What's the difference between Aikido and Ju-jutsu, and which would you recommend?

Question

What's the difference between Aikido and Ju-jutsu, and which would you recommend?

Answer 1

Aikido is a modified form of a number of different Japanese Jujutsu styles. Morihei Ueshiba studied jujutsu from a number a Japanese masters before opting to create a more humane method of self defense that he called Aikido, the "way of harmony." Aikido is also referred to as the "art of peace". You should read The Art of Peace by Morihei Ueshiba (regular size, not pocket sized book). The first 3 chapters of the book explain which jujutsu styles and masters that Ueshiba followed before creating the more humane Aikido.

I recommend that you read 'The Art of Peace' before deciding whether to study jujutsu or Aikido.

Answer 2

Aikido is okay if you have the next 12 years to learn to defend yourself or if you are ridiculously out of shape.  Watch fight quest Korea where they are studying Hapkido which is extremely similar to aikido and aikijujitsu with exception to greater emphasis on kicks and strikes.  When it came to going all out, their grappling resembled ju-jitsu and or judo more than any of the fancy intricate techniques you see them practicing.  I'm just saying if that what it boils down to in a real situation, why not just train that way to begin with.  I like judo personally, but would definitely be interested in cross training with BJJ if it were available where I live.

Answer 3

aikido is a modern martial art based partially on daito ryu ju jitsu and sword and jo fighting.

ju jitsu in itself is a term to describe the ancient martial arts of the samurai(the unarmed ones)

there really is no one style, it used to differ from clan to clan or family to family, creating a vast selection of styles.

Modern day ju jitsu is usually a combination of various styles.  as for recommendation I would not recommend anything but to check out both styles for yourself and see what you like best

Answer 4

Peter Gunns answer sums it up.

But personally I'd train in both,but only after training in one style first as to have a good solid foundation.

As for Bjj ,yes it has been pressure tested for the ring and ufc under limited rules, but for the street I'd suggest Japanese Jiu-jitsu which deal with no rules situations.

Just my humble opinion :)***

Answer 5

Most Aikido in north america is no good for fighting. They train with compliant "uke" to simulate an attack. The uke usually attack with exaggerated, unrealistic grabs and strikes, and when countered go limp like dead meat. This won't prepare you for real fights.

Look up some Aikido demonstrations on youtube to see what I mean.

Not that you can't learn anything useful from it, but how can you even know if it will work under pressure with no pressure testing?

As far as JJJ or Japanese Ju-Jitsu goes, that's like saying Kung Fu in Japanese. There are many types of JJJ out there.

IMO if you want to learn to fight go for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, Judo or Sambo. All of these arts link back to JJJ in some way but the do live sparring and competition so the techniques are pressure tested.