Grievances against Aikido

One of the most fundamental questions asked of any martial art is “does it work in a real fight?” Despite all martial arts being art forms that are to a greater or lesser degree aesthetically satisfying and inspirational; they are primarily martial systems of self-defence, some created for war, others created for the street. Thus although all martial arts have intrinsic worth in the practice of and perfection of their techniques, not all are as equally effective in real self-defence situations. Now, arguably whether a martial art is practical for self-defence will depend on the cultural context and the law of the country. For example Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu has been proven to be an effective system for self-defence in a one-on-one scenario as statistically it is said that between 90-95% of all street fights end on the ground. That statistic has been disputed recently and renewed statistics argue that around 70-75% of fights result in at least one person being forced to the ground. So even taking conservative estimates learning a form of grappling to defend yourself is a very wise course of action and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu is an almost exclusively ground fighting system. However, if you were attacked by multiple attackers you would not be able to protect yourself effectively with BJJ.


Circumstance is paramount to the effectiveness of any martial system – your environment, whether your attacker is alone or with a group of people, whether your attacker/s are intoxicated with alcohol in a bar or pub, or whether you are being mugged on the street for your wallet at knife point will determine how you react – what time, space and opportunity you have in order to use any knowledge and training in self-defence. If you are on the street it is likely that you have far more space in order to create distance and prevent a mugger from entering your personal space; if you are in a bar or pub the likelihood is you are in a crowded environment with less space and a greater threat that more people will become involved in any altercation.

This brings me to the focus of this blog: how effective is Aikido in a real life self-defence situation? I am using the case-study of Aikido deliberately because of Aikido’s non-violent philosophy. I am also using Aikido because I have experience in Aiki Jujutsu, which incorporates Aiki techniques yet with a focus of complimenting and increasing the effectiveness of the more combative jujutsu techniques. Aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba – referred to by Aikidoka across the world as ‘O Sensei’ – was profoundly influenced by his own mystic Shinto beliefs that led him to develop his system of Aikido to be as ‘humanitarian’ as possible. Aikido is said to be the way of harmony, meaning that an Aikidoka (a practitioner of Aikido) should blend their energy with that of their attackers, utilising the body's own energy called in Eastern mysticism Ki. Aikido, as its name suggests, stresses this emphasis on Ki (some Aikido styles more than others). Therefore there is a strong philosophical or even spiritual aspect to Aikido, many Aikidoka seeking to learn how to become a better human being through the practice of their art. While this emphasis on the non-violent approach that the art takes through its Aiki principles is commendable is it realistic?

The problem with arts such as Aikido and Aiki Jujutsu is that there is no sport, no sparring or as it is referred to in Judo randori. All Aikido demonstrations you find on the internet are purely exhibitions only. As sport is anathema to the philosophy of Aikido and Aiki Jujutsu it creates the problem of compliance amongst Tori and Uke (Tori being the practitioner of the technique, Uke the partner simulating the attacker). The difference, however, between Aikido and Aiki Jujutsu is the way in which each arts' history has influenced its philosophy – Aiki Jujutsu is an ancient martial art that traces its origins back to Feudal Japan and was developed as a system for self-defence used by the Samurai on the battlefields. This history means that its use of aiki is far less spiritual in nature and far more practical than Aikido with the suffix ‘Jutsu’ carrying with it far more combative connotations. The art was developed to save Samurais’ lives in real war scenarios. Aikido’s history as a modern martial art is very different. The result of WWII upon Morihei Ueshiba’s worldview was very apparent in his development of Aikido. Ueshiba became disillusioned with the more violent techniques of the more traditional elements of Aiki Jujutsu that influenced his art in the aftermath of the atom bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki and Japan’s loss to America in the war in the Pacific. This is partly why there are so many different styles of Aikido, some stressing the more combative elements and others the more spiritual depending on when the students of Morihei Ueshiba studied under him.

Compliance is one of the biggest problems for the sceptic and doubting Thomas of Aikido. The Uke is taught how to fall and roll properly known in Aikido as ukemi. Thus the Uke in any Aikido demonstration employs acrobatic rolls and falls in order to prevent serious injury, which gives the illusion of a dynamic and powerful technique. Conversely, in the street an Aikido technique would look very different and far less aesthetic than in the dojo. Not only would people not roll out of a wrist lock in a real street fight but they would not be compliant. It is incredibly hard to blend your energy with an aggressive attacker who is tense and strong, especially when a lot of the set up attacks for an Aikido technique are not always realistic. This goes back to the art's Aiki Jujutsu roots.

