Last week I had commented on a blog post by Striking Thoughts titled “Return fire on Aikido”. In it he detailed his intentions of going in Aikido and how he has gotten some flak from the “aikido sucks” crowd.
Being the aikidoist that I am, I posted this comment:
I haven’t been getting any crap directly, but yes Aikido gets a lot of that – especially (ofcourse) from non aikidoists. It’s sad and frustrating at times.
I guess Aikido isn’t at that stage yet. My take on the situation is that it’s still a relatively young martial art and like all young martial arts tend to go through a “belittling” phase before it has be tried, tested, and true. It’s not a question of trying to “accepted” into the martial arts community.
It’s about being able to be ground yourself (haha, using an aikido term here).
I feel this should be brought out and discussed. So what do you think, is Aikido still in its “belittling” phase or is it well on its way to securing its place in today’s society? A discussion please.
Before I go I would like to introduce my Sensei. Jack Wada, 6th Dan has studied Aikido for a little over 40 years (just celebrated his anniversary last year). He also has experience in Shotokan Karate & Tai Chi Chuan. He has had this blog for almost 4 years now – I asked him if I could do this and with a polite “Sure!” and smile, he agreed. I’ve also put his blog on my blogroll for future reference. I hope that you all enjoy his blog as much as I enjoy his classes under his tutelage 3 times a week.
The Journey of an Accidental Aikidoist 
I added your sensi’s blog to my Google Reader! Thanks for bringing it to our attention!
It really is not a new art form – especially comparing it the brand new popular arts. Remember aikido came through the roots of Daito Ryu and Kito Ryu, some very old art forms.
People tend to have their own martial preferences – and they unwisely belittle other arts.
We are tribal creatures after all.