“I’m not saying aikido is the best martial art...” That is literally the title of the video. Literally.

Aikido is the best martial art, because laughter is the best medicine.

I am an American Iraq Freedom veteran, I have served as a SWAT Officer since 2012 in Louisiana. I have a black belt in Kajukembo(with a heavy focus on Aikido) furthermore I trained at Houston Metro Fight Club for 2 years. I 100% can vouch for the techniques this man is describing. Also, I would love to train with him at some point.

Akido is the best martial art, because you'll never get injured training it since it doesn't work.

This shouldn't be called why aikido is the best martial art it should be called why aikido is the best martial art for me .

I don't get into the debate of whether Aikido is effective or not in self defense because it's pretty much pointless. All I know is what i have learned from self observation through my experience with Aikido; which was years ago. After a prolonged and consistent practice, I noticed I became more peaceful, less angry, more mindful (less daydreaming or distracted in my head)), more patient-not only with others, but more importantly, with myself. Is as if the desire to fight went away and was replaced with a desire to be at peace with myself and others. I also began enjoying the physical benefits you get from MA practice regardless of style: better reflexes, better coordination, better balance, more flexibility, etc. But the biggest lesson was learning that our worst enemy is always with us, within us: our own ego. AND THAT, is not a lesson taught by very few martial arts. It is then that I realized that I was not doing Aikido to be a" bad ass" or learn how to fight, those things didn't matter to me anymore. Aikido had literary trained me to be a better version of myself, a better human being.The balance I acheived during that time was not only physical, it was mental and emotional. I have never said anything like this before but you inspired me to tell my own story. Some people will hate this, others will be more receptive. Ultimately, it does not matter as this was my experience.

I’ve also been in a scenario were a guy got a ray gun and started blasting me so i had to get my lightsaber to inflict some damage.

1:59 that is what I love about aikido and jiu jitsu: Not only has martial arts saved my life many times, it also saved their lives. It is the practice of a reasonable man.

Thanks Azu! What you have said and demonstrated in this video is the reason also why Grandmaster Ueshiba felt and thought that's why he founded Aikido. He is tired of fighting or defending himself by using violence or just simply he doesn't want to hurt. It's the answer to how to defend oneself without harming the attacker.

different levels of violence require different answers. that´s an often neglected point of self defense. well explained!

I’m 38 and have been looking at Aikido as a way to augment my martial arts. I’ve done private security and, yes, you don’t always want to inflict damage (having to file paperwork and police reports to justify why you broke someone’s nose is not fun) but I do want that option. My initial training, while good, taught me two speeds: hurt and break. What I want out of Aikido is to have the option of stopping a guy and not having to damage them.

I loved when you said, "It's the best martial art for what I do." It seems that when critics condemn any martial arts, they don't consider that the art has to fit the artist. This is the same for all arts in general. imho

Many of the posts below talk about fighting against someone with experience in a martial art. I would say most people who train a martial/fighting art don't go looking for a fight. Most people who get violent are those who do not have training - can't keep cool, are drunk, etc. Most people who are violent are out of control. If someone who trains goes looking for a fight, they really belong in prison, not on the street looking to hurt someone else.

well this does make sense because people at night clubs or bars are drunk, so they would fight like that and aikido would be very useful in those situations

I practiced Taekwondo and now Karate. I have used some of what you have shown when I was an MP in the CF and it has worked for me too. What I find annoying lately is the so called fighting experts and self defense experts that say traditional martial arts is crap and only MMA is legit.

This guy talking sounds like a guy who sits in a pub totally wasted and tells all these cool stories to friends and others around him. He feels like a total badass.

The Title of this should be: Man with many years of martial art experience finds it useful against people with no experience that are physically and mentally impaired.

I love people who disrespect aikido. To all those folks who do - tell me what your pedigree is? I've used aikido in 'real' life situations and man - it's effective. But what's important is - if your going to train against a punch make sure the punch is 'take my head of ' real otherwise it's not effective. I think a lot of folks think mma this and mma that - it's true mma is real but aikido is not about submissions, knock outs - it's about avoidance, minimal force, control. It's not what you want in a one on one fight where you have to take the other guy out by choke or ko. I boxed for 25 years - why do I do aikido? Because like mma people you get too old and can't take the punishment anymore. Self defence means being able to avoid injury, being able to control an attacker. I know many akidoker and they tell the same stories as the guy in this video.

