo owner, that is a hard sell for new students. Plus I have found a teacher I respect and keeps the politics minimal which I appreciate. You can always rank yourself, but that goes down a path you can never come back from. But some have done so. I have struck a balance for now on practicing a traditional system of Aikido 75% of the time and practicing my own martial expression 25% of the time. That 25% of time is carved out for me and my students to explore other martial arts, other methods and strategies, and I figure out how to adapt them WITH my students. Mostly fundamentals in BJJ, boxing, and kickboxing, but we’ll also bring in instructors to teach us FMA, Wing Chun, and JKD. The students like the balance between mastering a system, and learning about other systems they might not want to fully commit to. Watch Roy Harris, or hell, I really think you would enjoy Bruce Lee’s Tao of Jeet Kune Do. It’s fundamentally one of the best books on martial philosophy and favors no one style. It’s a very objective approach to martial arts. Explore the martial art landscape and come up with something to call your own. Doesn’t need to be MMA or TMA....it’s all about your ultimate goals.

[@djsuter4410]

I have had the same journey. Returning to the source after many years.

[@supersyaz2871]

Man. I like how honest this guy is.

[@DePistolero]

In one aikido training I had a guy from another dojo came and trained with us.. he did some technique a bit different and my trainer stopped him and asked him to do it OUR way, the other guy persisted to work his way and my trainer kicked him out... so much about change and being in harmony... I'm in BJJ now and couldn't be happier...

[@88binis88]

Sir...i cannot believe how much we think alike.I am a first degree black belt under Kobayashi sensei , but did quit aikido for over 2 years now and started my Bjj training the past year.All the things you said about aikido and the stillness of the ideas and the cult mentality,its amazing to know that someone else has been through the same things i am going through.Its a tough path to doubt what you ve been loving for many years,but it is essential to our growth as human beings to evolve.Good luck to your Journey!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thanks. As scary as it is, it seems to be the experience of many people, that's why it's time to do something about it :) Glad to hear from you.

[@88binis88]

Great job with those videos,thanks for your work and for your reply.Oss

[@benjaminmiller3075]

I tried to read through all the comments, didn't get there, but never saw anyone mention this line of thought: That aikido is a modern martial art. That O'sensei developed and refined aikido in the wake of nuclear war, in the presence of firearms, which to him made traditional martial arts irrelevant. Aikido is an effort to bring the spirit of budo into this modern context, where the use of traditional forms and weapons seems irrelevant. I say 'seems' because my own practice of traditional martial arts has improved my health and wellness, confidence and community. I think it is difficult to bring aikido techniques to a high enough skill level to be truly street effective and most schools don't bridge this gap. But the vast majority of people will also never get in a fight. I was rather disappointed after your apparently popular videos keep popping into my feed to see your poor showing against BJJ. One failure and your decade of practice goes out the window? Where were your basic principles in the earth shattering bout? Posture? Footwork? Was there a single tenkan? You fixed on his wrists and ignored his center. It is no surprise, the same thing happened to me when I first went against a boxer, a goju ryu karate fighter, and later a a gentlemen training in silat made me so frustrated I shoved his head back so hard he fell flat on his back. Terrible aikido, Hahaha. It takes me constant effort to deal with my inner animal and to retain the calm and center embodied in the aikido posture. Don't get me wrong, I like BJJ. It seems to share a spirit with aikido in the way communities develop around its practice. I think it is beautifully expressed when advanced students can, anaconda like, subdue an opponent. But I am also sure it is not a perfect system of self-defense. But the larger issue is 'what is the direction it points us in'? Where have you discussed the higher aims of aikido? The union with oppositional force? The creative expression of human potential? If you are going to continue to teach aikido I suggest The Spirit of Aikido and its basic message: the practice is about unification with the universe through repetition, like the old daoist sages, or like a mantra. Don't get lost in techniques and miss out on the universe juice. Lol. But seriously, perhaps aikido schools shouldn't sell themselves as martial arts, when fundamentally they are seeking something more, in my understanding. Thanks for sharing and asking for our thoughts.

[@ianmcabee8036]

Benjamin Miller hi

[@zenrider78]

One of the questions I've had is "Who's your Sensei, Rokas?" You've brought up some excellent questions when it comes to aspects of other arts in regards to Aikido, and I've often wondered about the answers you've gotten from your Sensei(s) with those questions. Looking forward to future videos, as they're kinda like mini chapters for a documentary on how a particular martial artist can grow and evolve.

[@keyboardwarrior9258]

Take a look at Yoshinkan and Shodokan for some ideas.

[@wagutoxD]

What I admire the most is not the actual things you're doing but the way you're doing it. Keeping your head over your shoulders, not beeing arrogant or anything and true sincerity. That needs balls and character!

[@IndigoXYZ18]

What you are going through is far from unique, to Aikido, to martial arts to anything. Anytime you push the boundries, anytime you venture into uncharted territory, virtually by deffinition it means you will be setting out on your own path. There are no teachers, no orginizations, no maps for these territories. But this is what drives innovation, you become the teacher, you create the organization, you draw the maps. If you're goal is to modernize Aikido, by necessity that means your time is to be spent training in modern martial arts, rather than continuing to train that which you are attempting to evolve beyond. It's really increadible to see the progress you've made and the reception it's gotten so far. I think a lot of people thought the direction you were going in was to eventually move away from Aikido entirely, realizing now that it doesn't work, confirming what they always believed to be the case. But now that you've been pressure testing the art, the same skeptics are now starting to question their original assumptions about Aikido, seeing it's potential and honestly wondering if this might actually work after all if trained right. Like I've said before I think more important than modern grappling arts, are modern striking arts to make Aikido works, as it is a stand up grappling art (obviously not negating the necessity of having a solid modern ground game). When you're ready I can't wait to see the rematch for your original viral sparring video, when the world will finally get to see true Aikido in action.

[@jonnymartin455]

While I don't practice Aikido myself, I do respect this channel and the work you put behind it. I like how you put pride aside to acknowledge the flaws of the style and look for ways to improve upon it and modernize it. You have a smart head on your shoulders, so you have my respect!

[@MarioUcomics]

Every martial art had developed from splitting off from their parent house or organization, much like how BJJ was a split from Kano Judo, how Mas Oyama split from Shotokan and Goju Ryu, after japanese had oringally considered his fighting too violent, and even Morihei Ueshiba himself split himself off from Daito Ryu Aikijujutsu.

