Jiu-Jitsu has developed various styles and has evolved over the years. However, Aikido strictly focuses on self-defense and the styles and the techniques have not changed. Thus, it can be said that Jiu-jitsu is better since it is more effective and successful than Aikido.

Aikido is non-competitive and is practiced for self-improvement and effective self-defense. Secondly, Judo practice involves one attacker – one defender and the attacks are from the front. In Aikido we conceive that there may be more than one attacker and that attacks can come from any direction.

Judo is a sport of unarmed combat derived from ju-jitsu and intended to train the body and mind. Aikido is a Japanese martial art form. Judo is primarily a grappling art. Aikido emphasizes more on throws and takedowns.

Aikido is not effective in a street fight for self-defense, although it teaches defensive strategies such as joint-locks, throws, and strikes. The goal in Aikido is to defend yourself while trying to avoid hurting the attacker. That philosophy can be costly because a street attacker will definitely try to hurt you.

The general perception of Aikido is that it is a purely defensive martial art, and that there are no offensive techniques. In fact, Aikido is not so limited. As described in a previous article in Dragon Times, there are four levels of technique in Aikido: KATAI (rigid)

aikido, Japanese aikidō (“way of harmonizing energy”), martial art and self-defense system that resembles the fighting methods jujitsu and judo in its use of twisting and throwing techniques and in its aim of turning an attacker’s strength and momentum against himself.

In fact, the ‘Gentle Art’ translation suits it a lot more than it suits Judo. As you gain more expertise with Aikido, the easier it becomes and lesser the physical strength you need to execute the moves. Judo on the other hand is a vigorous workout every time you step on the mat.

Aikido’s techniques include: irimi (entering), and tenkan (turning) movements (that redirect the opponent’s attack momentum), various types of throws and joint locks.

Morihei Ueshiba systematized and somewhat modified the technique of Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu, creating the art of upbringing the spirit, which later, in 1942, was called Aikido. Aikido is an art that synthesizes the study of techniques, techniques, spiritual, energetic, psychological aspects of personality development.

Aikido, especially in the form that it is being taught around the world currently, is not a combat sport. In the early days, maybe there was an equal focus on striking as much as it was on blocking and defense. But in a brutal and bloody sport like Mixed Martial arts, it just doesn’t fit.