A (sort of) new video and health update. Let's start with health. As some of you know I've been recovering from Long Covid for more than a month now. What started as a high fever and all the other symptoms after a few weeks subsided, but a constant feeling of fatigue, brain fog and some other symptoms stayed. The most unfortunate side to it was the fact that I couldn't edit the now filmed season 2 of the Ultimate Self-Defense Championship, a project I was eager to deliver to you. Unfortunately, every time I try to edit it, very quickly I become exhausted and have no way to make any progress. I do have some good news though. My general day to day feeling is getting better. If I don't take on any mentally or physically demanding tasks, I feel rather fine and can go about quietly living my everyday life. Yet as soon as I try to focus on something for more than a few minutes, my brain capacity quickly disappears and I start feeling extremely tired (even writing this post is exhausting, but I feel it's important to share some news). For a person who is used to constantly training, challenging myself and making progress on various projects, it's a very frustrating situation to feel rather OK, but to be unable to do anything that's truly meaningful or impactful. Considering though that I am slowly feeling better, I am hoping that in a matter of weeks I will be able to start exerting myself at least in little bits daily and will start to put in some work into USDC 2. Meanwhile, I am lucky that my KZfaq channel has a quality of generating passive income of which I get enough to make a living. That is a huge relief as I have very few ideas how I would support myself financially in this condition otherwise. Yet the channel, ideally still needs some "fuel" to keep the flame burning. That's why I decided to release a super-cut of my full story how I transitioned from Aikido to MMA. If you want to refresh your memory or support the channel by watching the newly released super-cut, you are at the right place. I am also going to do my best to organize a team to convert some of my older footage into KZfaq Shorts, as that is a thing now and you can hopefully expect to see some of them coming out fairly soon. I also wanted to GREATLY thank you all for your support in my previous post about Long Covid and my condition. Your tremendous support made a huge difference in my well being and helped me feel more positive about the whole situation. For that I thank you again. And last but not least, quite a few of you were asking if I could hire a team of editors to post-produce USDC2. I definitely considered this option, but there are quite a few hurdles here. First of all, there is A LOT of footage (probably around 100-200 hours) including all cameras and different angles. To pass on such an amount of footage to someone who has no connection to the project, or has not been part of the filming process, would be very difficult, as USDC thrives on good story-telling and for an outsider, it would be difficult to tell good and right stories from the amount of footage that was filmed. Secondly, I have a strong vision of how I want to produce and edit USDC myself, yet it is a process which unfolds during the editting the footage. Every time I edit a scene, new ideas come out of even better ways to tell the stories of what happened and new, creative solutions constantly appear. To find someone else who would have the same amount of passion, love and creativity to deliver the series would be very difficult. You could perhaps say that I could instead direct someone else on how to edit the footage, but as many creative decisions happen in the midst of the editing process, it would be difficult to do so with an editor who wouldn't be sitting in the same room with me. While directing someone else, would also require a lot of energy, something of which unfortunately I do not have at the moment. Finally, there is the question of finances. To have someone else put together over 100 of hours of footage would be costly, and would most likely cost me much more than I would be able to currently afford. Yet, I am feeling hopeful that in a matter of weeks, or worst case scenario - months, I will recover and will put my full effort to create and deliver another unique series that will kick ass. Thank you again for all your support and till next time!

And here we go, I started a youtube channel, I train my ass off and I had fought in mma...none of that would have happened if I wasn't inspired by you, the friends I made through Martial Geeks is such a blessing that wouldn't be there if I hadn't given myself a chance and followed in your steps, I thank YOU for all of that! 🙏🥋 ossu ~ Tomislav

Underrated video, amazing story, I usually don’t like to comment, but this video deserves to be seen by many, so let’s push it for the algorithm

Thank you for having so much integrity, Rokas. Most people wouldn't have been able to do that.

you choose the path of the truth and you gain so much along the way, no Aikido sensei could ever imagine what it is to be on that journey, they would stay forever in their comfort zone and the state of denial. Great effort man, if you ever open a Dojo again (for MMA or even practical Aikido) your dojo will be successful for sure !!!