[@luisluna2285]

This video shed light into why are you doing what you're doing more than any other video you've done. I'm a long time Aikidoka and I can read between the lines, bro and I hear you. Sounds to me that you have been disappointed by your Sensei. He/She let you down. And I know how that feels. What are you? Nidan, Sandan? You're young and I wonder if you ever gave yourself the chance to find another Sensei, one that would've healed you from the bad experiences you've had. Please realize it was a human problem and don't turn your back on Aikido because of someone. Don't turn your Sensei's failure into Aikido's failures. And more importantly, don't blame Aikido for your Sensei's failures. Maybe your Sensei and your organization had that cult mentality, etc. But they're not all like that. And now you have the responsibility to stand on their shoulders and do better. A few questions you should ask your self as a self assessment exercise is 1)am I qualify to lead this moment? 2) what do I offer that nobody else does? 3) why would anyone believe anything I say? 4) and how is what am doing still Aikido in its core?. Tough decision and all the best moving forward alone. It won't be easy.

[@lionsden4563]

Luis Luna, He just quit the organization. Not Aikido. He wanted to mordenize Aikido. That is all.

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Hi Luis Luna, Great comment! Thank you. I really hear you. At the same time, I want to share with you, that while I considered that it's all just a "human" thing, through my worldwide connections I learned that it's an epidemic! And I have a reason to believe that the way Aikido is structured actually encourages such "human behavior". That's what I am standing up against. This is actually the second time I leave my instructor, the first one was for similar reasons, so I did give another try :) Since no one else is trying to do what I am trying to do on the same level, I am giving myself permission to do it. Will I succeed? One best way to know it is to... try ;) Thanks again for your words and comment.

[@luisluna2285]

Well, we sure have very different perceptions of Aikido's culture and it's based on our own personal experiences. Certainly disagree on your epidemic conclusion and I'm sure the many hundreds of thousands of Aikido practitioners around the world do too. You keep bringing up your "worldwide" reach because of KZbin and that's a concern on how accurate your perception is. I can only judge by the comments on your videos and is not good. And that's KZbin in general. Now, if you say I've traveled and trained at several dojos in Europe, the US and Japan and learned from many Shihans both Japanese and non-Japanese, men and women, old and young, for many years, then we could raise questions about the overall culture of Aikido truly worldwide.

[@fearlessway]

Why is it necessary for Aikido to change it's path now, just in the last 20 years? Is there something magical that has taken place in the world that changes Aikido's mission and goal? What you're saying is that the path of Aikido needs to be changed because of the popularity of MMA and combat sports. Not just changed, but a drastic re-writing of it to appease a modern trend of physical violence. Which goes against the founding principles of Aikido. I am sure Aikido can be turned into a very effective combat art, but it's not designed for it and it goes against every fundamental principle. Combat sports have always existed, just never as organized as the UFC. There is always balance to everything we do, you will give up something to gain another. I practice Hapkido, we have more striking and submissions and we spar, but it's effective because we stay on the path. If you stay on your path of Aikido, you will eventually let go o the desire to be combative. Combat arts are undeniably attractive to young able bodied men and women. It play's on the ego and our animal desires. However, this is the path you need to take to either become a combat artist, or find another art that suits your temperament, or in some time, come back to traditional Aikido. I like your videos (up until now), but wish you nothing but the best in your journey!

[@michaelgallagher4696]

You have expressed very well what I intended to say, NIK. Martial Arts is a general term which encompasses all forms of combativeness (hence, we have the modern terms, UFC, MMA, and a combined concoction of martial foolishness that takes techniques, style and moves from different traditional arts. What I see in these competitive bouts is street fighting. In short, the traditional arts are losing their identity. Everyone is encouraged to "express oneself" and find their own identity, exploring other paths. I agree that the politics in organizations force you to conform without question but why forsake the art itself? I am a rogue (or ronin, if you will) Aikido is unique because the philosophy upon which it was founded upon is different. No, it is not meant for combat nor competition. The focus is on personal development of uniting mind, body and spirit; conveying that principle to the person you blend with. I believe it was lumped in with the popularity of the martial arts explosion in the 60s and 70s. I do not consider Aikido a MARTIAL Art. Martial is warlike, Aikido is rooted in peace- you cannot mix the two. (oil and water do not blend) My journey began in 1970. I grew up on the streets in the city and already knew how to handle myself. Aikido IS effective on the street. Nothing, however, is effective against a gun. If you seek to spread this peace to the world, you must first be at peace yourself. I sense a restlessness in Rokas Sensei. I think the pressure, politics have caused him to doubt himself and seek another path. I fear yet another westerner will corrupt the teachings of a beautiful discipline.

[@gordonshumway9765]

First of all you ask the right questions. At some point cross training und pressure testing your abilities is a good way to evolve. Leaving your teacher and your organisation may be a good idea when they have limited you and your tryouts. But it's a big mistake to train without a teacher. I think you are technical nor tactical developed enough to found your own stile, to fix Aikido nor to go on your own. To prevent you from frustration, I really recommend you to find yourself a good teacher. Someone who is really into weapons, someone who supports you development. Don't try to fix something. There is nothing wrong with Aikido, there is only something wrong with your way of training. Start training with weapons do Kumi Tachi or Kumi Jo as fast as possible. Find someone who is able to attack you with Bokken or Ken pretty seriously. And finally keep in mind Aikido is so much more then fighting MMA-Guys. It can be a solid base to lern how to fight but it don't need to be. I wish you all the best for your future Rokas.

[@jayhorita442]

I think you made a great move. As someone who definitely struggles with balancing the old and the new, practical or choreography, in my aikido training, I envy your decision! I look forward to a time when aikidoka from around the globe see you and your peers actions as the necessary step to transcend beyond the limits of the aikido today. I wish you luck in the future, I'm sure there will be many roadblocks and bumps in the road, but I'm just as sure that you'll overcome those obstacles. I hope we get to train together someday!

[@charlescollier7217]

I think you made the right decision. Either you would have been pressured to dismiss what you are discovering and toe the line, or you would have been pushed out and smeared or "disappeared." Aikido has repeatedly done the latter to some of its most important proponents, essentially wiping them from the history of the art on the basis of differences in practice and personality.

