Aikido - The Way of Harmonized Spirit

Some Info About Aikido

"Aikido" commonly translated as "The Way of the Harmonized Spirit." Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba from Japan in early 1900s but it is now practiced all over the world. Basically it is an adaptation of an older art, named Daito-Ryu Jujitsu.

Aikido Techniques

Aikido techniques rely on a calm mind, relaxed body, and accurate positioning rather than strength. Techniques are created from the attacker's own energy and momentum. Spherical movements are used to redirect this energy. Which means that the practitioner does not meet force with force when using Aikido. Instead, they will use the power of the attacker's aggression against them, redirecting the energy into a locking, throwing or pinning technique.

As such, Aikido is mostly used for self-defense and self-improvement. However, the techniques themselves can be incredibly effective if used appropriately. The challenge is that they take a very long time to learn and master.

A common list of Aikido techniques are kotegaeshi, shihonage, kokyunage, iriminage and tenchinage. In each case, the defender (or tori) will evade the attack and then manipulate the balance of the aggressor in a way that benefits them. Aikido techniques can be quite harmless or brutally lethal, depending on the type of attack and the type of defense.
The philosophy

The Aikido techniques are so challenging to learn and revolve around blending or yielding with an attack, thus practitioners must allow each other to attempt them, rather than fighting as a training method. This leads to an atmosphere of peace and introspection, which is one of the great draws of Aikido.

Street Fighting Tips

Another tips from the master...Street Fighting Tactics

Learn Street Fighting Tactics to Win Any Fight!
By Steve Gib

I would like to share some self defense tactics that I know work. Over the years as a bouncer, fighting for my life behind prison bars I've come to some conclusions that every martial arts student should incorporate into their street fight training & martial arts studies.

Street fighting tactics #1 - When you can bite by all means do it. If his hand is around your face and you can bite his fingers, or in other situations, his face, arms, groin, elbow, kidneys, legs, lips, eyes, ears or eyebrows you will find that clinch fighting got even deadlier when you apply street fight techniques.

Street fighting tactics #2 - When using kicks, kick in the shin, groin and kneecaps only. If you manage to throw a side-kick in a street fight, and the bad guy catches it, you better know how to get up off the ground fast. So don't lose your balance, keep the kicks low and for keeping your attacker further away from you.

Street fighting tactics #3 - You need to practice unrehearsed self defense training techniques. You want to practice in a park or wherever being tossed around and practicing your techniques making the attack scenarios and response as natural and real as possible.

Street fighting tactics #4 - The eye gouge is more powerful and devastating then a punch. If you are in range stab your attackers eye sockets and then follow through with punches. Making your attacker unable to see properly and putting him in pain will lower his moral to defeat you.