Updated: Best Summary
The debate can go on forever – which is fine, but…
“If you want to learn to swim jump into the water. On dry land no frame of mind is ever going to help you.” ~Bruce Lee
Below is a quote from Roy Dean that summarizes things nicely:
[A black belt in both Aikido, Judo, and BJJ]
Perhaps his prominence and ‘marked’ achievements will give more weight to this than what a ‘stranger’ in Hungary has to say. 
Below Quote comes from:
http://www.slideyfoot.com/2011/05/dvd-review-white-belt-bible-roy-dean.html
“I generally take issue with the aikido I’ve learned, seen, and come in contact with being advertised as self-defense. Although there are aspects and techniques of aikido that I believe can be gleaned and added to your martial arsenal (i.e. footwork for getting off the line, blending with an overcommitted attack, etc.), I could never recommend it to somebody who wanted to learn self-defense. Not only is there too much silence about what works and what doesn’t, the non-competitive training method doesn’t put students in pressure situations similar enough to real confrontations, breeding a false sense of security in students through tacit affirmations such as:
1) It may take 20 years, but this stuff will work if you just keep practicing.
2) Don’t worry about strength, since physical conditioning isn’t that important.
3) These exercises we’re doing are how attacks really are.
4) If it’s not working, you’re not using your center.
5) Keep extending that ki to keep him at bay!
It’s not fair to your students to misrepresent what your art is capable of. If your average aikido student rolled with a judo or Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu player, or got in the ring with a boxer or kickboxer, he wouldn’t know what to do with that kind of intensity. He’d simply be overwhelmed. I’ve seen this point debated through letters to the editor in Aikido Today Magazine, but there’s only one way to find out. Do it. To paraphrase Bruce Lee, you can’t learn to swim unless you get wet, so how can you learn how to fight without fighting?” – Roy Dean
OLD POST
Starting From Scratch
Its not often I go in and re-edit an article.
Even less often that I re-write an article. [this being the first]
[Though I have deleted one which seemed to get tons of hits but was completely misunderstood] 
However seeing the number of searches that lead to this particular article, I have decided to update it based on my current understanding & experiences with Aikido.
Does Aikido Work?
I like Aikido.
Come May of this year I will have been at it for three years now.
It hasnt always been like this… fact is I didnt really want to start in Aikido, but I asked my wife to choose for me and she thought a gentler art would be good. [And at the time she was right.]
This proved to be a challenge in many ways as well as a great learning experience on a spiritual/emotional level as well. [Learning in a language you cannot speak, Hungarian, does give a challenge to the ego as well, as you cannot 'argue' or debate yourself out of something or defend a position.
Defending a position:
This desire to defend my position is what led me to wanting to take marital arts to begin with.
About 13 years ago I had been attacked, in an argument, by no other than my brother-in-law, and at the time there was someone else there so I just hung out while he had me in a single joint lock.
[The pain of which lasted over a year.]
Skip ahead into the future… [approx. 5 years ago]… I moved back to Hungary and my brother-in-law tried the same move again when we got in a heated argument over who was ‘right’, and this time I escaped his grips and we went at each other, and it ended by me kicking him in the face after being thrown down, and me getting up to pop him in the nose with my fist to make sure the bear would stay away.
Needless to say there had to be a better way, and there was….
The true way to self-defense:
In short, who cares who is ‘right’.
Let the person go their own way and that is that. This is a good step in staying out of trouble.
If your cleaned up on the inside, you will typically generate the situations you get into… even self-defense experts have said this.
But back to the burning question… ‘does Aikido work’?
Well, sure – it helped to teach me to just let go and that way not get into the fight to begin with.
I know, you are thinking about jumping in the MMA ring and going for it… well here is my assessment.
MMA:
I have taken about a months worth of ThaiBoxing/grappling lessons.
Not that much, but enough where I got to feel, [for a second time], the harder style of martial arts. I will say being hit in the face hurts more than I remember when I did my brief kickboxing lesson back in my teen years.
However, I did get a chance to try out my Aikido once in a grappling situation and I pulled off a technique and had the guy asking how I did it, etc. This brings up various questions, but Ill summarize Aikidos relation to sport fighting like this:
First, Aikido by and large is not a sport… but if it were to be a sport, it would be a part of a larger body.
i.e.
ThaiBoxing for a certain range, [knees and elbows go a long way... kicks less so - I tend to catch them, though they do hurt while your in the actual drills... but to get that same pain in motion seems to be harder to achieve due to what was just mentioned - motion.]
Brazilian Jui Jitsu mixed with wrestling seems to be the game for ground, and somewhere in all of this fits Aikido.
