Aikido and Traditional Kung-fu

What are the Benefits of Aikido.
I'm thinking about taking up Aikido.
I have been doing kung-fu for years. Would this change anything?
Would they clash some way or another?

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*~The one*~The Only*~The Supreme Drunkard~*

"I dislike death, however, there are some things I dislike more than death. Therefore, there are times when I will not avoid danger."--Mencius

And do Aikido and Kendo String together some how?

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*~The one*~The Only*~The Supreme Drunkard~*

"I dislike death, however, there are some things I dislike more than death. Therefore, there are times when I will not avoid danger."--Mencius

i know alot of people who do wing chun and aikido

for some reason

they do seem to play together well

going from chi sau into locks and take downs

they flow nicely into each other

for some people

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grapple - looks like an apple tastes like a grape

QQ: why are you posting this under "animal styles"?

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What is the sound of one hand clawing? -- chanh buddhist proverb

If i recall correctly, Aikido teaches you to uproot your opponent, but tends to be less direct when it comes to striking and finishing. This could compliment any style as you can use the aikido throws and take downs in conjunction with your other strikes and breaks.

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"When the battle is over, tighten your chin strap." ~Old Japanese Saying
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Hung Gar/Win Chung student

I think you'd find it an interesting comparative study, and as HFF says it may complement your current style well.

Just remember to "empty your cup" when you start studying -- nothing makes it harder to learn, or teach, than when a student insists on going "oh but it my old style we do that move THIS way." Comparative work should be done on your own.

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"Pain can be a great teacher of compassion and humility."~ Unkotare-san

"Whatever the case, it proves that countless disasters can be prevented by simply assuming everyone you're working with is a moron." ~ Adam Brown, 5 Tiny Mistakes...

And: moved to (more) appropriate forum.

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"Pain can be a great teacher of compassion and humility."~ Unkotare-san

"Whatever the case, it proves that countless disasters can be prevented by simply assuming everyone you're working with is a moron." ~ Adam Brown, 5 Tiny Mistakes...

Aikido is derived from a mix of japanese jujutsu and swordplay and therefore would definitely string together with kendo. Aikido will make you very good at Chin na type joint manipulations as the majority of its beginner techniques relvolve around this. It is very flowing and soft, but do not mistake that for weakness as it is based on redirecting force. There is near constant contact with others, so you will not be doing forms or air drills the majority of the time, though there is some of this as well. Definitley, listen to Sammygirls advice and empty your cup, because there is a ton of information to take in. Usually it is very formal and japanese with bowing and such. If you have a chance to do so, I would definitely take advantage of the opportunity. My instructor was a little white haired yoda-like man and could he inflict pain and throw us college aged students around like you wouldn't believe. I didn't believe at first, but I learned quickly. Good Luck.

BTW, make sure it is pure aikido and not some other "style" that someone combined with aikido because that is a very common thing.

I often wonder at the effectiveness of Aikido. Obviously I am not one to criticize, but IMHO, from my research and understanding of Aikido, there are more effective/efficient combat martial arts out there.

That is not to say Aikido is in any way invalid as a form of fighting/self-defense, but would you guys consider it as practical as say, the majority of CMA systems?

Of course, if combat is not your main concern, and you just want to learn it for the purpose of learning it, I say go right ahead.

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“	Originally Posted By: KungFuMan I also learned a praying mantis fist style from watching the actual insect itself. This was before I actually learned some seven star mantis.	”

And what about Akijiutsu?


cheers,

It can be practical, and is very similar to Qinna, if taught and practiced properly and realistically, and works well with KF.
Unfortunately, far to many Aikido people are a little loopy with the idea of being able to throw people through the air without touching them or using chi from a mile away to blast holes through buildings, but if you cut that out and get reliable instruction and actual practice in, would be useful

Aikido and Chin Na use similiar principles and techniques so I would say Aikido would improve your overall knowledge of Chin Na application.

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Mark

Are there Qinna in Aikido? I've been under the impression that is where Aikijutsu and Hapkido are more concerned with.

From what I've seen of Aikido it's mainly just some throws and using the opponents force to shove him around . . . . . seriously I would LOVE to see combat oriented Aikido. Although I am also under the impression that it was intended with alot of "peace" oriented philosophical implications in mind, and as such does not contain many brutal techniques.

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“	Originally Posted By: KungFuMan I also learned a praying mantis fist style from watching the actual insect itself. This was before I actually learned some seven star mantis.	”

It was my understanding or impression that a lot of the techniques in Aikido were based on Chin Na application. If not then they are very similiar.

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Mark