Aikido fad?

Question

I've noticed many, many, many users asking about starting a martial art are incredibly interested in Aikido, like it's been glorified, like the kids that wanted to do Drunken Boxing after Drunken Master came out, why is there a sudden spike of interest in Aikido? There aren't many Aikido dojos in America, and there haven't been any films with them (or have there?) so why is there so much popularity, is it the reversal and sole defensive nature of it? For some reason, I expected people to be interested in Jeet Kune Do and Keysi and BJJ after all the MMA bouts and the movies out.... so, is it really a fad....? Or a genuine revolution of defensive fighting theory.

Answer 1

Akido has been around for longer than MMA, Karv Magaw, BJJ, and many others. No it is a formidable self defense like Judo. It seems to be making a come back. With an increase in popularity there is of course a lot of Mcdojos.

Answer 2

I think Aikido is a great martial art. I read 'The Art of Peace' by Morihei Ueshiba and it really gives you a solid appreciation for Osensei Ueshiba and the skilled masters that he studied under to develop the way of harmony. Even if you never decide to study Aikido, if you read the first 3 chapters of the Art of Peace (before all of the quotes in the final chapter) you will walk away with a great appreciation for the Japanese Jujutsu roots of Aikido.  Check it out at the library, It is a great book for all martial artists.

Answer 3

Not sure myself, but we have 2 of the best schools here in Chicago. Maybe the previous answer about Segal has some merit, but I haven't heard about him in awhile.

Answer 4

You're right about Sifu Frank's answer.

Answer 5

Yeah, it's totally a fad.  That's why we see Aikido shows on TV every week, and every instructor is adding it to their brochure.

OhwaitthatsMMA.

Answer 6

I don't see anything wrong with wanting to take up Aikido as your first martial art.

It's like volunteering to be the keyboardist in a band. It's more unique then volunteering to be the guitarist.

I think the only influence I've seen that promoted the art of Aikido was Steven Segal.

But I'm pretty sure that most (if not all) of the aspiring Aikido students do not really know what's in store for them when they decide to take Aikido.

You're pretty much spot on with the whole McDojo thing.

Answer 7

Every Steven Segal movie is an Aikido movie.

Answer 8

hmmm maybe its the use of weapons. i herd its got a lot of weapon use as well as self defence techniques. so maybe that answered ur ?.