Certainly the principles go a long way. Some would argue that Aikido has a better fit when it comes to weapons, which makes sense, as a lot of the attacks are based on weapon attacks/movements – which otherwise would not make sense or be logical if going against a Thai boxer for example. 
[something many Aikidoka seem not to understand]
But, I do see Aikido more as being a finishing art.
[side note: Go ahead and mix Judo with your Aikido - though I find Judo a bit difficult with the throws, etc., it would be easier to just pop you in the head]
Finishing Art:
See, the guys that first took Aikido knew another martial art… Aikido was like an extra way to nicely finish off and play with their opponent before eating them for lunch, as it were.
Most people today seem to start off in Aikido, and that is that.
They speak of flow, etc., which is good – but in a real fight scenario, they would probably be wasted. [Again, Aikido is part of a larger body I will just call Jui Jitsu... I mean the real mother of them all, biting and all.]
There is nothing wrong with choosing not to be more ‘live’ with your Aikido, but it does help to look into other arts, and cross-training does help to gain a broader, more realistic perspective on what situations Aikido may be best suited for.
For many people its best suited for the bouncer type scenario, etc.
Lets admit it, in most fights – at least here in Hungary – you more than likely will have someone try to take your joint out before striking you. [though mileage may vary, this has been my experience.]
Conclusion:
Again, it works, but you have to decide what that means as it works on many different levels. Can you take it in a MMA fight and magically throw someone – of course not. The fact is strength and speed absolutely do factor into the equation, and you cannot leave that out.
Most people will keep with them what they think they can do with Aikido without ever really knowing. They are afraid they wasted 10+ years.
When nothing is ever really wasted – unless you decide to stop learning & growing.
Some may say Aikido has deadly techniques… in truth it cant be much worse than being punched square in the nose with a 10oz glove. [Most Aikidoka dont even know how to attack... you see it coming a mile away. The reason is partly due to the nature of Aikido being weapons based, albeit that has been lost for the most part.]
If you play your cards right, you can learn a lot from Aikido and really incorporate it into your ‘game’. [To what extent in a MMA environment varies, but as for self defense, I believe you can go a long way.]
As mentioned however, true defense is trying not to get involved to begin with – and despite what some people may like, this is something that Aikido can help with and its valid.
So, these are roughly randomized thoughts put down… this could probably use some editing. It may or may not fly over well with some Aikidoka – but like I said, I have been at this for 3 years and I enjoy it… so there shouldnt be any issues.
And for those who question Aikido, this article may help… until you go to one of the many dojos that cant really pin you down if you dont move with them, etc. [not there fault, this is just how training went, and without some aliveness and going out of the box, how can you get it?]
The jumping Uke:
Much has been talked about the jumping uke… [he is throwing himself.]
I will say this from experience, especially when your new, if you dont jump you will have a joint hurt… and as I mentioned I have had a joint in pain for over a year. [my wrist for over two weeks... heck, still not sure its fully recovered after an over applied nikkyo years back.]
So the guy who is doing the ‘fake’ jumps, isnt faking – its part of self-defense.
Also, “Who grabs wrist?”
To answer that: You have to start somewhere.
If you check out my next test we grab everything from:
- neck
- shoulders
- elbows
- wrist
- and a kick
So that is kind of a blind statement to make – though, once you learn some of these techniques and get good at it… you may see the benefit in just going straight to that hand to control and manipulate your opponent.
[joint locks do wonders... and in some sense are worse than a swift kick in the face... point is, be responsible cause it will come back to you in one form or another.]
The final lesson is to learn to fight so you dont have to fight… very true statement… the rest is for sport/fun, and as pointed out, make sure that is the case.
Peace
dAlen
Shin-shin Toitsu Aikido is kind enough to always move with the joints instead of against. It helps minimize injuries–even for big, unknowing white belts like me who are willing to truly ‘attack’ when told to do so.
They’ve been teaching me how to protect myself against the throws that are being done and rolling.
shin-shin toitsu is NOT aikido, iam sorry but the founder “tohei” dissasociated himself from the aikido federation to form his own art the “ki” society. no disrespect but “ki” aikido is not “true” aikido, but rather an off-shot of the original aikido. “ki” aikido is not recognized in japan nor any true aikido grading tests.
Hi. Brazilian jiu-jitsu was first tried in all category combat with ‘no rule’ called ‘vale tudo’since more then 60 years in Brazil. So, it is still the best in the street. I tried it.
This is such a complex subject! Does aikido “work?” For me, the answer is both “yes” and “no”, and requires thoughtful consideration. If ALL you care about is learning to defend yourself as quickly as possible, then I wouldn’t recommend aikido. But that doesn’t meant that aikido doesn’t teach you over time to defend yourself.
