Practicing Aikido, Hapkido, kung fu, etc. at home?

[ZenLateralus]

Just out of curiosity. Has anyone who practices martial arts ever tried to practice Aikido or Hapkido outside of a school (at home) by oneself? I have trouble finding the time to practice in a school and I think that it would be great if it were possible to practice (especially Aikido) at home though I'd probably be practicing by myself (wherein lays the problem, I believe). I guess of the martial arts I had listed (probably the most effective in my opinion) some types of kung fu would be able to teach myself and practice at home. I know there are videos and books on lots of martial arts out there but I don't know how easy to practice at home (I have a book on Aikido, Judo, Karate, Yoga (some videos on yoga, tai chi, and pilates). Some of these look as though I could do them by myself at home but others? Anyway, if anyone has tips or thoughts on this topic let me know. I figure after college is over I'll probably join some type of school (there is a close school that teaches some type of kung fu and tai chi though I'd prefer to learn Aikido (Steven Seagal style if possible). Thanks.

 

[tenshinaikidoka]

Well sir, I would have to say that to practice Aikido by yourself would be difficult indeed. But I think there might be some basics you could do on your own if you wanted too. The best place to learn is obviously the dojo with an instructor but if that is not an option there are several decent videos and books available regarding Aikido and other arts. I have seen a practice "partner" that is basically a dummy with human like features. I am not sure how practical it owuld be to use for aikido, but looking into that would be an option as well. Then you could at least get a feel for the technique, although you would not know if it was being applied properly or too hard. Just some food for thought.

 

[ZenLateralus]

Yeah, I figured as much. Really wish I could juggle college (4 courses semester), work (about 28 hours week (4 or 5 days) ), having a girlfriend who I see on my few days off, and taking martial arts. I wish there were a school that would let me come when I could and take it then instead of only teaching at nights or certain times. I could probably find a few hours a week that I'd be available for class that I wouldn't be at school, with my girlfriend, or at work. Also, spending less time with my girlfriend isn't much of an option. I took some korean karate and hapkido at a school (that closed down) that the teacher would schedule some classes with me so I could find the time. I wonder if there are other schools that would do that?

 

[yudansha]

Kung-fu practitioner: Wushuist...

You see Zen, one of the main things that martial arts teaches is discipline. So sticking to a routine builds that, as opposed to doing something whenever you wanted to ... which could also discourage you from doing that.

Yeah, I would find it difficult to practice aikido without a partner ... you really do need an uke and a nage ...

I personally have taken up a style of Kung-Fu by the name of Wu-Shu. I often used that wing-chun dummy (a.k.a. kung-fu dummy) to stylize my techniques more.

 

[Aikilove]

One should not train any MA by himself from scratch. A teacher must be present (at least in the beginning) out of safety reasons. A teacher would know what is ok and not ok to train. If you wan't to train anything by yourself from start then I recomend bying a punching sack that you can punch and kick. That way you would teach yourself how to punch (maybe not good but..) and kick, but to start thinking in terms of budo training you realy need a teacher. For your safety and others...

/J

 

[ORANGATUANG]

What is Hapkido?...I will be the first to admit i dont know much about all these martial arts...And iam still learning..so please expain what it is?..thanks Heather.

 

[Amos Stevens]

Definition
Hapkido is a powerful and innovative Korean martial art. Literally translated, the word Hap means coordination or harmony, Ki denotes the essence of power, and Do means the art or the Way.

Hapkido incorporates powerful and precise kicking techniques; fluid and highly effective throwing techniques; and decisive and sharp hand techniques. This concise and practical martial art is the result of a 1300-year pursuit of the Way.

The philosophy of Hapkido stems from three basic principles: The first is non-resistance: yield to your opponent by meeting force with minimum force to deflect and not clash with your opponent's power. The second is circular motion: the use of circular, fluid, flowing movements are emphasized rather than linear movements. The third is the water principle: total penetration of an opponent's defenses through continual attack. Instead of opposing force by force, a Hapkidoist completes his opponent's movement by "accepting his flow of energy as he aims it," and defeats him by "borrowing his own force."

A good Hapkido practitioner does not oppose force or give way completely. A Hapkido practitioner is pliable as a spring; he is the complement and not the opposition to his opponent's strength.

The philosophy of Hapkido is based on the symbol of Um and Yang, a pair of mutually complementary and interdependent forces that act continually, without cessation, in the universe. Um and Yang are two inseparable forces of one unceasing interplay of movement. They are conceived of as essentially one, or as two coexisting forces of one indivisible whole.

 

[Lotussan]

Thanks, Amos...Anyone know if Steven does any hapkido in any of his films, and can you give examples, maybe then I can check it out in the film and see the style, sounds interesting...

 

[ORANGATUANG]

Thanks Amos..A little more that i have learnt about martial arts.Heather.

 

[Amos Stevens]

YOu're welcome-sure someone else knows more about it that can explain it better

 

[ORANGATUANG]

Thats fine..You have explained it well enough..Heather.

