Aikido Westchester: Difference between Aikido and other martial
arts in Westchester County NY?
Culture/History of Martial Arts -- Aikido vs. Other Martial Arts in Westchester
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 Jujitsu, 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 Jujitsu, Daito Ryu Aiki Jujitsu, and was a
classmate of the founder of Aikido, who studied the same martial art. Broad similarities between Aikido and Hapkido
are apparent.
Technique -- Aikido vs. Other Martial Arts in Westchester
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 Jujitsu 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.
Movement -- Aikido vs. Other Martial Arts in Westchester
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.
Day to Day Training Methods -- Aikido vs. Other Martial Arts in Westchester
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.
Weapons -- Aikido vs. Other Martial Arts in Westchester
Although not prevalent in 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.
Spirit of Training -- Aikido vs. Other Martial Arts in Westchester
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.
arts in Westchester County NY?
Culture/History of Martial Arts -- Aikido vs. Other Martial Arts in Westchester
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 Jujitsu, 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 Jujitsu, Daito Ryu Aiki Jujitsu, and was a
classmate of the founder of Aikido, who studied the same martial art. Broad similarities between Aikido and Hapkido
are apparent.
Technique -- Aikido vs. Other Martial Arts in Westchester
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 Jujitsu 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.
Movement -- Aikido vs. Other Martial Arts in Westchester
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.
Day to Day Training Methods -- Aikido vs. Other Martial Arts in Westchester
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.
Weapons -- Aikido vs. Other Martial Arts in Westchester
Although not prevalent in 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.
Spirit of Training -- Aikido vs. Other Martial Arts in Westchester
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 Difference between Aikido and other martial arts in Westchester County NY
Self Defense: For self-defense, which is the best martial art in Westchester?
Fitness - Health: Training in martial arts for fitness - health benefits - Aikido vs other martial arts in Westchester
Discipline: Aikido masters discuss the philosophy of Aikido
Visual: Images and videos of Aikido masters
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 Difference between Aikido and other martial arts in Westchester County NY
Self Defense: For self-defense, which is the best martial art in Westchester?
Fitness - Health: Training in martial arts for fitness - health benefits - Aikido vs other martial arts in Westchester
Discipline: Aikido masters discuss the philosophy of Aikido
Visual: Images and videos of Aikido masters
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
| Aikido Westchester: Martial Arts Training in Westchester County NY About Aikido: Overview, Self Defense, Fitness - Health, Discipline |
| True Victory is Victory Over the Self |
Saito Sensei brings
someone down to the
ground for a pin (left) and
Yamaguchi executes a
projection (right)
someone down to the
ground for a pin (left) and
Yamaguchi executes a
projection (right)
| Aikido Westchester: Chief instructor visits Nanuet and demonstrates sword |
| Aikido Westchester: Chief instructor demonstrates timing |