Aikido Westchester: Difference between Aikido and other martial arts in
Westchester County NY?
Aikido vs. other Martial Arts in Westchester -- Culture/History of Martial Arts
As for culture, Chinese martial arts include Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan, Bagua and Hsing Yi. The last three are traditionally referred to as internal
martial arts. Japanese empty handed martial arts originated from Ju Jitsu. During the 20th century, three main forms constitute the major
modernized martial arts styles: Judo, Aikido and Karate. Judo and Aikido were derived from the ancient Ju Jitsu, whereas Karate was imported
from the Okinawan islands, and originally from Shaolin Kung Fu in China. Modern Korean martial arts include Tae Kwon do, developed in part
from Karate, and Hapkido. The founder of Hapkido studied an ancient form of Ju Jitsu, Daito Ryu Aiki Ju Jitsu, and was a classmate of the
founder of Aikido, who studied the same martial art. Broad similarities between Aikido and Hapkido are apparent.
Aikido vs. other Martial Arts in Westchester -- Technique
From a technical perspective, all martial arts contain the same basic elements in varying degrees: striking, throwing, joint locks and pins, including
pressure points. These methods are used to deter an attacker, and can be applied in varying degrees of force. Ideally, they are only applied
with the force needed to change the mind of the attacker from violence to peacefulness, and nothing more.
Certain martial arts emphasize a particular approach over another. For example, Karate, Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do and Tai Chi Chuan all
emphasize striking. Judo, many forms of Ju Jitsu and Aikido are more involved with throwing, joint locks, pins and grappling in general. In Aikido,
the “grappling” is not quite so “up close and personal.” Aikido also does not employ ground work.
Aikido vs. other Martial Arts in Westchester -- Movement
In different martial arts, technique may also be circular or linear. Movements in Aikido tend to be circular in nature, taking an opponent’s balance
or leading them based upon their intent. Karate may be used as an example of a martial art whose emphasis is more linear, or movements tend
to be forward and backward. Other martial arts may include both circular and direct movements in varying degrees, and as in Aikido often employ
taking balance and using the force of the attacker against them.
Aikido vs. other Martial Arts in Westchester -- Day to Day Training Methods
Different training methods in martial arts include basic movements, katas or forms, practical application, and competition. The martial arts
emphasizing strikes (Karate, Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan & Tae Kwon Do) employ katas or forms to a significant degree, while practical application is
used less frequently. Competition is used widely in these martial arts. Aikido is unique in that empty handed technique is completely devoid of
competition and forms, focusing solely on application. As opposed to katas, the method used in Aikido is closer to modern day sports, where one
learns, for example, how to shoot a basketball simply by practicing it frequently. Competition is not used in that Aikido is a traditional martial art.
One does not pursue fighting to acquire a trophy, as one considers the trophy to be one’s own head, from the neck up, which is not severed after
being defeated. To test oneself under pressure, Aikido emphasizes defense against multiple attackers, both armed with weapons and unarmed.
Other martial arts use competition for pressure testing.
Aikido vs. other Martial Arts in Westchester -- Weapons
Although not prevalent is Judo, most empty handed martial arts train with various weapons as an extension of unarmed technique. Focus and
attention is heightened in the face of danger, and one learns to relax under pressure. In Aikido, sword (bokken) and staff (jo) training teach
extension of energy, and learning defense against weapons is excellent training to learn how to evade the line of an attack. Weapons are used in
many martial arts to bring the level of practice to a higher level.
Aikido vs. other Martial Arts in Westchester -- Spirit of Training
Most martial arts begin training the student to be able to defend themselves with harsh and damaging technique. Later, when the student is
confident in their ability to survive, they change emphasis to simply controlling the attacker in order to minimize harm to all. The goal is not to win
the fight, but to change the spirit of the attacker to become more peaceful. Traditional Tai Chi Chuan and Aikido reverse the order by
emphasizing control of an attacker in the early stages, whereas the ability to use lethal force is later understood through extensive practice. In
this sense, most martial arts use harsh technique as an expedient to improve self confidence, a vital ingredient in learning to control the attacker
without harming them. Aikido and traditional Tai Chi Chuan bypass the expedient by reversing the order of emphasis in instruction.
Westchester County NY?
Aikido vs. other Martial Arts in Westchester -- Culture/History of Martial Arts
As for culture, Chinese martial arts include Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan, Bagua and Hsing Yi. The last three are traditionally referred to as internal
martial arts. Japanese empty handed martial arts originated from Ju Jitsu. During the 20th century, three main forms constitute the major
modernized martial arts styles: Judo, Aikido and Karate. Judo and Aikido were derived from the ancient Ju Jitsu, whereas Karate was imported
from the Okinawan islands, and originally from Shaolin Kung Fu in China. Modern Korean martial arts include Tae Kwon do, developed in part
from Karate, and Hapkido. The founder of Hapkido studied an ancient form of Ju Jitsu, Daito Ryu Aiki Ju Jitsu, and was a classmate of the
founder of Aikido, who studied the same martial art. Broad similarities between Aikido and Hapkido are apparent.
Aikido vs. other Martial Arts in Westchester -- Technique
From a technical perspective, all martial arts contain the same basic elements in varying degrees: striking, throwing, joint locks and pins, including
pressure points. These methods are used to deter an attacker, and can be applied in varying degrees of force. Ideally, they are only applied
with the force needed to change the mind of the attacker from violence to peacefulness, and nothing more.