In Aiki Jujutsu wrist locks were used in order to break an attacker’s grip, which was to prevent a Samurai from drawing his sword or dagger, or possibly to steal said weapons. Many of the wrist locks techniques found in Aikido and Aiki Jujutsu are still relevant for police officers in weapon retention scenarios – in 2010 of the 56 officers killed on duty in America, 7 were killed with their own weapons (source fbi.gov). Statistics may vary for other countries but weapon retention is a serious issue for police officers facing dangerous and violent criminals. In the street or in a bar though wrist grabs are a far less serious problem. Wrist locks can work from a punch, theoretically, but the level of skill and the reaction time of the practitioner would need to be seriously good in order to prevent the punch from connecting. Reaction is always slower than action.

If the Aikidoka is dogmatic about the application of Aikido techniques without first deploying strikes, known in Aiki Jujutsu as atemi, and being absolutely dependent on grabs then they can very easily find themselves in danger. Applying techniques without strength is incredibly difficult in a fight conducted in real time. Fear or panic will send adrenaline coursing through the body and our instincts will be to tense up making it extremely difficult to relax. The same could be said of Aiki Jujutsuka, but there is far more room for pragmatism in Aiki Jujutsu in responding to a real life situation. Now I am analysing the weaknesses of Aikido from a western perspective and do not have experience of Japanese street fights, but with the rise in popularity of MMA and K1 kickboxing in Japan there is a far higher likelihood of an attacker having some knowledge of kickboxing. Of course there is still the possibility someone might just try and grab your wallet or your brief case etc. in an opportunistic ‘grab and run’ scenario, from which you can apply a wrist lock or a throw but in many aggressive situations people will fight with their fists or feet. Where Aikido and Aiki Jujutsu have an ‘edge’ over striking arts is in its weapon defence. Yet even then reaction time is paramount to safety when someone is either threatening to or actually attacking you with a knife or sharp objective capable of piercing skin and flesh. Again compliance can become a stumbling block if you have not immobilised your attacker swiftly and competently as you could easily find yourself in a wrestling contest.

In conclusion I have many doubts about the practical application of Aikido in its strictest spiritual application in a real life self-defence situation. The philosophical principles behind much of Aikido may be commendable and meritorious but the compliance factor and the unrealistic set up attacks, namely being too dependent on wrist grabs or arm grabs make it an incredibly difficult art to use effectively. Even though aiki techniques are dependent on contact between attacker and victim where they do occur the use of aiki in Aiki Jujutsu is far better, especially when adapting the art to making it a relevant and contemporary self-defence system. Aiki applied in Aiki Jujutsu uses smaller circles thus creates less wasted motion and is more realistic in tight, bar fight situations; it is also more of a distraction technique, subtly shifting your attackers mind frame from attacker to defender, allowing the practitioner to use one of the Jujutsu techniques to immobilise their opponent. Of course the effectiveness of any art is almost entirely dependent on the skill level of the practitioner, but I would be very wary of arts that are too ‘idealistic’ in their principles.

The Gospel according to Thor

Last night I watched one of Marvel's latest superhero flicks 'Thor'. I found the film enjoyable, although I was unfamiliar with the character. However, what interested me was the parallels in the story between Thor and Jesus Christ.

Synposis

The film centres around the character Thor, who in Viking folk lore is the god of Thunder, but who is, in the film, the prince of Asgard - one of the 9 realms (which includes earth) - and the son of King Odin. Thor and his companions can travel throughout the 9 realms through a portal, or wormhole. In the beginning of the film Thor and his companions travel to the ice world of the Frost Giants in retaliation of an unsuccessful invasion into Asgard. The warriors soon find themselves outnumbered even if Thor's mighty Hammer does manage to wipe out hordes of Frost Giants at a time. As their enemies close in around them Odin arrives to save his son and companions.