Just over 5 years ago I became a para/tetraplegic (have minor difficulty with my arms but not enough to seriously impede my life, but almost zero use of legs), I long to train again someday, and your honesty, humility and passion have inspired me to get out of this chair. Your perseverance in the face of absolute uncertainty and adversity, and your willingness to push forward despite it all fires me up. I don't care what the doctors say, I KNOW one day I will be in the gym again, but you gotta promise me if I do, we are gonna spar lol 😂 Thanks for being such an inspiration Rokas, God bless from Canada! ❤

babe wake up! rokas uploaded his journey from aikido to mma for the 17th time!

I love Icy Mike's enthusiastic support from the sidelines 😁👍

I remember coming across his MMA dojo video 6 years ago and I felt bad for him because he seemed like a nice guy and I thought Aikido was a waste of time. Next I noticed his transition from Aikido practitioner to a legit fighter and i was shocked and happy he was able to mesh his former training into his MMA journey which is what mixed martial arts is all about.

I'm an Aikido black belt and your videos inspired me to try another martial arts with pressure fights. I started Judo coupled with Kickboxing and I'm loving it! Also, it hasn't led me to think little of Aikido. Sure it isn't good for self-defense, but it does serve its own purpose for mental peace and discipline. For instance, I get wrecked in both Judo randori and Kickboxing sparring sessions, but I am constantly calm throughout that process. XD I do feel that if I implement kuzushi in Judo and proper punches and kicks from kickboxing then Aikido techniques could certainly work. But I have come to learn that this has never been the purpose of Aikido. Morihei Ueshiba was a real fighter who actually fought and killed bandits, he purposely created Aikido to be peaceful, non-competitive and more like a dance than actual fighting. I think its time we accept that and also embrace Morihei Ueshiba's philosophy of avoiding fights entirely. But yeah, thank you so much for inspiring me to start my own Martial Arts journey.

lmao at icy mike getting excited at seeing seth get rolled at the end

I see Anime Creators taking notes for their Shonen Anime 😂 Great work sir!

Can I just say that I love the the part that the dog was part of your dojo. No martial art is bad is just that some of them need a wake up call. Mixed Martial Arts forever. Still love the dog :)

It's rare on my part to have such a great respect for a person i don't personally know. You are a great example.

What I love is the honesty. I teach myself Aikido literally through KZfaq but SOLELY for its philosophies, and mentality on neutralizing and non-aggression, and for the indomitable mindset of not even "needing to attack." Because that mindset has always resonated with me even BEFORE I ever heard the word Aikido. And I knew the moment I saw "Aikido" in a video game that it was NOT what some people claimed it was. I agree with almost everything Rokas said here, and that stupid "OH YOU CAN'T TEACH HERE ANYMORE WE'RE CANCELING YOU" *PLEASE ARE YOU KIDDING* I would be honored to be taught by this guy. Self-taught gymnastics taught me back walkovers and cool flips but not how to break falls. Rokas did. (And I still suck horribly at them but Rokas made me 1% better lol which is better than nothing.) I would go to Europe just to buy this guy ice cream and a sandwich. Are you better from your fever now Rokas? (If you read this that is lol)

I did Aikido for a year as my first. I quit and am currently doing BJJ and judo for almost 2 years now. I wanted something real and a way to test myself. I'm glad I made the change. My only complaint is with Aikido I wasn't in pain most of the time and never went to work with a black eye lol.

Love your story! I’m just 10-months into BJJ and dabbled with 6-months of boxing. I feel so much better as a man compared to two years ago. I’m only 5’6 and 145-pounds, and I enjoy trying to figure out how to make my grappling work against bigger people and that’s happening for me 6-days a week. Sometimes twice a day. Martial arts is the best journey a man can go on!

Thanks, fantastic video! BTW, I mention you in my book "Strategic Advantage: How to Win in War, Business, and Life."

Awesome video last 6 years of your life could be a movie lol

You had me at "MMA Dojo"

Truly, truly thanking you for this endeavour. So keen to see more of you making Aikido work!!

