Aikido Techniques: Kokyu Nage

Aikido Techniques and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu: Similar of Different

It may be of interest to point out that Aikido techniques are one of the newer Japanese martial arts, and one can trace their roots in Jiu Jitsu in Japan.   By that fact alone, one can argue that the two arts are similar.  But are they really?

Are there differences?  Absolutely.  For one thing, Jiu Jitsu focuses on ground grappling techniques where the practitioners find it natural to be on their backs or knees while Aikido practitioners find it more natural to execute Aikido techniques from a standing position.  There is also a substantial use of chokes for submission that are rarely employed in Aikido.  There are other submission techniques such as Kimuras, Americanas, and Triangle Chokes that are not part of an Aikido pratitioner’s “Bag of Tricks”.

Throws: An Area of Similarity of Aikido Techniques with BJJ

Aikido students use throws such as kokyunages that generate their energy through blending and redirecting the force of a given attack such as a straght punch or an over head blow, whereas the Jiu Jistu practitioner may more ofthen use a single or double leg takedown more frequently seen in wrestling.  In the Aikido technique of randori, some of the defenses focus on multiple attackers, whereas the focus of Jiu Jitsu focuses on a single opponent.  Another key difference is that Jiu Jitsu practitioners focus on tournament style competition to determine the relative skill level of individual practitioners, while Aikido students are promoted based on their proficiency demonstrated through testing.

Aikido Techniques:  Are There Truly Similarities?

Are there similarities?  You bet.  Both arts employ relaxation, particularly at higher levels.  If one looks at a high-level Aikido practitioner such as Steven Segal Sensei, excecution of technique seems almost effortless because relaxation permits the maximum transfer of momentum and energy and the force of an attack with blended with and subsequently redirected into either a throw or a joint lock or pin.  When one observes a high level Jiu Jitsu practitioner such as one of the Gracies in competition, there is an explosive release of energy but there are often periods of relaxation.  If you don’t believe this is true in MMA, try watching a high level practitioner when he has pulled guard even when his opponent is trying to strike him.  You will often see him take deep breaths, conserving energy and regaining composure.  There is blending even in a double leg takedown defense because the sprawl blends with the energy that is intended to throw him onto his back and redirect the energy backward and to the ground, thus neutralizing the attack.

In summary, one can argue that Aikido techniques are as different as night and day from Jiu Jitsu techniques, and you would be right.  One can also argue that there are many similarities to the two martial arts, not the least of which that one is actually derived from the other.   When one looks for differences, one often finds many similarities.

Click here to read an article about the Aikido Technique of Kiatsu.