 

[Aikilove]

Since I don't think he has ever trained hapkido I truly doubt SS has used anu hapkido. He is a 7th dan aikidoka. This mean that whatever he uses MA-wise it's something that comes from his aikido. If he trains a little in Tai chi or karate, it will be integrated in his aikido.
/J

 

[kickingbird]

Methinks you are asking about training alone in Hapkido or Aikido ... yes it would be difficult without a partner; however, one could always practice technique and chi/ki mastering alone. Doing so would carry over to an opportunity to practice with a partner. Training need not stop simply because one has no partner. Spiritual/mental/emotional discipline is a good thing to study and can be done "alone".

 

[Jules]

To learn any of that would have come in handy back in high school. I know a few bullies that needed an attitude adjustment.

 

[Aikilove]

kickingbird (hi btw!), yes it is possible and ok to train by oneself, but only after having trained for a while with someone to correct you and give pointers etc. chances are otherwise that one will ingrain bad (dangerous) habits that are hard to get rid of.

/J

 

[Littledragon]

I think when choosing a martial art first you need to ask yourself will it hold up in a street situation. I mean if you do Kung-Fu and Aikido what happens when you are on the ground how will you use that art to defend yourself??

Before you decide to start practicing with a traditional art ask yourself is it really tradition really worth it when you are confronted by reality??

 

[yudansha]

... ground?

But what makes you think that I'd be forced on the ground in the first place. Listen, I know you're a fan of Gracies and stuff, but I mean if you're a 100lb kid trying to do a ju-jitsu against a 200lb aikidoka ... LOL I've got something to tell ya ... or I think you can figure it out for yourself.

 

[Littledragon]

But what makes you think that I'd be forced on the ground in the first place. Listen, I know you're a fan of Gracies and stuff, but I mean if you're a 100lb kid trying to do a ju-jitsu against a 200lb aikidoka ... LOL I've got something to tell ya ... or I think you can figure it out for yourself.

It has nothing to do with size, 95% of street fights go to the ground, I am sorry but when I discovered Gracie Jiu-Jitsu and seen the real street fights, the traditional arts just are not affective anymore. Bruce Lee tried to say it, and I am saying it again.

;-)

 

[yudansha]

Get your facts straight ... and look deeper into statistics before quoting ...

What you are forgetting however is that 100% of those 95% of fights are between those who think they can fight and apply their "Rocky" techniques to street fighting ... what you see is people trying to punch each other, they miss, and so they are angered and start grappling ... or attempting to at least.

 

[tenshinaikidoka]

Ok, here is my two cents worth. The chances are that if you are a martial artist, you are more likely than not to end up fighting with someone who does not know a martial art, particularly a grappling art. Hopefully, martial artist who take their respective arts, opnly use it to defend themselves and not go out and maliciously attack someone.

Now, as far as the Gracies go, yes they are good fighters, in the ring. There are rules and safety precautions in the ring, regardless if it is a "No holds Barred" etc. On the street, there is just you and the peson who wants to hurt you, and he is not concerned with any rules.

I think the last place I would want to go is to the ground, I would rather use control techniques and movement than grapple with someone and go to the ground. And Yudansha, you are exactely correct, when the aggressor attacks with a punch, and if they get deflected or miss, they then rush in to try and take you to the ground.

As an Aikidoka I am not going to let anyone rush me and take me to the ground, that is where irimi comes in and other foot movements. I will say, it is good to learn basic grappling in case you ultimately end up there, however, it is not the end all be all of a fight, regardless of what you may think. Gracies are good, but there is always someone better. And I am sorry, I do not see reality fights as real true to life street situations. Again, this is only my opinion but I see this everyday in my career.

 

[yudansha]

Well, well, well ... well said.

Yes! ... As a kung-fu stylist and a wu-shu practitioner, I as a kid while studying the art learned that respect is the key ... no matter who the opponent is, since anger and rage and aggressive outlook is one of the biggest distractions from accomplishing the goal (which be no means means offense in any turn of events ... although it may appear as offense in the means of defense). I only know aikido from what I've seen Steven Seagal do in the movies and several other practitioners demonstrating their techniques in various shows and appearences. As far as I can tell, and from what I've seen, none of the techniques or end results resulted in the victor being on the ground trying to fight off the opponent.

 

[tenshinaikidoka]

One other thought as well, if you decide you have to take the fight to the ground, how do you defend against multiple attackers on the ground. Your focus is on the person that your grappling with, and so when his buddies come to kick you in the head, your helpless. And as a patrol officer I know that when a fight ensues, there is a 98% chance that there will be more than one person attacking you. This is a fact that was realized last night when I responded to a fight where 3 people decided to attack one guy. The fight never went to the ground, until the "one guy" was knocked out.

 

[tenshinaikidoka]

Yudansha, I agree with you 100%. Anger confuses the mind and leads to a result which we would not ultimately want. I also, would personally suggest that you try Aikido too, in addition to your Kung Fu. Aikido is perfect for multiple attackers (I have personally used it with success, as unfortunate as that is) against 2 people trying to attack me.

It also has given me insight into my inner self and given me a much more positive outlook on things in general. Plus, it makes me happy, which is probably the most important thing to anyone.

"May we all live in harmony"

 

[yudansha]

Aikido problems...

The thing about Aikido, is that it is not a popular martial art (here) ... so there are only a couple of schools in the greater area that are still quite far away and are too costly. Those are my limitations.