Back in Asgard Odin, outraged at Thor's reckless behaviour, banishes Thor taking his powers and Hammer from him. Thor is banished to earth, where Odin sends his Hammer after him after first placing a spell on it that only when Thor is worthy of wielding its power will it be activated. Thor is indignant that Odin has made a mistake and has become too 'soft' in his old age. Nevertheless stuck on earth Thor is forced to re-evaluate his life and learn humility. Over the course of the film, Thor becomes less arrogant and more humble as he befriends and inevitably falls in love with Jane Foster, a scientist studying wormholes.

Thor's jealous brother Loki takes over the throne of Asgard after their father Odin falls into a coma brought on by the heartbreak of Thor's banishment. Loki determined that Thor should never regain his position as son and heir to Odin's throne and to ensure that he will reign as King after the eventual death of Odin, sends a giant robotic monster known as the Destroyer to earth in order to kill Thor. When the Destroyer arrives on earth it starts destroying everything in its path in order to complete its objective of killing Thor. Without the power of his Hammer Thor knows that he is physically helpless to defeat the giant Destroyer and so chooses to freely and voluntarily give up his life so that no-one else is hurt or killed. Loki, who is able to control the Destroyer from Asgard accepts Thor's sacrifice and commands the Destroyer to kill his brother. At that moment Thor's selfless actions and courageous sacrifice awaken the power of his Hammer and it is returned to him, bringing him back from the brink of death and empowering him to kill the Destroyer. Once the Destroyer is killed Thor travels back to Asgard to defeat the evil schemes of his brother. In his battle with Loki over control of Asgard Thor is forced to break the portal allowing them access to the other realms and destroying the link between Asgard and earth. The film ends with Thor determined to find a way back to earth and to his new beloved Jane.

Analysis

There are many parallels between the story told in the Marvel film 'Thor' and Jesus' life here on earth. Firstly, the film is a story about personal realisation and humility. Before Thor was banished to earth he lived in magnificence in Asgard, in full power and majesty as prince and heir to Odin's throne. Jesus too, before coming to earth, lived in the glory and splendor of Heaven with God. Secondly, after Thor was banished to earth he had to learn humility in order to regain his power and status. The Bible says that Jesus:

"Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in the appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!" Philippians 2:6-8

Jesus humbled himself by coming to earth and being born as a human being. Jesus had to learn how to be a human and adapt to his new home. Thor too had to learn how to fit in as his mannerism and the way he interracted with people was very unorthodox by contemporary standards. Thor was still technically the son of Odin - that did not change and so too Jesus was the son of God.

Thirdly, Thor realised that devoid of the power of his Hammer he could not defeat the force of evil by brute strength alone. He chose the higher way and selflesly gave his life as a ransom for the people caught in the middle of Loki's jealous and spiteful actions. Jesus too, as the passage from the book of Philippians explains became obedient to death. Jesus chose the way of the cross as opposed to the way of war in order to defeat Satan and rescue humanity from the judgement of God caused by our sin. Jesus says himself in the Gospel of Matthew:

"Put your sword back in its place... Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels?" Matthew 26:52-53

Jesus had at his disposal the power of heaven in order to defeat the forces of evil in the world, but knew that ultimately it was love that would conquer evil. Jesus chose the path of love and took humanity's sin upon himself so that there would be forgiveness and pardon for humanity. Thor's actions were inspired from love.

Finally, after Jesus' crucifixion and buriel he rose again on the third day and ascended into Heaven where his former glory was fully restored to him as he sat at the right hand of God. At the end of the film Odin recovered from his coma and Thor took his place in meekness and humility as his son and heir. Lastly Thor looked to the day when he would return to earth, to return to the people that he grew to love although he did not know when. The Bible says that Jesus too will one day return although only God knows that day and hour.

Naturally there are limits to the parallels - Thor was forcely banished from Asgard, whereas Jesus voluntarily gave up his glory in Heaven. Thor fell in love with one woman in particular whereas Jesus' love was for all humanity equally and impartially. But the parallels that can be made are striking and thought provoking.

The next time you watch a film, whether comic book or other just pause and reflect to think whether there are any parallels or Christian message in the film - it is quite remarkable just how strong a Gospel message you can find.