Your excellent and thank you. In our Police Academy we were lucky enough to have a former Police Officer that was a Black Belt in Aikido and it's an excellent fighting form for us as Police Officers for control and protection as well. Even just the basic things he taught us still have stuck with me to this day on redirection and joint manipulation enough to get out of a jam or control a party. Thank You

Get on camera and fight a resisting opponent. Literally any style, forget a mixed martial artist, literally any other style with a competent opponent and see how you go brother.

I'm glad you mentioned your arrests. Too many people are focused on just winning fights when the ultimate goal of martial arts should be to go home alive. If we're just escalating when there are other options available, we're going to run out of money from lawyer fees ;) From that perspective, it makes Aikido a useful option. Thank you for sharing.

Very well explained, I trained aikido, and many of my fellow students, took jobs as bouncers to get the hands on experience, there are moves that are pretty much useless, but you cant beat the principles aikido teaches...

I don’t train aikido and don’t think I ever would (I train BJJ, Kickboxing and Wing Chun), yet this was the best demo I think I’ve seen on the art. Very well explained, and I can definitely see the effectiveness in your moves. Seems much better than some of the flips I’ve seen on other vids.

Anybody seen richie..I'm gonna keep coming back until somebody remembers seeing richie...

Controlling arts are the best in general! I have trained in striking arts for many many years, as well as teaching JJ and judo! The problem with striking is its all or nothing, and you are forced to fight with the person, which is ok when it's a yob trying to mug you, but isn't so good when it's you're drunk brother in law at a family BBQ. I've seen a lot of real life confrontations, and my JJ and judo have been the arts that I've used the most! Grappling arts all work off of leverage, so it also helps even up the odds when you're fighting a bigger opponent! I think that if a person works in an environment where they will be fighting regularly, then I think you need to study a striking and a grappling art together!! Thanks for the video.

Hi Azu, I watch your videos from time to time and I like your analytical approach to the subject. You obviously are an experienced combatant and base your teaching on real life situations. I applaud what you are doing and as a fellow Ibo man I appreciate your positive attitude. I live outside London but would love to visit your dojo someday and train with you. Andre seems like a great guy as well! Best wishes, ignore the haters and keep up the good work. Chuks

As a martial artist I truly liked how you explained yourself. Continue in your training beloved.

Dude:"Now i wanna stress i'm not saying aikido is the best martial art" Title: "Why Aikido is the Best Martial Art" p i k a c h u f a c e

Thanks for the video! "It's the best martial art for what I do." Well said!

I really look at this as an awesome martial art, and I wish to practice it someday in my life, but there's no such thing as a best fighting style, it all depends on the fighter👍

It's true, it gives you the freedom to control the situation rather than let it escalate because of unexpected reactions or emotional responses. I love this video. Thanks for posting it!

One of the pros of Aikdido is that ability to ramp up the force level applied.. Particularly in the modern world of litigation and the likelihood of you being sued after an incident in a pub etc. With something like a Aikdido you put the guy in nyko or sankyo and inflict enough pain for sanity to prevail and when you let go there is very little evidence that anything ever happened...

Regardless of the tittle, I really appreciate this video.

Mister Azu, i'm french i'm a Aikido and krav maga student, i agree with you Aikido is a powerfull martial art because of aikido give a choice, atemi or not, lock or projection. Thanks for your video, a clear and effective message. (excuse my english) Très bonne vidéo, un discours sensé de la part d'une personne sincère et ayant usé de son art dans des situations périlleuses et ayant donc assez de recul pour analyser sa pratique.

aikido means not to kill. despite the fact that most societies have a commandment agaisnt killing, in aikido however, we try to completely avoid killing. even the most evil person. your intention should never be to hurt your opponent

Lesson learned : Be reasonable with every action and reaction. Thank you sir

When I teach my kids in school and they misbehave I make them run at me and fall down after I wave my arms around

Aikido is a great martial Art . I have done (Japanese) jujitsu for 6 years ,kickboxing 5 years and Aikido for 5 years. I have used All three within a real fight situation . I would have to say Jujitsu and kickboxing are way better in a one to one for me ,but Aikido worked great for me in a big crowd brawl where I came out off the situation without getting hurt which was quite amazing considering I was against three 6ft plus guys and Im only 5ft7. I was In a night club which really helped me. I used jujitsu in a one to one with someone I knew which I easily took them down but I cut myself and ripped all my clothes in the scuffle In the experience I had using Kickboxing I totally beat the crap out of someone who attacked me on a bus but I had to run after because I feared I had done too much damage. My opinion is that kickboxing, boxing, mu thai are always the best arts to start with but its no everyone's cup of tea and it rellies on you striking someone to the point of unconsciousness. With Aikido you can almost avoid the fight situation and stay out of danger . I will return to Aikido one day

That's why I have always said that learning multiple disciplines is very important and practical. Different situations call for different types of self defense. Bottom line is everyone has to do what works best for yourself.