[@davidnovakovic6027]

Been loving your videos man... was keen to see how you reconciled traditional with pragmatic! I train in a traditional Chinese school that still has a focus on what works. It's an interesting balance... I like the traditional stuff (respect, greetings etc) but it's nice to know that we learn things for a practical reason too. If you ever want a holiday to Australia, come visit :)

[@jackmcdouglas4126]

My opinion is that depends on what someone's goals are. If you want to defend your life against random violence; one should definitely look for practical and realistic teaching. On the other side, martial arts give you graciouness, mind control, elegancy, it teaches you how to become a better self-sustained person, how to eat better, how to control your impulses and a whole lot of other benefits. Defending someone's life is something ugly, martial arts is something beautiful. They're totally different products; besides the fact that we use our bodies as instruments.

[@lionsden4563]

Jack McDouglas, MMA covered everything that you have just said. Of course, there is also others as well.

[@JaayProdiJaay]

u dont need to be in a cult martial art to get "graciousness, mind control, mental strength" mma covers all of that AND also teaches u to fight sooo... try again buddy.. and wtf do u mean defending someones life is ugly. u know what ugly? being raped, kidnapped, robbed, killed and never being able to see ur family again. thats ugly. u know what beautiful? being able to use skills and techniques that can work against any human in the world regardless of size. doing some real life bruce lee shit. thats beauty

[@jackmcdouglas4126]

What I meant by 'ugly' is that a street fight in order to defend one's life is never a beautiful sight. We live in a wild world which is very violent and the martial arts concentrate on the beauty of human body coordinated movements. In my opinion MMA is more like a high impact sport, or possibly self-defense which is great and very practical. Aikido I would consider an actual art.

[@lionsden4563]

Jack McDouglas, Aikido is an art. Not martial. Just an art. That i agree with you.

[@27FreddyG]

lol. this comment betrays an absolute lack of any appreciation for what elegance is when applied to the human body. anyone who is untrained, ungracious, unrefined can dance between two positions unobstructed. elegance in this context is when despite high speeds, or high powers, which really test the limits of human coordination someone can make an action look effortless. when I watch a faultless KO or choke, I see elegance. when i see aikido i see clumsy children

[@tonyrodney9610]

Exciting stuff Rokas. I'm lucky enough that my Sensei is cool with my exploration outside our club. I always say that I'm not an Aikidoka, I'm a Martial Artist. And as Martial Artists, we must never stop questioning and never stop exploring.

[@towag]

Rokas, with any org it will be the same... I loved the Tomiki aikido which I practised with the British Aikido Association until I left it in 1992 and became independent... I hated the politics and the wrong kind of "elitism" that went on inside of the org... Some of it was to do with money. Some of it was to do with the standards of grading that varied, AND varied greatly in standard, and in truth, made a mockery of even having yudansha level. Some of it was to do with certain controlling people. Some of it was to do with silly pathetic jealousies.some of it to do with the tanto randori which i always thought was ridiculous as I always prefered the randori kyogi or toshu randori as I knew it .. The freedom I felt after leaving and just running my club as being free and independent was to be able to experiment with ways of doing free play and randori, much the same way you are now experimenting, the only difference being was that we were already doing aikido against resistance and experimenting with protective head and some body gear so that we could experiment with full on atemi and to see how our technique worked against punching, kicking, grappling etc... The Tomiki aikido system put me in great stead to handle those that came from other martial arts and wanted to test me, and believe me I was!! But somehow I was able to beat all comers without seriously injuring them, albeit with a few fat lips, black eyes, bruises and a few sprained wrists and elbows!! I ran my club up until 2007, when I just couldn't afford to pay for the ever increasing cost just to do aikido, and all the other hassles of running a club, so I reluctantly gave up and retired from active teaching and now train myself just to keep my fitness levels up... I'm quite happy to go along and do a bit of teaching for anyone who asks and all I would ask is that they take care of my travelling costs and accommodation... Maybe that will happen, I dont know... Even though I am now 64 I can still teach, albeit it I am now a little slower on my feet, and my knees are not so good but that is expected at my time of life!! habatakukaimartialarts.simplesite.com/

[@akumagouki8668]

you should look up Dan "The Wolfman" Theodore, he's an MMA coach who used to train Aikido and discovered how to use it effectively in full contact fighting.

[@MrDomleh]

if you are different from the others, you will be ostracised, this is how it is with traditional groups.

[@funnybunnystecher3173]

Hi, take a look on Iwama shin shin aikishurenkai - Iwama style - in fact the only Aikido thats working for me. Morihiro Saito often spoke on effectiveness - so does his son......our headmaster....BJJ is strong! I do practise self defence too - and my understanding in aikido is growing therefor....

[@whoisthisis138]

Great! Now go start bjj! Some of that akido is sneaky and useful mixed with good jiu jitsu. But I seen that video you found out the truth in effectiveness!

[@Marcoshary]

Hey Rokas, I was thinking, maybe you could interview this Aikido master, called Maruyama. He's from Brazil, 7th Dan in Aikido and worked in São Paulo, Brazilian police. He said he used Aikido in many different situations as possible when he worked on the streets, for the police. He gives s few examples here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iIrOc5qPhpWNh8k

[@ratpak1908]

I approve this video.

[@fearlessway]

You want to learn, why do you think you have to push what you want to do in your Aikido Dojo? Learn outside and leave what you learned outside your Aikido Dojo for the basic principle of respect. You're young, and to think you know more than your seniors is a fundamental problem with your generation. MMA/Combat sports isn't a new invention, it's existed before. Clearly you're enamored by the popularity of combat sports, which isn't bad. What is bad is your idea that you know more than your senior instructors and the tradition practiced. The "because" that you are told, is based on your inability to grasp the layered reasons for the "because". You seem to not be patient enough to wait for the "because" to reveal it'self to you and you want to know now! That's something you need to work on. If you think you've mastered Aikido and want to master another art, then that's your choice, but I am not sure anyone "masters" an art after 10-15 years. Maybe you've had a bad experience in your Dojo, but it seems like you have been pressured by your peers to leave your traditional art to get into combat arts. The glamour and popularity seems to be more important to you. Just remember, patience is a virtue and things reveal themselves when you're ready, not when you think you're ready. Good Luck on your path!

[@luisluna2285]

NIK well said. He certainly didn’t sound like a humble student. The part when he says he may just form his own organization was a red flag right there.