Consider these points:
*For aikido to work in a real fight, it will likely require “atemi,” or striking. Atemi was an integral part of original aikido, but has been stripped out or minimized by many American schools, too enamored with the “non-violence” ideology. Thus many aikidoists are terrible strikers, while some are good.
The latter will generally be more equipped to defend themselves then the former.
*What does “aikido” mean? Does it refer to the body of techniques taught, or to the underlying body intelligence one develops over time? If the former, then I’d say aikido does NOT work all that well in a street fight. If the latter, then I’d say it works great.
Techniques don’t work so well in real life, and this is something many aikidoists (indeed, martial artists in general) don’t realize. There is no time for the indulgence of thinking about what you will do. You have to just move, blend with the moment, thru developed body intelligence: Distance, timing, mobility, ground, extension, and sensitivity.
In this sense, aikido is a great discipline.
*Broaden the question to “do ALL martial arts, taught traditionally, work? Too much exclusive emphasis on technique and kata creates a student who looks good but doesn’t have the nervous system development to cope with reality. This is thus not just about aikido but all traditional arts.
For contrast, see John Perkin’s book “Attackproof.” Perkins does a brilliant job of explaining this. And ironically, his book first ridicules aikido and then validates it.
If self-defense is all that matters, then study with Perkins (if you live in the right place.) If you want to develop body principles over time that will have great martial application, then learn aikido.
*Many dojos rely exclusively on choreographed, sequenced movement where uke is simply TOO compliant. Thus the naive student is surprised when he tries his technique on the street and it doesn’t work. This is not about aikido per se; it is about how it is taught in some dojos. Eventually, to take the art to the next level, a different training style must evolve, where uke has the license to hold his center more, without the exercise degenerating into nonproductive violence or ego-struggling.
(Sadly, most dojos simply are not mature enough to allow for this.)
If all you ever get is pure choreography, then your self-defence skills will be lacking. If you train in a better dojo that gets this, then you will with time be very well equipped to defend yourself.
*Back to the question: What IS aikido? Is it just the body of techniques you may learn from a dojo? Or is it an underlying body/ki intelligence which flows on its own (including striking?) Do you limit yourself to the movements taught to you or do you allow yourself to flow according to “the inner teacher?” When the latter, then aikido is very effective. When the former – good luck defending yourself!
As someone who has been around the art for 20 years, I have asked this question again and again. By daring to step outside of the ideological box that limits many dojos, with time I have come to feel self-assured that my “aikido” works. At the same time, through training we realize that NO ONE is invincible, and in the end, we fight only when we truly MUST to defend our lives, not our egos.
Aikido helps this aspect of our development, too!
: ) Jim
This seems to be a common question: Does Aikido work?
I thought Id share my views. Now they’re not going to be about the philosophy of not fighting. And I dont think you need a martial art to tell you to “Try and avoid fighting if at all possible” I mean that’s common sense. But the situation where you can’t avoid it. Where there’s 3 guys infront of you and the mouthy one’s in your face shouting and swearing and you know if you keep backing off he’s going to take it as a sign of weakness and start using your head as a football. (Some people are like that)
I’m sure most martial artists at some time, whether it’s Taekwondo, Karate or Aikido will ask themselves whether they will be effective in a real situation. They will have thoughts running through their head, have a practiced enough do I really know the moves what will I feel like. And those that aren’t a little scared and have full confidence are usually those who haven’t been in any fights but the simulated dojo ones or a few fights with the fat bully during school who would just give you a few slaps then steal your lunch and waddle off to science class.
I’ve seen and been in quite a few fights in my time and first I will say that you have to find what works for you. I’m a great believer in the work Geoff Thompson has done and I rate his books and films to be some of the absolute best. So deffinitely check his stuff out.
I’m also a believer in the phrase “You’re only as strong as your weakest range” and I think cross training is invaluable. You don’t have to go completely one way or the other. All this stuff about this style’s better than that style, well why don’t you do them both!! If it works then it works, full stop!
Ok so here’s my thoughts:
1. The distance you’re usually faced with in a situation is smaller than that practiced in the aikido dojo. This is not a bad thing as the large distance in the dojo is good when you’re learning, but once you have the move practiced so you can pull it off then take it further close the gap. There is always dialogue in a fight…people don’t stand there in a movie stance all quiet, so Ive found it good to practice outside the dojo with my mates with them shouting at me. Walking up saying something along the lines of “Come on then you F*%^% C*&^!” really shouting and posturing, trying to get in my face, simulating what it could be like.
This is because in a real situation you’re going to get an adrenaline rush, you’re going to feel different. You’re not calm like you are in the dojo with the thick matts around you. Think of a time when you’ve been in trouble like you’ve almost crashed your car you can feel it, you get a huge hit of adrenaline, and if you don’t expect it it will throw you off. YOu’re body’s preparing you for flight or fight.