I worked as a doorman for 3 different discos in Spain,the only thing that saved me was the gift of the gab.Nice video cheers.

Some people are so ignorant that they refuse to listen to anything, there is no bragging in the video about kicking ass, but about real life situations where he didn't have to exert a lot of energy to show who was boss. A real fight exerts energy and why do that "silly rabbit". A wise person wants to diffuse the situation not escalate it.

All Martial Arts are beneficial to the individual. Performance depends in the individual.

I like what you said, “It gives you choice”. There is no one best martial art for every situation. Every art has its place.

Why aikido is the best martial art for people who are ok with dying in a fight

Love these videos and I agree Aikido offers choice. It wasn't until I'd been training for a few years that I realised how damaging some techniques could be, but also that the choices you have mean you don't need to damage anyone. Last time I used aiki was on a drunk in the train. He was hassling a couple of girls and some other passengers were getting ready to get physical with him. I approached, drew his attention, said "look it's rush hour, people don't wanna talk they just wanna go home". He replied "I just want to talk to someone" "Come talk to me!" I answered, took him away from the girls, chatted rubbish with him for 15 minutes or so, we both got off at the next stop. Energy absorbed, situation de-escalated, no-one hurt. If I didn't do aiki, I might have gone in physical and someone would have been hurt - probably me. Keep putting these vids up, they're great.

I love Aikido. I only wish it had been the first martial art I learned, instead of the last.

People completely miss the point about martial arts. Studying martial arts, be it karate, aikido, judo, jiu-jitsu...whatever. It's about discipline, focus, and constant improvement. There certainly are combat applications to those under certain conditions, but that isn't the point of the exercise. If all you want is to be a good fighter, train six months in boxing and six months in wrestling. I am way too old to fight anymore, but I still enjoy the exercise of kata and analyzing the movements.

Thank you for a great video, I learned a lot, I am an orange belt in Kenpo and a student of Jiu-Jitsu. I just had my left knee operated on three weeks ago for the third time and at the age of 47 I am starting to see the logic in your words. I will study Aikido now.

For all you Aikido haters out there who just love bashing an art you know little about......the haters are those wanna be fighters who don't have the discipline or courage to spend a lifetime studying an art that deals with learning to understand the movements of an aikido move. Yes, what you don't seem to grasp in your small little Rosanna Rosanna Danna brains is that aikido does not develop a student to have an aggressive mentality, and just because practitioners in the art do not have competitions does not mean that they cannot be deadly. While you haters who have twisted mentalities only thrive and strive on destroying a human being or making them subjected to brutality, the complex movements of aikido is actually a mutual work of understanding first, of how to execute a movements performed by nage, and the releasing or the defense of that movement performed by the uke. When both parts of the exercise has been completed by trained partners, the movement becomes a beautiful exercise. For the untrained person who only has an eye for hatred and violence, they have no possible way of understanding just how deadly and violent those moves can become. You haters only deal with the "what if's". And that puts your kind at the bottom of the totem pole. It is so easy to take a few classes and make an instant decision, because you want to take a short cut in life with everything you do. That's why most of you cannot hold a job, have broken families, have more run in's with the law, cannot get along with your so called friends, you have negative outlooks on life, and get really pissed off when someone points this out to you. With everything that goes on in life it takes a bigger man to end a confrontation peacefully than it does to just either beat the hell out of someone, or get your ass kicked by someone, because you do not know how to conduct yourselves in a civil manner in society. This is the goal in life, and the peaceful side of aikido teaches this, and yes it does take a very long time to mold you into that kind of person. As I said for most, you just don't have what it takes to succeed in aikido, and therefore you want to take the easy way out to either become a black belt in some other lesser art that teaches violence in the ground and pound methodology. If that is you, trust me when I say, your martial arts training is foundless and eventually if you live long enough and learn to realize that there was a better way to defend yourself without mutilating your face, you will start studying an art that deals with not only relativity, but reality. That art is called Aikido. There is another side to aikido that some aikido persons say you can only learn by traveling to japan......that is not true. It is taught by high level persons either in aikido or aikijutsu, which is the form of martial arts that aikido came form. You do not have to have slanted eyes in order to know or pass it on, However those of us who have been around a long time make sure that before we pass it to others, we have really gotten to know those students for many years just to make sure they don't possess the mentality of a renegade MMA fighter. Why give a gun to untrained monkees? I have spoken. William Pierce, 8th Dan...Yuma-Ryu, Aikikenjutsu, Hanshi