[@ErijionTaizesanju]

You are truly free, understand that everything is usful now.. I know that experience had to be hard for you.. Leaving an intimate thing like a Dojo, can make you feel very lonely... Almoast like you betrayed them.. I wish you well on your journey my friend One thing I will say... Remember how chaotic combat is. Test what you do against that.. What is uncontrolled* and you will see how to manipulate what is controlled better. Good luck with the system you create.

[@AliothAncalagon]

Don't you fear that following the "whatever works is fine and dandy"-path might bring you to the point where there is hardly any Aikido left?

[@MartialArtsJourney]

That is actually a point that I am starting to close into. I am starting to focus on the goal of Aikido: effectively defending yourself, others and even the attacker, while not attaching myself to the techniques. I will share my vision and where I am planning to go with this direction soon

[@AliothAncalagon]

I am asking this question because thats what I felt when I more or less did a similar thing. In my teenage years I was ambitious about Kung Fu for quite a while and at the same time wanted to freely go in the direction of self defense. At first it was no problem i added BJJ that did not really touch any of my standing game. But as I went further and further more and more techniques vanished. It took quite a push from myself to let go the last techniques I liked, even though I knew they were not good enough. I am curious how it turns out for you.

[@martinluckybramah]

I quit Aikido after twenty years training. More because of dan grade politics than because of doubt in it's Budo. To me Aikido techniques are like an alphabet that teaches the principles of natural, intelligent movement. If attacked don't attempt an aikido technique - react using the principals of intelligent, natural movement. I've been in plenty of fights and never stopped to consider Aiki movements but my training has always proved invaluable and decisive. What I mean to say is train the animal then trust the animal!

[@Bryan-mt8ht]

Hello I used to practice Aikido under Hombu Dojo curriculum. I practiced for 10 year and got a Shodan. I left Aikido 15 years ago due to family life obligation. I returned to martial arts a few years ago and now are exploring different styles, e.g. Tai Chi, Wudang, Wushu, May Thai, etc. I thought about getting back to Aikido, but after exploring about other styles, I find that it would not be practical. For now, the only belt I’d like is a leather one holding up my ripped jean. Enough about me. My question is when you left Aikido and started posting your view about Aikido, have you ever gotten any negative back lash from Aikido sensei? Thank you.

[@grahpasulj1008]

Man you are SO RIGHT. So damn right. I have the luck, that my sensei also dropped all connections to ki-aikido organisations and started doing work for the truth. not only copying some ancient techniques all the time but question them, develop them and on them. In my aikido dojo we even dropped all that creepy ceremonie-stuff that always cost us about half an hour instead of going our aikido. we know that we deeply respect the ideas and what o sensei formed - so WHY CELEBRATING IT ALL THE FUCKING TIME OVER AND OVER AGAIN?? And we dropped ranks. No more ranks. What we also invented is full contact training with techniques from the "streets" that uke uses to attack us. And guess what: Aikido suddenly is no dance anymore but it hurts, it works and then again not and we try to find concepts to adapt our mind and our techniques to that. YES we are using fist punches, side kicks and we are supposed to attack for REAL as uke and not play a game or pretend to attack. That is what we're doing and I am so happy and I am so glad that I learned so much in the last years. Aikido works, yes, but usually not that way as it is teached in most dojos worldwide. Sending you greetings from germany and just wanna tell you, keep up the good work. We're with you!

[@ldoubleg2006]

My friend, I think the founder murihei ueshiba, knew many art forms. Jiu-Jitsu, sword fighting, judo etc. I think he was the real deal BUT I think he wanted a peace approach and founded aikido. But I think aikido uses more of a spiritual movement. I think only HE understood this art. Study BJJ, boxing, wrestling etc. Develop your style. Good luck.

[@pahtashow]

Why you have to change or modify AIKIDO ? Do not like it ? Just leave it alone ! Any new modern hybrid martial "art" can't defeat any tradition. AIKIDO is not about realism it is about AI-KI ! All your efforts to discredit AIKIDO will fail soon or later. If you like what you practice just do it and leave AIKIDO ! Not because your criticisms hurt AIKIDO but because you do not have the level and approach to criticize AIKIDO.

[@Xubuntu47]

Well...I hope your departure was amicable enough that you can still train with those people. I note that O'Sensei did not just continue teaching in the Daito Ryu lineage, but went out on his own. As long as you are questioning, here are some questions to ponder: Does "more effective" HAVE TO equal "more brutal"? Is Aikido's principle of nonviolent self protection even viable? Can people like Salahuddin Muhammad, Dan Harden, and William Gleason help us evolve an Aikido that works?

[@ccdev]

Congrats, I know how u feel. Aikikai is a bloated organization whose usefulness has run it's course they have NOT been teaching the essence of the art for ages, forgoing the real thing for a jujitsu based system with fancy slogans like "train with the spirit of harmony". O sensei could take on different martial artist, he could withstand a push test from a sumo. Something is seriously missing in modern aikido. Consider this interview with Masao Ishii Sensei interview : NCT: And what would you call the art of Aiki? Ishii Sensei: It's very difficult to explain because I myself didn't train Daitto Ryu. I can only show you what I guess on the mat. Probably this is the last stage of our search and the purpose of the training is this search for Aiki. NCT: Is it about moving inside the movement and becoming part of it? Ishii Sensei: Yes, how to control the movement. This part was SECRET before. They didn't teach it openly - only for the faithful and long lasting students. And this from Daito ryu's Kondo Sensei : "We were forbidden to teach to foreigners". Look it up, there's more. Many, not some, not a few...many... guys know of teachers involved in the art who hold the teachings close-to-the vest and do not really teach. Unfortunately most-due to their positions- cannot and will not openly talk about it. Aikikai has been running the long con for awhile now. time to wake up, guys.

[@DefconUnicorn]

You are an impressive dude. Keep pushing the limits of knowledge, and bring us on your journey :D

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Thank you!

[@nagyzoli]

The only "minus" for leaving is the organization is that IF your modernizing experiment actually succedes, and you develop a system of it (aka grouping and organizing the new "Rokas Aikijutsu" in a teachable manner, meaning tehnique x,y,z is for begginner, a,b,c for more advanced etc) it would be hard to spread the "virus" into your former organization

[@rickdmon1dancing769]

Dude, I've been independent for the past 20 years in Aikido and 10 years in Argentine Tango which I teach also. "Alone", I don't feel alone at all and I don't think anyone should. Keeping what you've always believed in with an open mind to grow is what Aikido is all about. Organizations can kill the spirit of anything. I get more student now in both Aikido and Tango than I did belonging to and organization. However, really be careful about how we're being influenced. People are smart and can market anything. I've seen your videos and have left comments about them.

