Aikido Westchester: For Self-Defense, which is the Best Martial Art?
The short answer to this question is that they are all the most effective. To understand this point, we need to look at what produces the effectiveness of technique. Specifically, there are two factors, practice of the techniques themselves and understanding of the principles underlying the techniques. In order to be effective based upon skill as opposed to luck, both are required. For example, if one only trains in technique, failure to consistently apply broad based attention derived from a proper understanding of principle will leave one open to attack and defeat. One the other hand, one who understands how to pay attention perfectly needs to know how to respond when an attack is launched, or they will observe themselves being struck with perfect attention.
To highlight the implications of understanding principle, let’s take a real life example. Some people who train in martial arts practice being unaware so that an attacker can sneak up on them. They then hone their ability to react from the unaware state. Such an approach is misguided. The intention may be to increase the practicality of training, but increasing awareness on a daily basis is the more correct way to improve the practicality. Training reactions from an unaware state tacitly gives in to the idea that one can never learn to maintain awareness on a daily basis, which is an irreplaceable aspect of effective self defense training. While the implications of unawareness are clear from a martial perspective, in principle we learn as martial artists never to give up on ourselves, perhaps the more important lesson here.
Nobayashi Tamura Sensei, perhaps the most advanced practitioner of Aikido in the western hemisphere explained it well: “Aiki (as distinct from Aikido) is the origin of all martial arts… However, it is important to note that the primordial nature of Aiki doesn't imply that Aikido is the best martial art, but only that it is one way towards aiki… Bujutsu and Budo are not merely techniques. Their value comes from using asceticism to go beyond technique. The techniques originated from the specific circumstances of their creator's life: the place, the era, the human situation. Thus if you are given a chance, widen your horizons and practice or watch techniques anytime an occasion presents itself.” – from Aikido - Etiquette and Transmission.
Sometimes questions arise: is one martial art more effective if you are taken down to the ground, “as often occurs,” can one learn self defense more quickly with one martial art versus another, etc. The answers to all such questions should be funneled back into the point of view illustrated above. Effectiveness comes from practicing technique in a manner that harmonizes with the underlying principle of all martial arts: aiki – or harmony with ki/intentionality. Each technique comes from a particular era, but when combined with principle they are all effective. Can an Aikido practitioner defend themselves effectively if taken down to the ground in a grappling situation? Can a Gracie jujitsu practitioner defend themselves against 4-5 armed attackers while on the ground trying to get one into a pretzel lock? With knowledge of the underlying principle, the answer to both of these questions is a resounding yes. Without principle, you will need all the luck you can get.
To consider which training method may be most appropriate for you as an individual, see the All Martial Arts section of this web site.
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