Aikido Versus Judo: Which is Better?

Many aspiring martial arts students underestimate the number of styles that exist. Most people tend to think of karate, kung fu, and to a lesser extent, hapkido and Taekwondo. In truth, there are hundreds of systems, though only a small portion are taught in dojos. Two other common techniques are aikido and judo. Both originated in Japan and both are taught today in the U.S.

In this article, we’ll explore both disciplines in the context of which style is the best to learn. There are advantages and drawbacks to each. Comparing the two side-by-side will provide a valuable bird’s eye view that will make it simpler to choose from between them.

Advantages Of Learning Aikido

One of the benefits of learning aikido is that it is one of the strongest martial arts with regards to self-defense. The goal of this style is heavily focused on defending oneself against aggressors while causing as little injury as possible. Parents who would like to enroll their children into martial arts classes often gravitate toward this technique because of its emphasis on response without harm.

Another advantage of this system is that it can be learned and performed effectively by anyone, regardless of a person’s size, agility, or strength.

Drawbacks Of Aikido

The biggest drawback is that the approach offers very little exercise. Its technique is built upon a philosophy that encourages self-defense without effort. In effect, practitioners can plausibly be out of shape while remaining adept. This is the main disadvantage that discourages parents from enrolling their children.

Another drawback of this style is that it can be a mental obstacle for young people who enroll into kids martial arts classes. Children often believe that responding to an aggressor with force is the only appropriate response. Aikido sidesteps that inclination, which may be an initial hurdle to their learning.

Advantages Of Learning Judo

In terms of fitness and exercise, judo is the polar opposite of aikido. Both young people and older students can take advantage of this style to build their strength and stamina. It’s also far more intuitive. This system emphasizes throwing by using an attacker’s size and momentum against him. For younger students, the technique seems more natural.

This system is also taught according to a widely-recognized set of standards. The methods learned in one dojo are likely familiar and taught in other dojos. By contrast, other styles (for example, karate) often lack the same level of homogeneity.

Main Drawback Of Judo

There is an important downside to learning judo that many students only discover later. Practicing the style tends to result in minor injuries, such as twisted ankles, tender knees, and broken toes and fingers. To that end, it’s not uncommon for long-time students to eventually transition into martial arts disciplines that are easier on the body.

Finding The Martial Arts Method That Suits You

Depending on your goals, learning either style can be an enriching experience that provides lifelong benefits. Those who wish to learn – or want their children to learn – to defend themselves against would-be attackers will find aikido to be effective. On the other hand, students who want to use martial arts classes for exercise will find that judo is more appropriate. Also, parents who would like to give their children the chance to compete in tournaments should enroll them into judo classes. As noted above, the style is more standardized and therefore, there are more opportunities for competition.

In the end, neither judo or aikido is “better” than the other. Consider what you would like to accomplish through martial arts classes to make the most appropriate choice for you or your children.