We love you, Rokas! Loving and following your journey ever since!

Thanks for being a constant source of inspiration to continue training in martial arts Rokas!

really happy for this update on your journey, was a fun watch!

Firstly wish you a good full recovery from Covid, don't over do it. Another great video from such a humble, open minded person, and that is what makes you a true practitioner. There's nothing wrong with persisting in trying to make some Aikido moves work, all Martial Arts have pro's and con's, it just a matter of how it "can work" in combat. You'll get there. As usual love seeing you with all the gang Seth , icy Mike etc The collaborations are the best viewing with all your channels. It's a community building thing !

Thank you for taking us with you in this amazing journey.

I've always found your videos to be very inspiring - you are the living embodiment that the true measure of a fighter is not how many times they fail to get knocked down, but in how many times they get back up.

So happy for everything that's happened to you on this journey.

Been following your journey over the last few years. You are a true martial artist and an inspiration!! Thank you for sharing your story!!

Rokas. Thank you for sharing your journey. You have inspired me to continue my own journey in martial arts.

Thank you Rokus for inspiring e to start learning Aikido, I loved it.

You are such an inspiration. I had to quit martial arts a while ago, but your video made me want to get back to what I love, and hopefully find my own path. Thank you for everything you've done, and keep doing !

I just turned onto your channel 4 days ago, I have to admit... I LOVE your content! I love the journey your going through.... I love your honesty. I am 42 years old and I just started my BJJ journey. I am really late into this journey. I have always loved how Akido looks and works and always thought how beautiful it was due to Steven Segal. I have always wondered how functional it would be in real world applications. I think if I ever learn akido, it would purely because I want to enjoy the flow and harmonious movement it brings. Thank you and keep up the great content

You are a good man, an inspiration, and a role model when it comes to my personal martial arts journey.

I was really touched by your video man, thank you for sharing your life experience. You truly are an underdog

Your journey is incredibly inspirational 👏

Rokas your inspiration is wonderful yes I’m still doing Akido but also went back to karate so doing both meeting you all in Australia just inspired me to do what I love 🇦🇺

Been a follower of your channel for a while, love your videos

Have been following your journey since aikido vs mma video, been having my journey also, please keep being the inspiration and role model ❤

I believe you had and still have alot of impact on the martial arts world. You did the right thing and stick with it. Thank you! And keep it up! ❤

Thanks so much for going on this journey. It's really inspirational that you started at 28. Im 26 now and only just realising that my passion lies in fighting, but after spending 15 years doing taekwondo before becoming disenchanted, i constantly worry about starting too late, or being too old to really make my dreams a reality.

I have really enjoyed the content, and watching your jour and and progress. You have inspired me to continue developing my own skills in both combat sport, and traditional arts

Nice one Rokas! Happy to see your progression. I remembered all those previous videos years ago. True representative of martial arts

I watched this video cause I remembered your first video years back when you sparred the MMA foghter for the first time. I would have never expected to see a video like this from you all these years later. I wanna say that this has been one of the most inspiring things I've ever seen. Well done.

Your openness of your journey is only one of the reasons why I was very excited to have you on whistlekick Martial Arts Radio! Thank you so much for all that you do, and keep up the great work!

Great video. You are such a legitimate and honest learner and martial artist. I aspire to be this honest with myself when learning new things.

Humility, honesty, and integrity are the easiest traits to respect brother, thats why i love your channel. #Respect

Very happy for you man. I remember coming across your first aikido vs mma video all those years ago and being shocked and in disbelief. I was in such disbelief because I felt like I went through the exact same existential crisis you did, but with olympic style taekwondo and kung fu. I was able to pursue Muay Thai for a brief period of time before life's priorities had other plans for me. Your video back then was so relatable as we followed similar paths. Your video today, allowed me to live vicariously and gives me a bit of solace that it would've been possible for me to improve the same way you did if life turned out a bit different for me. Thank you truly.

i am a novice boxer. and i have to say your storry is beautiful

Great video, really enjoyed your work and continue growing and learning like all students of the art should.