I read many comments about why Aikido is not use in MMA or UFC. I think the reason why aikido is not used much in mma or UFC is because is mainly for self defense. In MMA or UFC people like to see fighters punching each other and bleeding, people chocking someone or armbars and triangles. All these things mentioned excite the fans. Fans go crazy when they see blood or someone passing out. Imagine a fighter using Aikido techniques. Imagine if someone blocks a punch and puts his opponent down quickly like in Aikido. The fight will be over in 5 seconds. Do you think the ratings will be the same??? Obviously, it will not. You have to give your fans what they want to see. It is very simple. Jiu Jitsu is great in ufc or MMA but in the streets is not very useful if you are fighting more than 1 opponent. I have seen karate, Taekwondo black belts do great in dojos or official competions but getting beat up badly in the streets. Do not get me wrong, All martials arts are great because they teach discipline and self control but in a real street fight, where there are no rules, a lot has to do with the fighter himself. If you are a though guy with that "killer" instinct and know martial arts, your chances to do well in a street fight are great.

Thanks Azu! Your Aikido seems way more realistic to me than the regular stuff I see on the internet or dojos in my town, without changing it to a sort of "real" Aikido or Jiu-Jitsu variant. I'm sure that's because of you experience as a security guy. Firstly: can you teach us the techniques shown in this video? That would be awesome. And then: Seriously I think you should come to visit some day and give a whole seminar on Aikido's practicality! Have you ever considered?

Good point about defusing the situation by having control of the attacker without inflicting unnecessary injury.

I did Aikido for 5 years, now I study Xing Yi kung Fu because I wanted something simpler to apply, and more aggressive, for myself. But I think you made a great video. Aikido has its place, and can be effective! I've personally known a couple real badass Aikidoka. By anybody's standards. People who've used it when they're life was on the line. Aikido has its place!

true for me.. i trained in striking too and some grappling. but the flow, parry, locks, chokes did well against street. never had to do really destructive techniques.. but its the mentality of the aikido is the most important aspects of it. relaxation and focus. many would bash me. but try to get some experience first guys.

Every nerd I have ever met that said they trained the martial arts was aikido. He knows exactly what this student is going to do, that is why it looks good. It's choreographed. I will bet my lifes savings that a black belt in bjj would dominate this guy

The reason why aikido masters talk about peace is because they have mastered the vulnerable areas of the human body which can debilitate anyone regardless of size or strength. Also aikido masters have been trained how to see different types of attacks and how to time their moves to counterattack. It's the timing which is difficult to master as opposed to learning a jab, left hook, etc. which are easy to learn. Aikido is a deadly art. You just have to feel your sensei's lock to understand how your joints will break if you try to resist. And all that tumbling in Aikido is to teach you how to flow in a direction that minimizes personal injury when you're thrown or pushed hard

Very convincing presentation. You've made the point pretty clearly, Great job.

"I'm not saying Aikido is the best martial art" Names video Why Aikido is the Best Martial Art

I'm getting really interested in aikido. Not because I expect it to be the best counter for every martial art, but because I care about my human family.

Realy one of the best martial art chanels on KZfaq with people who know what they speaking about. Please keep going. Greez from south germany.

So many arrogant people in this comment section that have seen 2 aikido techniques then went to aikido channels to bash them so they can boost their own ego.How pathetic,I doupt I will ever take those people seriously.

Good answers, great techniques, but slightly misleading title needs adjusting? Judo is also gentle and we can use similar wrist locks or restraints, especially standing carotid restraints. They are a gentle and effective. Drunk people often don't feel the pain in the joints till the next day😖 and due to this I always preferred to use strangle standup restraints and come alongs, than joint locks.