[@Howling1978Hound]

This time, I agree with you. One should be open to new things. I practice aikido myself for a long time and love it. But sure, it doesn’t cover every aspect in fighting just like aikido, boxing, bjj or any other art. Use what is usefull and study as much as you can whenever you can. Bruce Lee’s view more or less!

[@wbinaxas]

Thank you for sharing a very personal decision. I quit Aikido as well. Growing up in New York and been in a number of street fights, no choice when you are attacked and not a fast runner; this idea of trying not to harm an attacher may be good in theory; but when someone is trying to smash your head with a rock, not so much. I did an Aikido instructor once whose skill was to be reckoned with; but my job took elsewhere. I have watched your struggle for a year and appreciate all that you have shared. Also; I like MOBAT's comment as well as everyone else's.

[@locas4195]

you are wrong..and rigth. the problem is not the aikido but how it is teachning: never use real punch/kick (quick, power, sweeped) to learn, use punch that are not punch of real life (crooked shots -non-rectilinear-), and dont practice figth but pure repetition. after your aikido will be efficient and you can complete with ju-jitsu were people figth really as try trimmer say: Adapt what is useful (in aikido), reject what is useless (in aikido), and add what is specifically your own (invent, see other martial art and redapt to your art). ~Bruce Lee i did it with karate i throw what is not realistic, i complete with ju-jitsu, penshak silat, and invent/found own or specials kick/punch (1). and for now, I had no problem when I had to defend myself as Gerard Johnsoni say: i use aikido and success to defend himself. maybe is maner is more effective than yours ? a demo is better than words: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fYmyanmoj5aBb9U (1) for ex, you have some combinations of kick/punches that are terrible but taught only in some clubs of karate (mine): punchs to approach and to concentrate attention to up, believe your opponent you miss, but it is a diversion: the goal is to get closer to the opponent to attake the basis and crush his foot with the heel (and there you put ALL your weight without mercy). then go back so that the pain begins to be felt (with the adrenaline the person does not feel it immediately). then you attack the other foot with sweeps and kicks in the knee (because it will put the injured foot back). and if that's not enough ? you can re-attack the injured foot (I swear that the person will quickly back on every attempt and there is the door open to the shots up) after the person starts to limp everywhere and there you can start the real shots to put ko so a street fight can be settled in 1-2 min... have you ever taken a hammer shot on the foot? and well almost 90kg coming down on your foot with force gives the same impression. the day a man was made that to me, I left the tatami immediately and limp for 1 week with a huge hematoma...

[@kevinbee4617]

Whenever you don't understand something, there are three possibilities. First: It's wrong. Second: It's true, but you aren't capable to understand it ("too stupid"). Third: You have another perspective. I believe in objective truth in principle, but there are things that are just very complicated, like human movement. People are different so their personal realities are different (in a sense). I think you shouldn't tell your personal students some technique works, if you think it doesn't, just because your teacher taught it like that. If your student uses it in self defense and fails, you are responsible. But I also think, you should *preserve* some of the traditional technique you don't understand but assume isn't total bullshit. Maybe somewhere down the line a student will have the fitting perspective to make practical use of these techniques.

[@cajunmandick2985]

Study Jiu-Jitsu and it will help your aikido , after all they are sister arts. Aikido for the standing and falling and pins and Jiu-Jitsu for he floor work. Works for me . After all , didn't O Sensei derive Aikido from the Samurai arts which included both aiki and Jiu-Jitsu mixes?.

[@01ernst]

Hi Rokus. I admire your search for truth in the practicality and perfection of aikido in relation to its place in the martial arts and life. If your goal by separation is peace then you will continue to grow. Following the path God wants us all to follow. O sensei through prayer and hard work followed a path to peace. What a wonderful man and I believe you will exercise and follow the same path. May God bless you! I rank 1st Kyu Shotokan karate and not ranked yet in Aikido (3 summers practice). Dr. Schelb

[@woloszyntomek]

Aikido is something beyond just great martial art. It has this particle of greatness, however, it has boundaries which are so static. I respect your decision, and cheer you up to continue your magnificent "way of seeking answers". This is enlightenment. You are not alone. After aikido i started to experiment with Krav Maga and BJJ. There is so much that aikidoka is missing without cross training. Take care, don't stop!

[@aikixtal2013]

You were in Div 3, right? Sorry it didn't suit you. I dont think it would suit me, either. I'm just a little biased, but I wish you could have just switched to Div 2. I think you would have found enough freedom to continue down your new path without having to lose many of the relationships you've worked hard for, and you could retain the support of the association. It has worked that way for me. At any rate, the head of Div 2 will be in Switzerland in May, and I bet he'd be pleased to hear you out, since he's way involved in the general association leadership. If you're of a mind to travel. I think the former Div 2 head and association president would also love to hear more about what's going on for you. Especially if you honestly fear ugliness from the folks you want to distance yourself from. That shit shouldn't happen in any org, and if it happens in mine, I want to know so I can speak up about it. Beware collecting other independent folks into a "new and better" organization. The same dynamics will arise, stronger personalities will insist on the unique correctness of their personal curriculum and experience, and a few years down the road, you'll be making the same video all over again. Put two people in a room, politics instantly emerge. See how the comments below prove that out. There is a way to have it all. There is also a way to have it all while maintaining the kind of person you want to be. The question always has been, and is still, "What do you want out of a martial art?" Without an org, you will have to choose even more carefully and much more often. Best of luck with that, and train hard.

[@P1015532oni]

Well done, mate. I've been part of a traditional organisation for 13 years. Just managed to break free last year. It's not like I rejected everything I've learned, but rather I used my previous experience as a base, then I built upon it with things I learned cross-training with other disciplines modern or otherwise. The result may not be as beautiful but it's functional. Rough and imperfect but functional.... but then again, perfection in the martial arts is not a destination, it's an ongoing process. And if that journey of perfection is your goal, sometimes, tradition---- especially the ones that make no sense but no one has the guts to question---- do become a hindrance more than a support. I fully agree with your points. Growth will manifest itself in your life as you continue.