Great commentary, your story is very insipirational. I started trainig Muay Thay last year and this month joined the more advanced group. After a few sparring sesions I needed some motivation to keep going and now I can't wait for the next time I'm going to lose and have a opportunity to learn and get better. Thanks!

I'm glad you moved outside of Aikido after testing your skills. It has been an inspiring journey to follow!

Rokas, you are such an awesome guy. Its a pleasure to watch your videos and see your evolution.

i like the professional take when you are narrating, nice blue background :)

What an amazing journey you have had.

Awesome, really enjoyed that. I was an aikido student for many years and like many was attracted to it by the concept of defending myself with as little harm or violence as possible. As you have showed, it has many issues as a self defense art on its own. I started working as a bouncer in night clubs and eventually came to the same conclusion as you, Aikido can have a place in self defense and from the clinch is that place. Of course it helps when people are a little drunk and easier to get off balance haha. Thanks for having the courage to face the truth and embark on a journey of discovery.

you probably have the best and most engaging production and direction in long length documentaries of anyone in the martial arts community

Just have to say that your journey is really inspiring

big fan glad you are still at it. i am actually a huge believer in aikido philosophy but have little reverence for organizations. i have been doing no gi in pdx for about a year and no one has ever rejected me over liking martial arts philosophy from other styles. it just saddens me that so many good ideas are being deified rather than utilized, keep up the good fight. the sacred sword leave no opening for evil to roust

Those aikido takedowns in USDC you pulled are legit. I'm going to slow them down and watch them again. I hope you do a tutorial on some of your most successful ones and when they tend to work best, some pointers on what makes them work etc. Ramsey Dewey already made a video on Aikido takedowns where he focused a lot on the set up before the execution just like how you'd teach a Judo move. Maybe consider something like that with real live sparring footage to back it up like Jeff Chan does. That would be already more convincing than all the other "combat aikido" stuff. Great video as always 🔥🔥

Can't believe i just watched this 42 min masterpiece Keep it rokas don't give up❤

Gran viaje y los que quedan por dar. Te saludo desde Argentina como un amateur que descubre que la defensa personal y los sistemas de lucha tienen son diversos pero complementarios y experimentarlo es enriquecedor. Hace tiempo sigo este canal y disfruto los videos como este. Un artista marcial que no se pone a prueba es un mimo.

As a former aikidoka that realized Aikido is bushido, I followed your journey closely since your first aikido vs mma video. You are an inspiration in the pursuit of truth.

Instant sub my man :) Love the refreshing honesty

Shows the benefits of cross training so you can further improve your techniques but the most important of all is having the determination to get better 👍

Your vidoes make we want to try Aikido! Love the beauty of it.

Congrats Man.........all the money and ego in the world is NOTHING if you don't know yourself. As long as your on a path to self awareness while doing what you can to help others along the way, you are truly living. Anything else is just mundane existence. Trust these words and remember that always.

I admire the courage of Rokas to go through all this in an open public way!

Incredible journey of a martial artist!

Man I LOVE how you purposefully selected the perfect style of martial art according to the moment you were in your own journey. That on itself should be a lesson to any inspiring martial artist out there. And btw, the way you did all of it could be called jeet kune do. “Absorb what is useful. Discard what is not. Add what is uniquely your own.”

My favourite episode so far! ITS YA BOY IRISH 🫡🍀

great work, Rokas!

take care of your health! The video is still interesting as a recap

Congratulations 🎉 we'll see u on the next journey's

i like your honesty and integrity. you give me courage.

Without a doubt the best MA channel on KZfaq.

What a fantastic and inspiring journey. For me it was illuminating when i realized that a lot of "traditional" martial arts really focus on a very different style of instruction than the originals of the various styles and a lot of them have become stylized, true forms of cultural art rather than a cultural expression of martial training. Aikido like many of the non combative sport styles can be effective when you shed the trains and focus on the underlying principles of body mechanics and friction...where do the bodies connect, where is momentum generated and transferred? That's the true "heart" of the style, all the set-ups and flourishes is the "art" of the style. There is much to value in a cultural art, but actual self defense is rarely among it.