2. Not getting hit. The martial artist that thinks he’s going to pull off move after move without clipping one is going to be in for a big suprise. When you’re standing close to eachother there’s not enough room to catch that punch and swing him round unless you do the “Running stick your arm out from a mile away” attacks that you see in the dojo. Thats not to say the move wont work but you may get clipped while executing it. So obviously outside the dojo get with a friend give him some boxing gloves and say ok obviously don’t go crazy but while I’m putting the move on try to hit me as quick as you would in the street and none of this straight hitting from a mile away…really hit at the angle you would if you were in a club with some hairy guy in your face. I garantee at least 1 out of three times you’ll get clipped with a shot to the head while putting the move on.
3. Don’t be afraid to modify the martial art your learning. Ive been learning aikido for a while but this goes with any martial arts don’t be afraid to mix it up. The average guy with no training at all can punch, bite, and stand up grapple these are instinctive, and they do bite if I was in the street and someone was trying to see how my head would look with a glass bottle poking out of it I wouldn’t hesitate if they left a finger near my mouth for a second too long. Now he’s not gonna be amazing or terribly skilled but he can do it well enough to serve its purpose. I personally don’t think in a real situation I’ll be quick enough to catch a body shot someone has thrown at full power from about a foot and a half away and pull them through, there’s just no way. Ive tried it outside the dojo and it doesn’t work for me…maybe it does work for someone else with lightning reflexes but not for me. Instead I found it easier to work off the grapple.
E.g:
Guy’s standing infront of you, you attempt a right cross it misses, after the first few punches you’re grappling (And you WILL be grappling!!) Im in a scruffy clinch with him moving about keeping my head down I push him back with force he pushes back towards me instincively NOW what I do is get in there with a headbutt and put an aikido wrist lock on him.
The best thing I can say is TEST your martial art, the average guy looking for a fight will posturise shout get right up in your face and try and punch you not in a karate style but usually in a some kind of untrained boxing style and it will happen quick. So give your mate some thick boxing gloves and practive like that. Let him hit you simulate reality as closely as possible. If something doesn’t work for you throw it out, try the wrist locks from a grapple position, test for failed moves. Suppose you land a left hook he’s still not out you clash into a grapple try to get the wrist lock on it doesn’t work, double step back kick him in the balls twist him round and go for a rear naked choke.
The person who’s already had a few fights will probabily try to decieve you. Ive had one situation where a few guys came up to me asked me “Where you from” when I told them (not knowing they were from a rival gang who for some reason didnt like the fact I was minding my own business in their area) they said “You got a light?” I replied “No I don’t smoke” the left hook from his mate who was standing to my side was thrown from about a foot and a half away out of my peripheral vision.
Anyway I guess after all that what I’m trying to say is, Do any martial art, enjoy it. DO aikido enjoy being in the dojo enjoy what you’re learning. But ALSO as well as that take it out the dojo and test it, for self defence learn some basic boxing as well learn some basic ground moves.
Take what works and practice it for realism anything that doesnt work for you just keep practicing and enjoying it in the dojo.
Hey Jim & Nick, great thoughts, and I appreciate you sharing them for others to read.
Its nice to know other people have seriously taken the time to contemplate this topic as well, and have come up with some pretty logical conclusions.
Peace
dAlen
this is one of the best articles on aikido that i have read. i take brazilian jujitsu and boxing so i love to grapple and throw fists. but why not add some sick wrist locks to my arsenal? i used to take kung fu in high school and i still to this day use this weird spinning arm-twist lock when i’m free-fighting with people. it works every time. and why not? small joint locks are illegal in BJJ for a reason, cause you’ll break your shit. I mean, yes, Aikido by itself is pretty gay, but it can be a good supplement to your self-defense game. if you can box or grapple than why not take some aikido on the side and Seagal some asshole over a bar table?
Indeed… BJJ, Aikido, Judo really are limbs of one body – think of it as a matter of distance, perhaps, as to how its broken down.
Many people miss that its not the technique, in and of itself, that actually ‘works’… its the application of the principle.
[i.e. my pulling of kotegaeshi on the ground in the most awkward position. Many would argue if I could replicate it, and as with most situations the whole game is indeed that... a puzzle that you work through, applying the principles behind what you learned.]
Yes wrist locks can be devastating – I have a low ‘hum’ in my right wrist from an over appliked nikkyo in the lower kyu ranks years back.
Aikido really should be learned with, or after another martial art such as BJJ. [at least at 3rd/2nd kyu so that you can learn to improve your game and see what 'really' is going on... as Aikido, as typically found, is more 'art' than 'martial'.]
Thanks for the comments…