have you trained in Aikido ? for how long? what school of Aikido was it? tell me the techniques you found ineffective and why? you are entitled to your opinion of course.
I trained in boxing which is a legitimate fighting technique. And one doesn't need to practise something to know it is fraudulent, you just need to study, observe and use reasoning. Is it a reasonable suggestion that CHI actually exists, of course not, it is superstitious rubbish. Is it likely someone will act docile and hand you their wrist in a fight so you can manipulate it, of course not. Is it likely that people throw a punch and leave their punch extended without quickly retracting it, of course not. Like most things in life, the cream rises to the top, so if aikido was legitimate martial art we would see it succesfully used in the street and in mixed martial arts, but we don't. Aikido is a money making gimmick aimed at the gullible and naive, classic con man snake oil sales.
Most fights revert back to the basics, throwing punches and wrestling, if you know a few submission techniques even better. But martial arts like Aikido, Wushu, Capoeira and the like appeal to those who don't actually ever want to fight, but just feel like they can if need be. The only problem being if they do get in an actual fight they often get their arse kicked by someone not bogged down in ridiculous ritualistic techniques and ineffective manoeuvres who just has the heart to scrap and fight. Such martial arts appeal to the yuppies and the comfortable middle classes who would get the shock of their life if you busted them hard in the nose with a stiff jab. All some people need is a comfortable illusion of something, like being able to fight. Aikido definitely provides such an illusion to those willing to suspend critical thought (which is most people)
Aikido is probably great against a defenceless opponent who is unwilling or unable to engage in a fight or is reluctant and restrained in his attack, like say in a law enforcement scenario, where the target is a passive and unwilling combatant. But in terms of handling a young strong, fit hostile opponent who knows the basics of grappling and can throw a decent punch and has targeted you as his next victim, you will soon regret years wasted on aikido and wonder if you shouldnt have taken up running instead. If you want to feel good about yourself, feel spiritual or simply improve your fitness, Aikido is probably a good choice. If you want to become a more dangerous individual, aikido is probably a poor choice.