Awesome transformation!

I thought I kept going back to watch the same video over and over again. Realized it was updated. Still a very good video.

You are a true martial artist ❤

That was a hell of a journey mate, well done.

You inspired me. I left my bullshido dojo 2 years ago and now I do full contact jujitsu

At the beginning of the video I was thinking: “searching for the truth by testing your beliefs, this is the skeptic approach” then you mentioned Matt Thornton and I thought “Where I already saw this guy?” And then you mention Portland… of course, Peter Boghossian! That’s one connection I didn’t expect to make.

i especially appretiate your progress, you could overcome all the cult abot aikido, lose alot of friends in the way and learn about it, you were capable of overcome your own ego, i think that it is some of the hardest things in our life, lose our ego, lose alot of friend and evolutionate , your special thanks for all your videos and all of what you do, greetings :)

respect the honesty sir

Here for support. Get well soon.

Mad respect for your humility and self honesty! I wish I had spent 7 years of training BJJ instead of Aikido when I was younger.

Im very interested to see combat akido develope, keep goin brother.

Great video, proud of you❤❤❤

This is so cool dude..

Impressive resume Rokas! Something for you to think about is something I learned when I wrestled in high school and later in life doing kung fu is that, just like Aikido and most other martial arts, landing a technique is opportunistic. Pulling off a technique when trying to do it is very difficult. But like Seth and his "crucifix" it just happens when you intentionally or inadvertently set up your opponent. Make them over-commit then hit them with your whatever. Set them up for the position you want to throw certain techniques. Being a patient martial artist is a good thing for many guys like myself. When I wrestled I wasn't the biggest or the strongest at heavyweight and I knew if I just tried to go after my opponent I'd get overpowered. So I'd grapple with them for a while and I learned to put them in a position that I knew I could pull off a takedown. Aikido is the same. You probably wont' just make a wrist lock work, you have to set it up. I believe your Aikido can be more functional, but my impression that setting up your techniques wasn't a thing, I've never done it but that's what I'm hearing you say. I am glad you are doing so well on your journey.

Damn the video seemed so short, great work dude 💪

Well this was great!

Great story!

Almost ten years ago, I was still in college, exploring the world. I took two Aikido lessons. Then I saw your video Why Did Aikido Lost Popularity? Aikido had a depressing image. Like Systema, or fortune telling, wine tasting, it seemed like a collective con that sold dreams. But I liked the lessons. The costume was handsome, the kneeling rituals were nowhere else to be found, and the sensei and fellow disciples were friendly. It was such a unique unforgettable experience. For many reasons, I only fantasized about becoming an Aikido master who could do randori like Mitsugi Saotome instead of taking the lessons. Things have changed, for your latest videos have proved a seemingly impossible transition. Aikido has changed from an unrealistic martial art to something that works in sparring. While I will always know that I won't become an Aikido master, your journey is like a possible life of mine in a parallel universe. Right now, I don't do martial arts of any kind, but this channel is the only one where I left the notification bell on. All the best wishes to you, Rokas!

I always enjoyed your channel and still do. I’ve been through a similar experience, from Wing Chun Sifu to BJJ black belt and boxe practitioner, on bringing traditional martial arts technique work, a bellow average traditional guy with a combat sports experience can pull off more techniques than a traditional martial arts master with no combat sports experience

8:05 man, I feel sorry for you that you experienced such a thing and at the same time I am glad that I am I school where we enjoy "trying" techniques from different martial arts during regular classes.

I love this I have been watching mma, training in bjj and just been watching variety of sports eg boxing and so on. The idea of aikido to is a good idea and in theory should be a good martial art but i feel it is incomplete and could add a little more real life situation and techniques to the battle. If aikido could take some techniques from other martial arts and refine them to be their own i feel it could be a great one and more viable im real combat. This is an awesome video and your journey to the truth is inspiring and i love it. I hope you still hold on to your aikido and hope you can still figure it out and maybe make it work.

Talk about being true to yourself! 💯💯