[@phobowl]

I applaud your efforts my friend. I went from Tae Kwon do years ago to kickboxing & BJJ & wrestling. Having a questioning mind is the best way onto personal exploration. Get rid of the baggage & free your mind. If it doesn’t make sense get rid of it and move on.

[@feilox]

the arm takedown and throws are still useful. Saw one video on YT it's still legit but yea. You could hybrid it with MMA or muay thai/wing chun. Just look at most of the Wing Chun organization re-adapt to modern MMA.

[@purplesaxark]

I was a founding member of the ZAA. I was only even outranked in the ZAA by about 4 people and only 2 of those had been around longer than I had and only those 2 had actually trained with Toyoda Sensei, whom the ZAA likes to claim as the general style of Aikido they do. I was a 3rd degree that had been training for well over 20 years at that point. I was driven out of the ZAA because all of a sudden you weren't allowed to remain friends with the people of the AWA. The ZAA broke off from the AWA and went to secret meetings with dojo cho and basically promised certain ranks and positions within the new organization if schools with the AWA left and because ZAA schools. It was done in secret and with a lot of back stabbing. Facebook was being monitored and if people were remaining friends with the old organization then they were being held back for testing. It happened quite a bit. And some of the people I had known and trained with for decades. Also, you weren't allowed to train at any school or seminar outside of the ZAA which was only the 11 schools stolen from the AWA. You couldn't even train in a separate martial art while in the ZAA. Then the second in command, the vice president, who was my own personal sensei at the time got promoted early to 4th degree. Cant have the 2nd person in the hierarchy outranked by others in the organization now can we? And his ego went cartoonishly massive. I mean overnight it could barely fit through the door! He could even look at you and tell you exactly what you were thinking. I guess that new position and rank came with mind reading abilities. That man, G. Null has personally ran off atleast 1 person of every rank that exists up through two different 3rd degrees over the years. I estimate he has ran off almost 20 students over the years from his cursing them out violently directly on the mat to toying with holding back people from rank and withholding certificates for months at a timer after the were earned. There was highly personal and sexual talk of every female student in the organization . Terms like " sideways roast beef" were used.... And then the highest ranking female in the organization shacked up with the President of the organization. Go figure. I wish them luck but come on. If anyone spoke up and questioned anything they were expelled from the organization. The organization forces buddhists practices on the students. Participate in them or be kicked out. period. It goes on and on from there but that hits the highlights. That is why I left the ZAA.

[@alessiodefusco7733]

You are saying right things, but you are actually underestimating the Su Ha Ri method, i dont know if you know it from your school, i got my grandmaster's book but is only in italian at the moment, he write alot about traditional martial art, and Budo in general, is a rich book in theory and our school is pretty close to your ideals. The problem is big about the "traditional" martial art in this period, we miss a lot of Inner work (Nei Kong) and avoid totally the Spiritual work (Shen Kong) and actually the external work (Wei Kong) is pretty low in quality and technique. The interest about true and effective technique is pretty important and we all should focus on this, my master always says "If our technique doesnt work in a real situation, we have to change or remove that technique", again i'm pretty sure you will appreciate is new book, but is only in italian at the moment. Sorry for my bad english Btw, hope you all can understand, is hard for me use english for talk about this ideas

[@CorporaMedicina]

you figured out its bullshit...no issue...get into BJJ and Judo..you will feel right at home.

[@PierreThierryKPH]

Maybe I have been lucky, but I have almost never heard that "because sensei" line. But I have heard quite a few times explanations that don't make sense in practice. And I think the distinction is very important, because most people don't realize and won't accept the criticism that they do things for no other reason than tradition. They "know" that such and such technique is good because it has this and this advantage in a given martial context. Problem is, they don't put that "knowledge" to the test. We don't need to teach people to reject blind faith in tradition, we need to teach people the scientific method… :-P

[@KennyHolloway]

False dominance can be an issue in traditional martial arts. It depends...on which art/culture you're coming from. I'm saying that even though I'm considered a traditional martial artist. But it's Chinese kung fu...we don't bow...it's different...the mindset that is. One of the reasons others define me as traditional is because I teach the ancient weapons and I don't mix in other arts. One of the things that is weakening real fighters is that students study for a few years then they decide they know better so they drop out and study another system like Systema or Krav Maga or BJJ. Then they feel really enlightened. They come back and can't figure out why all this seemingly aggressive training that they have dominated with isn't working. It isn't working because they don't know what they don't know. Had they stuck with the training that has proven out over thousands of years, they'd see that whatever new fandagled technique/application/modern art moves they have packaged today is nothing new at all. Now, this isn't going to hold true of all arts/teachers/schools. And there is a lot of studio dominance going on that creates lessons in a vacuum. Instructors should welcome questions and allow students to challenge what is being taught. Otherwise, what value do you really offer when my life depends on it?

[@David-su4is]

It's a tough choice. One I made about ten years ago, for a few different reasons. There are a few challenges. Rank, recognition. Do you leave it behind, self promote (I never have). Lots of choices... and you do feel along a lot. Some times it's really difficult to be king. Good luck.

[@Rikerzombie]

Congratulations! Organizations are prisons. Rank is meaningless, unless your life's desire is to run a McDojo. You have enough aikido experience so that you don't need an organization. Gather a few people together and experiment relentlessly. That's the only way to find what works and what does not.

[@ClaudelGFX]

I think you will find even more groups that could join you if you take a good look around Tai Chi, and i do believe that Aikido could marry really well with Tai Chi since both have spiritual roots, plus its very helpful for Aikido because it complements it very well. but when it comes to organizations, i do believe you could really connect with the Tai Chi and Taijiquan if you put some effort into having a great outcome.

[@kalenhouse]

As a martial artist we need to evolve to get better. To create a system that deals with real wolrd situations. street Fighting these days aren't like in the 50, let alone 80s. Fighting has evolved too. With UFC and other fighting organizations people are mimicking the fighters. They may not be proficient but there's a evolution in the fighting. So for you to quit your organization to seek your fighting style is not a bad thing. Great example is Bruce Lee.

[@hannybenny7632]

Welcome to real world, learn now Muay-Thai-Grappling, Gracie JJ and sensitive Jab-Boxing now and you will reach your goal ;)

[@Blkshdn03]

I think you coming to this decision only means you are ready for the next level of martial training. "There are many paths up the mountain of Budo." Some paths you must walk alone in order to achieve a higher, more profound learning and understanding. One of the major goals of martial arts is to continuously seek the truth behind every technique. The journey to perfection is never-ending but continuously enlightening. Regardless of how many tests you have taken, or promotions you have earned... this next phase is true advancement. Congratulations.