Aikido is a lovely art and meditation, mind expanding and harmonious. Excellent that you get to the point where you start searching for something else than physical confrontations

This guy is passionate about his art,and made it work for him, exactly what martial arts are about

best slo-mo martial art ! too bad life doesn't move in slo mo ...

Very nice points and take down moves. But did anyone else think that crackle noise (which I think was his mic or something) @ 4:18 was him accidentally breaking that guy's wrist? oO

Man, awesome video, you have honestly inspired me to take Aikido, you're simplistic way of using techniques that make Aikido so much more effective, I am in the US , wish I could train with guys in the UK, thanks a million for your videos

I too work in schools. I ran several alternative schools and detention facilities and aikido allows me to restrain or intervene with out hurting the kid or getting myself fired. Great video

Nice explanation about what's - in my opinion - the main differences between Aikido and most of the other MA are. Like you, I also chose Aikido because to me, it allows to stop a conflict, without necessarily having to break anything or anyone. All the experiences you went through, and which you describe in this video, illustrate this. Thanks.

Thank you Sir for the excellent video.

I had to watch that arm lock 5 times . Block outside hand over . Genius

Aikido, the martial art that specializes in using your opponent's strength and energy against them and nonviolent response to situations. I've seen people mock Aikido and say that it's not good in a street fight, but every time I hear them say that I roll my eyes because they missed the point. Most of those people only studied aikido over a few months and then complained that it didn't help them on the streets, but they missed the fact that Aikido is a martial art that takes time to perfect and to become instinctual. it can be useful in a fight, but you have to take time to master it.

the microphone makes it sound as if bones are cracking...

Ahhh, this hilarious comment section, with 14 year old "experts" who seen 2 aikido videos or been on one training and say it does not work.

I like how you keep things simple in slow motion, im learning alot from you in a shortbspan of time. Thanks and keep it coming.

bro aikidoflow explains aikido so well. im an mma fan but also a big fan of aikido. aikido is incredibly effective if you also spar

What a nice guy..

I am a fellow Aikidoka and I found your video very refreshing. Thanks for posting this video.

I do security too ....and it has worked amazingly for me as well... turning 50 this year and I agree with everything you are sharing...great video brother be safe

That's why Akido is used by trained security personnels and military to diffuse the situation with civilians

Any martial arts technique is the best, if you master it.... Bruce Lee & Yip Man!

Great real world examples. I'm happy Aikido has helped you in such ways.

These videos are great. I just started taking Aikido and feel I've made the right choice watching these videos.

I watched with the intent of making a snarky comment, but this gentleman makes a strong case about why it's best for him, and does a good job of showing how to make it work. Bravo, Azu

Woooooow...at 4:23 it sounds like you damaged his wrist. Luckily it was only the mic rubbing on the clothes...

Title: Why Aikido is the Best Martial Art First minute: "...I'm not saying Aikido is the best martial art..."

Tried it for a while and LOVED it but the instructor was extremely unprofessional, all the lads in the class were brilliant and respectful , I still love this form of art 😊

I can see in a self defense situation how an experienced trained aikidoist can handle themselves anything in a controlled sporting ring where you don’t want to break an arm or twist the neck it becomes a whole new situation and anything can happened

Ain't no such thing as the best martial art in the world. It's how you use the art that counts.

0:22 "I'm not saying aikido is the best martial art." Title of the video: Why Aikido is the Best Martial Art.

This is the only aikido instructor who didn't annoy me

Aikido makes you see the bigger picture with physical confrontation! Awareness is the powerbase for effective self protection!

4:19 I hope that sund was your gi on the mic :-D This example could be any other martial art

What if the other dude was a mma fight tho??? Would your technic work?

This shows why the things that make marshal arts ineffective is bad training and not sparring...not necessarily the actual art

Worked as a Corrections Officer many years and arm bars and compliance moves are the best. You will always be scrutinized and in the end going home is the best revenge.

I don't know much about Aikido but it seems like every technique he executed is found in your garden variety Jujitsu system.

All theses martial arts seem like you need lighting speed to be able to react.

Aikido is great if your opponent is running at you with their arms out and never attempting to actually attack you and also willing to do a hilarious somersault if you barely touch them

Very good, covers that Aikido can escalate in violence, not like many that think it is only the kata peaceful training. "Aikido is to kill with one blow " Ueshiba