How realistic is Aikido?
This question often translates into “Can I beat someone up using Aikido?” We would hope that your learning of Aikido would improve confidence enough that you need not ask this question. However, if the situation arises, Aikido is incredibly useful. It is not only useful in “street” situations, but in more practical situations where punching and kicking are not appropriate responses to an attack. For example, a security or law enforcement professional may not have the option of punching an assailant, but he or she can use a joint locking technique to subdue the subject until additional help arrives. This allows control of the offender without causing serious injury. Another reason this question is often asked is because some techniques seem too easy to be possible. Aikido encourages a relaxed response with a minimal amount of energy. Instead of tremendous amounts of muscle for a brute force defense, the Aikidoist relies more on off-balance (kuzushi) and finesse in his or her technique.