[@koganihonjujitsuacademy4639]

This seems to be a growing issue in the current affairs in the martial arts world at least here in an America. Martial Arts in their foundation did not have organizations and were taught from teacher to student till the student moved on and took it to new places. The rise of organizations to govern martial arts though had good intentions, in the beginning, has become more of an issue than a benefit nowadays. They seem to be very close to new expression or idea's and shun anyone who takes anything to new places. I spent years with a couple organizations as a student and then after 30 years of study in multiple martial arts opened my own school. I started something new based on what I studied and learn. My own expression of those arts and ran into issues with the organizations. So much like you, I stepped away from them. The organization doesn't make the art, and if you find your own way through your experience and knowledge they seem to get really upset. I formed Koga Nihon Jujitsu based on my 30+ years of experience and study of Japanese Jujutsu, Karate, and Judo. Anytime you do something new you will face an uphill battle of building that foundation. Naysayers will feel the need to attack everything you say or do. But you have to keep moving forward because much like the samurai who learned by their experience in battle and passed in on to students, you are doing the same and creating something beautiful to share with your students and the world. Walk forward with pride and bravery my friend. fear not your on the right path.

[@guylaingreer4190]

After thinking about your video for a day or so I'm left with 2 questions: 1. Why has it taken this long in your Aikido career to conclude that you should no longer train and learn with your teacher? What were your thoughts of your teacher when you were, say, a green belt? 2. You had recently put out a video about elitism in martial arts. I can't help but feel that there are some elitist undertones to your decision to go independent. How do you reconcile these seemingly opposing actions/opinions? Thank you in advance if you take the time to respond to my questions. This is a moment that, for better or worse, will have a lasting impact on the rest of your life.

[@zachariahgoddard6039]

I don’t know anything about aikido. Some of the stuff looks kinda hokey, and other stuff looks like it can work in self defense situations if a person is aware of the limits and doesn’t try to press them outside of the usefulness. (Like someone trying to chase a specific armlock or joint rather than letting the initial impact and engagement dictate where you end up and what techniques you’ll have to work with). I don’t think aikido (and many variety of Buddhist rooted kung Fu) was ever meant to be used on a person who was expecting resistance, so of course professional fights are out....but maybe an aikido practitioner who should be trying to get out of the fight until he literally cannot (like from a pompous bully) the range of usefulness isn’t going to kick in until the guy is close enough to grab you in some way...Maybe aikido can resolve a situation well enough for the guy to run away. I don’t know, with combat and self defense and sports combat there are always more things to take into account and always things that we are forgetting to factor in. I don’t believe martial arts should be a square peg that everything circle shaped needs to be pounded through though and I feel like lots of people (or everybody) tends to try to do this. I think I’m about that far in my thought process.

[@xaqiabdux]

I watched some of your videos and I saw your struggles. I understand but I don't think you should have left aikido. I think you should train both aikido and MMA. However, the problems you have is not Aikido it is your skill level and your personal abilities. MMA no an art or martial art it is only brawling. (boxing and wrestling) and it's made for ring or cage. Real fighting is not in a cage. Anyone tried to wrestle or box in a real fight is a fool. I studied Wing Chun and hung gar but before my study. I found that I have naturally good fighting abilities so I excelled. I played football and I had to weight train so I was very strong. The wrestler in my school could not pin me because of my strength and my natural abilities. The wrestling team wanted me to be on the team, but I hate wrestling and I hate MMA. After all your years of studying or practicing MMA and you are no longer rolling on the mat, what will you be left with? At age of 45, you will leave BJJ and go back to Aikido because it is easier to apply when someone tries to attack you in the street and you are with your family. What are you going to do? try to roll someone to the ground are you serious, When you are older you will not want anything to do with being on the ground. When I was younger I love Kung Fu, but most people who practice kung fu don't know how to apply it because they watch too many movies. I learned to apply kung fu like self-defense aikido. I stop sparring and only practice self-defense. If you like to compete and brawl and roll around on the floor with people who like to wrestle then MMA may be for you, but in most real cases someone in a real situation is not going to roll with you. I can almost guarantee if you want to practice for life it will not be rolling on a mate. When people get older they forget how to box and wrestle so they need to know who to defend themselves and their families, so you are young however you are not thinking martial you are thinking sports. Yes MMA might be a better sport. It is not martial I want the fight to end while I am standing looking down. There are two sides to your delusion.

[@irfangumuscuoglu1719]

I am trying to state my mind without being rude. I did a few martial arts and I watched a lot other people training for martial arts. Aikido is a philosophy for that has been expressed in the techniques. It is a expression of non-aggresion. How ever I have heard that Aiki-Jutsu would exist which simply Aikido but without the movements where you try to conserve your opponent. In my Dojo, we strike hard and we strike fast. I grapple the shit out of my partners and refuse to train with partners who are not grappling as hard or tell me to grap somewhere higher so the technique works. Aikdo is regarded as week as most people see it as a easy way. They think that they will learn a few techniques and toss people around. I am training nearly every friday my rolls, my techniques I have learned, my steps and even I could, I would sparring with other people. But the only people who are in the dojo to that time is a karate guy and tae-kwon do guys. I learned that dedication is key to a martial art. Pure dedication and lots of sparring. I dont know how you trained in your organisation but it is a pity that you are closing it down. I would have introduced more sparring and harder training. Physical training. Do what works best for you.

[@sahdmanreviews5785]

This vid just popped up in my feed. It's kinda cool getting to visit your old videos and taking some bits of wisdom from them. Your change is quite astonishing from who you were then, to who you are now.

[@virgian2]

Will you still practise Aikido or focus on other arts ?

[@thesleepytwigsgameroom3743]

keep up the youtube and more BJJ and Aikido vids!

[@MartialArtsJourney]

Aikido primarily and others arts as inspiration. I'll tell much more about my plans in the next two videos :)

[@asteriskcolon]

BJJ training adds layers to the Aikido. I agree with not throwing Aikido out and instead using BJJ as a tool to help sharpen it. I've been doing the same for a few years now.

[@trystandavies7249]

I've studied Aikido and I am now studying Ashihara Karate. There are many similarities between the two with the latter obviously emphasising atemi and kicks. I feel a lot more confident using my fists and feet now which would obviously be used in a practical environment. However I do think that Aikido has a lot going for it in terms of spatial awareness, centring and the use of locks, momentum and learning how to fall.