Caught a Glimpse

I have come to the conclusion that many of us don’t fully comprehend what it means to be made in God’s image. It means so much more than just to differentiate us from the rest of the animal kingdom. It means more than being imbued with a conscience and knowing the difference between right and wrong. I found myself asking for God’s forgiveness for all the times I had looked in the mirror and been unhappy with the reflection staring back at me; for all the times I had been envious of other people for their looks, talent, popularity or wealth. Because the Bible says we are fearfully and wonderfully made by God: every single one of us. God made us unique for a reason. He made us different from everybody else because He was happy to do so. That means God delights in all of us, just the way we are. We may not have won a noble peace prize, we may not be a world class athlete, we may not make the cover of Vogue magazine but God created us and He knew exactly what He was doing.


I saw a video yesterday of a Romanian child with Down syndrome. There is widespread discrimination against children with learning disabilities in Romania and the father even suggested killing her as a baby. The mother refused to do so and so the father left; left his new born baby daughter and his wife to raise and look after her all by herself. But even though that child may not have the intellect or the social skills that many of us take for granted; that child is still a human being who deserves to be loved just as much as the next ‘normal’ child. There is an incident in the Gospels when Jesus’ disciples ask him, regarding a blind man, who sinned – him or his parents, to make him blind. But Jesus says neither and that the man was born that way so that the mercy of God may be revealed! God cares for and loves deeply every human life on earth.

There have been times these past few years when I have struggled with self worth – feeling unlovable and insecure. Just the other day I had a bad lesson observation at work that hit me hard. I felt like a total failure, like I was good for nothing. But that is not true and that is not how God sees me. For in God’s eyes I am exactly who I am meant to be. He created me and programmed my DNA so that who I am is who I am meant to be. It doesn’t matter whether or not I am the greatest teacher to ever grace a secondary school classroom; it doesn’t matter that I am not the most handsome man in the world with women falling at my feet and it doesn’t matter that I am not a gold medal winning Olympian. Life is made up of triumphs and failures, of peaks and troughs. We all have good days and bad days. That is the nature of life. But that doesn’t mean I am a lesser human being because of it.

As hard as I’ve tried not to let it be so, deep down I have sought validation from my work, from my relationship with my colleagues, from my service to the church and I have ultimately sought it from a prospective wife; wishing, longing that someone would look at me and think “wow he’s amazing!” But all of these are but illusory, for all a long my acceptance and validation as a human being has come from God. Being fearfully and wonderfully made by God is extraordinary. It is mind blowing. It is liberating. My physical appearance, my talents, my passions and desires all come from God. I can look at myself in the mirror and be pleased with who I see, because I know this is the person God wanted to create. None of us choose to be born. Many of us would like to choose how we die; but none of us choose to be born, which family we are born into, whether rich or poor, whether from the West or the East. No human life is an accident. God deliberately and joyfully made each and every one of us. Hallelujah!

My entire life is by the grace of God: all life is a gift. I thank God that He saw that it was good to make me. I thank God for who I am. For the Bible also speaks of salvation being by God’s design. The Bible says that it was not by human planning but by God that we are born again into a new life. For although God chose to make us just the way we are, unfortunately we are born into a world corrupted by sin. But God pre-empted the Fall. He knew we couldn’t make it by ourselves and so sent His Son, Jesus Christ to die for us. By dying for us Jesus freely and voluntarily gave his life so that we might share in Jesus’ glory. Jesus is the archetypal human being – the blue print of the ideal human person. By his blood we are cleansed from our sin, forgiven by God and redeemed. By being redeemed we are restored in God’s eyes to the mode of humanity He originally created before the Fall. That is why only Jesus’ sacrifice is sufficient for our salvation; for only Jesus was both God and Man in order to offer the perfect sacrifice. And so, restored by the blood of Christ and enlightened to my true self before God I can live positively in the knowledge that God both loves me – beyond my wildest dreams –and is also happy over me.

I am sure there will be times when the world beats down on me again and I fail in the world’s eyes. But I know that my God is for me, not against me and in His eyes I am a success! This is the most important thing in life; knowing the Father and being known by Him. When we understand that God seeks a personal relationship with each of us, because that is the reason we were born – to share a relationship and the blessings that flow from the Creator God, then we can face each day and look forward in hope to a brighter tomorrow and a future eternity in His glorious presence, our spirits free to reach our full potential.

“He is jealous for me, Love's like a hurricane, I am a tree; bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy. When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory and I realize just how beautiful You are and how great your affections are for me.” How He Loves Us