Certain martial arts emphasize a particular approach over another. For example, Karate, Kung Fu, Tae Kwon Do and Tai Chi Chuan all
emphasize striking. Judo, many forms of Ju Jitsu and Aikido are more involved with throwing, joint locks, pins and grappling in general. In Aikido,
the “grappling” is not quite so “up close and personal.” Aikido also does not employ ground work.
Aikido vs. other Martial Arts in Westchester -- Movement
In different martial arts, technique may also be circular or linear. Movements in Aikido tend to be circular in nature, taking an opponent’s balance
or leading them based upon their intent. Karate may be used as an example of a martial art whose emphasis is more linear, or movements tend
to be forward and backward. Other martial arts may include both circular and direct movements in varying degrees, and as in Aikido often employ
taking balance and using the force of the attacker against them.
Aikido vs. other Martial Arts in Westchester -- Day to Day Training Methods
Different training methods in martial arts include basic movements, katas or forms, practical application, and competition. The martial arts
emphasizing strikes (Karate, Kung Fu, Tai Chi Chuan & Tae Kwon Do) employ katas or forms to a significant degree, while practical application is
used less frequently. Competition is used widely in these martial arts. Aikido is unique in that empty handed technique is completely devoid of
competition and forms, focusing solely on application. As opposed to katas, the method used in Aikido is closer to modern day sports, where one
learns, for example, how to shoot a basketball simply by practicing it frequently. Competition is not used in that Aikido is a traditional martial art.
One does not pursue fighting to acquire a trophy, as one considers the trophy to be one’s own head, from the neck up, which is not severed after
being defeated. To test oneself under pressure, Aikido emphasizes defense against multiple attackers, both armed with weapons and unarmed.
Other martial arts use competition for pressure testing.
Aikido vs. other Martial Arts in Westchester -- Weapons
Although not prevalent is Judo, most empty handed martial arts train with various weapons as an extension of unarmed technique. Focus and
attention is heightened in the face of danger, and one learns to relax under pressure. In Aikido, sword (bokken) and staff (jo) training teach
extension of energy, and learning defense against weapons is excellent training to learn how to evade the line of an attack. Weapons are used in
many martial arts to bring the level of practice to a higher level.
Aikido vs. other Martial Arts in Westchester -- Spirit of Training
Most martial arts begin training the student to be able to defend themselves with harsh and damaging technique. Later, when the student is
confident in their ability to survive, they change emphasis to simply controlling the attacker in order to minimize harm to all. The goal is not to win
the fight, but to change the spirit of the attacker to become more peaceful. Traditional Tai Chi Chuan and Aikido reverse the order by
emphasizing control of an attacker in the early stages, whereas the ability to use lethal force is later understood through extensive practice. In
this sense, most martial arts use harsh technique as an expedient to improve self confidence, a vital ingredient in learning to control the attacker
without harming them. Aikido and traditional Tai Chi Chuan bypass the expedient by reversing the order of emphasis in instruction.
Aikido Westchester: Aikido as a Martial Art
Aikido is a compassionate martial art that from the outset of training emphasizes controlling an attacker rather than harming them. In Aikido, we
learn to develop self confidence by studying the natural power inherent in our bodies, and we learn to take the energy of the attack and return it
to the assailant. All martial arts provide rigorous exercise, and Aikido is no exception, but people grow into activity at their own pace. When
practicing Aikido, we have fun, but we also bear in mind the serious nature of martial arts training.
Overview Aikido Westchester: Difference between Aikido and other martial arts in Westchester County NY
Self Defense: Aikido Westchester: For self-defense, which is the best martial art?
Fitness/Health: Aikido Westchester: Training in martial arts for fitness/health benefits - Aikido vs other Martial Arts
Discipline: Aikido Westchester: Aikido masters discuss the Philosophy of Aikido
Aikido Westchester - Our Aikido Dojo, the curriculum, chief instructor, location, schedule & dues.
Martial Arts Westchester - How did I wind up here again? I am just looking for information on martial arts in general.
Aikido is a compassionate martial art that from the outset of training emphasizes controlling an attacker rather than harming them. In Aikido, we
learn to develop self confidence by studying the natural power inherent in our bodies, and we learn to take the energy of the attack and return it
to the assailant. All martial arts provide rigorous exercise, and Aikido is no exception, but people grow into activity at their own pace. When
practicing Aikido, we have fun, but we also bear in mind the serious nature of martial arts training.
Overview Aikido Westchester: Difference between Aikido and other martial arts in Westchester County NY
Self Defense: Aikido Westchester: For self-defense, which is the best martial art?
Fitness/Health: Aikido Westchester: Training in martial arts for fitness/health benefits - Aikido vs other Martial Arts
Discipline: Aikido Westchester: Aikido masters discuss the Philosophy of Aikido
Aikido Westchester - Our Aikido Dojo, the curriculum, chief instructor, location, schedule & dues.
Martial Arts Westchester - How did I wind up here again? I am just looking for information on martial arts in general.
| Aikido Westchester, NY - Martial Arts, Self Defense and Fitness - About Aikido Westchester |
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| True Victory is Victory over the Self |
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Saotome Sensei
disarms a swordsman,
but doesn't kill him.
disarms a swordsman,
but doesn't kill him.
Much of Aikido is derived from sword (Ken) movements
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