[@craigrieser5173]

Sensei Peter Shapiro in Switzerland once commented that Aikido teaches us to act from love rather than fear. Most of the time, this isn't a big challenge. It's the difficult times that test whether fear or love will step forward to guide our actions; it's the difficult times that offer an opportunity for growth. I appreciate that, in the midst of differences and power struggles, you are moving forward courageously from a place of integrity... that you are keeping centered and open to a higher direction, to a higher connection. It will appear.

[@toshioikene8200]

Good luck man. The journey is awesome. You know aikido brah, you not going get stabbed. Well hopefully not. 8)

[@mattbugg4568]

I understand your plight. Aikido is a very exacting art, to the point that there actually is a very fine line between what is aikido and what is not. A organization is supposed to share the inner workings of the art with every member with very defined ranks and attainments being declared before hand! So you should know what your doing and what is next and what you need to be working on at each level. An art like aikido should only take about 20 years to master if you take the long way with a organization behind you I'd say 6. From your flustration level it seems like they were lining there pockets instead of preaching the gospel. Sorry for your loss.

[@bidibum]

Rokas, as a taijiquan pratictioner I can say: don't forget what your art is taught for. You made a video about the history of "martial arts", you surely know how they born and developed. Maybe I'm misreading your words, but don't think that the sport competition is the truth. The truth can be that some organisation only aims to make more believers, but this happens either in aikido and mma. Anyway, all the best, I did something similar when I quit muay boran 'cause I realised it was not what I was looking for.

[@gekiryudojo]

I had to laugh at your everything, Never seen anything so Effeminate!

[@johnceni3902]

so people wanted to become a fighting machine,...aikido want peace ..MMA design for competition of strength ..

[@BudoSiast]

Good or bad is how it feels to you. It is your decision! But in my opinion, i think you made a great choice! I myself made a similar choice a year ago and am (what i call) an Aikido Ronin. And can develop my own Aikido as i see it without restrictions from any organisation what so ever! I welcome you as a fellow Ronin and wish you a great journey on this new way (Do)!

[@Sebaxthian]

There may be a lot of paradoxes. You quitted as a response to a need of adaptation; that is ability to flow, and that is in full accordance to basic philosophies in traditional MA and the art of war applied to life and conflict... You're just doing it right, so glad to know.

[@TheBlahblah86]

Many martial artists of yesteryear lived in a time when a lot of theory was psuedo science. Nowadays, we have real science. That's why I can justify the past masters discouraging Theories, but not today's teachers.

[@bundy4prez462]

Go learn judo from a traditional teacher. You will see that judo kata has kote-gaeshi as well as other cool koryu joint locks. If you like aikido so much maybe add daito ryu or asayama ichiden ryu which will give a more realistic feel. If you want to be like O-sensei maybe realize that he trained in koryu arts and what he left behind was a system flawed by his beliefs. Aikido was never used on the battlefield by samurai, it is non-martial not a military fighting art. You can't get water out of a rock.

[@fullmetalexorcist1687]

I quit my Wing Chun dojo because we didnt really spar. I even started spreading hate on them and going to other dojos making my experience more wide in all aspects if it comes to combat sport.

[@danielcortel497]

I offer no offense. A wise message I once heard... No one will ever hear what you are for, If you judge others by saying what you are against. Again, I do respect what it is you are doing and saying. Just passing on some wisdom. For you to critique if you see fit.

[@avecesar28]

I think that you make a good desition, you cant do things you dont belive anymore it is a waste of energy. In other hand is good to walk in unexplored places and thoughts perhaps you can discover the esence of aikido ( for me Aikido is part of everything, but the First part to be efectivo is beliving in it, flow and not figtht or try to prove cuz it is a way of thinking to narrow)

[@Malt454]

It depends what the goal of training is - practical self defense or spiritual development. If it's the former, the problem isn't so much organizations as styles; no style is good for every situation or is a good counter to every form of attack. There's also the issue, of course, of how good the person is within the style, but the assumptions and limitations of the style itself are also an issue - most people are best at countering the attacks of their own style because those are the attacks with which they have the most experience. If the goal is spiritual development, that can be done within or outside of martial arts and organizations. Organizations, by their very nature, are about boundaries - who we are as opposed to who we're not - so they can be limiting to either practical self defense or spiritual development if their limitations are allowed to become a person's own limitations.

[@allopez8563]

Aikido is not that is ineffective it is a martial art that was borned to complement fighters that were seeking for a more gentle style. Full trained karatecas, judokas, kendokas and Ju jutsu practitioners who learned Aikido. I do not think it was conceived to be a base martial art.

[@martialmonkey6037]

Organizations suck been an independent Traditional Martial Artist my whole martial arts career other than an affiliation with UMA.

[@r.moon.e]

I make a distinction between Aikido-do and Aikido-waza -which most people study thinking it is the art also there is the art as distinct from organizations also you might touch in with patrick cassidy and evolutionary aikido facebook.com/EvolutionaryAikido/

[@gordont.8958]

I left the national federation for much the same reasons. I am now under a teacher in the UK who encourages us to explore and inquire what aikido means to us. Because of that new found freedom we draw from Chinese and Russian martial arts to inform the aikido practice.As a result our classes are enjoyable and interesting. What a refreshing change from the stifling atmosphere of our previous dojo.

[@SergioArroyoSailing]

great! now try and join a legit BJJ Gym. They might have what you are looking to find :) Good luck in your journey! :)

[@mysteriomartinez8239]

Aikido is too advanced. Stick to basic pummeling/defending techniques.

[@kundogb]

Even the most benerated masters were independent at least when they begun, because there was no institution before them. It's a natural path.

[@giuliannaorta8052]

losing to that MMA guy really did make you loose your confidence an your path: aikido is not for fighting or winning, it is a mental-sipiritual discipline, is goal is to unite mind and body, not to win a match agaist a MMA guy, with gloves on, in a ring, with aikido you can save your life if it come to it, but never to win against another just to boost your ego, you are way to inmature in the art to question it, you shoulded understand it well first.

[@CraigHocker]

basically then, espousing a form of utilitarianism with all the problems and baggage that entails. Fracturing in martial arts is a pretty common theme. Someone always thinks they can do better, and rarely is it so.