running down a list of replies:
@Yeti - Aikido wouldn't be good for muscle mass/conditioning. Boxing, BJJ or MMA/sport training would be better as they have a better conditioning and practical training emphasis.
@Neo - I agree, a traditional martial art is not the best pure choice for self defence. I don't think sport training is either as it conditions you to limit your strikes to the rules of competition and often doesn't include weapons.
@Rio - I don't have any Aikido video but my brother moved into it after our Japanese JJ school closed. He doesn't use it in sparring, he'll use JJ and Silat. He uses the Aikido more like 'party tricks' as the throws really over the top. He said its more like "fast tai chi" and likes it more for the meditation, philosophy and weapons training. That may be what you are missing Rio, its a TMA with a big capital T and small MA.
It will work fine against someone who is not trained but I don't think Aikido is a good choice for competitive martial arts or other trained fighters. It is a good approach to fighting for people that aren't aggressive though and tend to 'live in their heads'...hence the recommendation to the OP
@Yeti - Aikido wouldn't be good for muscle mass/conditioning. Boxing, BJJ or MMA/sport training would be better as they have a better conditioning and practical training emphasis.
@Neo - I agree, a traditional martial art is not the best pure choice for self defence. I don't think sport training is either as it conditions you to limit your strikes to the rules of competition and often doesn't include weapons.
@Rio - I don't have any Aikido video but my brother moved into it after our Japanese JJ school closed. He doesn't use it in sparring, he'll use JJ and Silat. He uses the Aikido more like 'party tricks' as the throws really over the top. He said its more like "fast tai chi" and likes it more for the meditation, philosophy and weapons training. That may be what you are missing Rio, its a TMA with a big capital T and small MA.
It will work fine against someone who is not trained but I don't think Aikido is a good choice for competitive martial arts or other trained fighters. It is a good approach to fighting for people that aren't aggressive though and tend to 'live in their heads'...hence the recommendation to the OP
Why do the heathen rage and the people imagine a vain thing? Psalm 2:1 KJV