Is Aikido Effective in a Real Fight? We Ask Hatenkai's Master Tenkei Fujisaki About Its Validity and Modern Value [Part 1]

"Can Aikido actually be used in a real fight?" This is a question that many people interested in martial arts and combat sports have likely pondered at some point. While Aikido projects a sophisticated image of graceful body movement and principles of "Aiki" that utilize an opponent's force, there are varied opinions regarding its effectiveness in a real-world application.

In response to this question, Master Tenkei Fujisaki, head of Jissen (Practical) Aikido Hatenkai, offers his perspective on the value and potential that Aikido holds in the modern era, based on his many years of teaching experience and inquiry.

The Definition of a "Real Fight" Determines the Evaluation of Effectiveness

— Can Aikido be used in a real fight?

Master Fujisaki: The answer to that question differs depending on how you define the term "real fight."

If by "real fight" you mean "self-defense" to protect yourself from an unexpected assault, then it is conceivable that a person who has deeply trained in Aikido—especially in "Jissen Aikido," which incorporates striking and competitive matches—could demonstrate its effectiveness.

On the other hand, if you see a "real fight" as a "competitive combat sport" held under a set of rules, such as Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), then there would be difficult aspects to handle using only Aikido techniques. This is because MMA includes techniques and strategies, such as striking and ground fighting, that Aikido does not traditionally anticipate.

— So, the "Unified Aikido Rules" adopted by Hatenkai, which permit hand-edge strikes to the face, are intended to simulate a more realistic situation?

Master Fujisaki: Yes. By adding strikes to the face into the rules, we can experience offense and defense in training that more closely resembles a realistic situation. This makes it possible to hone crucial practical skills for enhancing self-defense utility, such as the ability to respond to sudden strikes and to attack an opponent's openings.

Effectiveness as Self-Defense: Responding to Strikes and Standing Joint Locks

— Could you elaborate on Aikido's effectiveness from the perspective of self-defense?

Master Fujisaki: From a self-defense standpoint, Aikido can be an effective option. In particular, Jissen Aikido as advocated by Hatenkai emphasizes techniques for deflecting strikes and applying standing joint locks, which can be a strength in a self-defense scenario.

First, Aikido's tai sabaki (body movement) is aimed at deflecting and neutralizing an opponent's attacking force. Through this, one can expect to avoid the direct impact of a strike and, conversely, unbalance the opponent.

Second, Aikido's joint locks are effective for controlling an opponent's movement. Standing joint locks, in particular, offer the potential to subdue an opponent without causing serious injury, which may be suitable for self-defense situations where one wants to mitigate the risk of excessive force.

Furthermore, Aikido's philosophy of "utilizing the opponent's force" has the potential to be applied against opponents of different sizes and strengths, or even against multiple opponents. A key characteristic of Aikido is its aim to control an opponent with minimal force by using their own power against them.

Application in a Street Fight: Not Recommended, but Can Be a Means of Self-Preservation

— How would Aikido be useful in a situation like a so-called "street fight" (kenka)?

Master Fujisaki: First and foremost, Aikido is not a martial art intended for "street fighting," which actively seeks conflict. Its spirit lies in avoiding confrontation and aiming for harmony.

However, should you be unwillingly drawn into a conflict and need to protect your safety, the tai sabaki and standing joint locks cultivated in Jissen Aikido can be effective means to defend against an attack and create distance from danger.

The objective should not be to "win a fight," but rather to "protect oneself from unforeseen violence."

Matchups in Cross-Style Fights: Dealing with Strikers and the Challenge of Grapplers

— If we consider matches against other martial arts or combat sports—so-called cross-style fights—how do the matchups look?

Master Fujisaki: Against striking-based arts (like Karate or Kempo), there is a possibility of countering by evading attacks with tai sabaki and closing the distance to connect with throws or joint locks. The key would be a strategy that avoids the opponent's preferred range while creating an advantageous situation for oneself.

On the other hand, against grappling arts, especially those focused on ground fighting (newaza, like Judo or Wrestling), while there might be a chance to counter if one can use strikes effectively, once the fight transitions to the ground, there is a high probability of being at a disadvantage.

Effectiveness in MMA: Limited, but with Potential as an "Element"

— In the ring of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA), which has gained immense global popularity, to what extent do you think Aikido is effective?

Master Fujisaki: Under the current, common MMA rules, one would have to say that situations where Aikido techniques can be a primary, effective weapon are limited.

A major reason is that in MMA, causing damage is directly linked to victory, which makes it difficult for Aikido's philosophy and techniques of "controlling an opponent without injury" to be properly evaluated. Also, in rules that permit ground fighting, athletes with specialized newaza skills tend to have the advantage.

However, if viewed as an "element" that constitutes the broader skillset of MMA, there are aspects that could be partially applied. Since Jissen Aikido includes striking and standing-based grappling, combining it with other combat sports could help broaden a fighter's technical range. But as things stand, it is difficult to find a reason to choose Jissen Aikido as the primary technical base for MMA. Jissen Aikido's main focus is on effectiveness as a self-defense art, and its purpose differs from that of MMA.

"No Competition" Is an Old Perception: The Strategic Nature of Jissen Aikido

— In your opinion, Master Fujisaki, what is the appeal of Jissen Aikido?

Master Fujisaki: Jissen Aikido has many attractions. In the past, Aikido had an image of "not being able to have matches" or being "too dangerous," but that situation is changing. In modern Jissen Aikido, such as under Hatenkai's Unified Aikido Rules, it is possible to have competitions using Aikido techniques while giving consideration to safety.

And the strategic depth of the diverse standing joint locks and the exchanges surrounding them is one of Jissen Aikido's most distinctive charms. The process of reading an opponent's movement, force, and center of gravity to select and execute the optimal technique involves an element of intellectual engagement. Of course, when combined with well-practiced techniques for handling strikes, its effectiveness as a self-defense art can also be expected.

Comparison with Karate: Mutual Respect and the Potential of Jissen Aikido

— Compared to Karate, which is often a point of comparison, which is "stronger"?

Master Fujisaki: There's no simple answer to that. The "strength" in martial arts is not determined by the style or school alone; it is heavily dependent on the individual's level of training and ability.

What I believe is important is for Aikido and Karate to move forward together with an attitude of mutual respect, acknowledging each other's strengths and characteristics. Mutual understanding between different martial arts will lead to the development of the martial arts world as a whole.

That being said, if we assume a practical situation not bound by rules, I believe the skills cultivated under Hatenkai's Unified Aikido Rules could be an effective countermeasure against Karate as well. Deflecting a strike, breaking the opponent's balance, and following up with a joint lock or throw would be techniques that even a skilled Karateka would have to be wary of.

However, in terms of the number of participants, Aikido, and especially Jissen Aikido, is still small compared to Karate. This difference also affects the depth of the top-tier talent pool, so expanding the competitor base and raising the overall level of skill are challenges for the future.

A Message for Beginners: The Doors of Aikido Are Open

— Lastly, do you have a message for those who are thinking of starting Aikido or are interested in it?

Master Fujisaki: Aikido is one of the martial arts that is easy for many people to begin, regardless of age, gender, or athletic experience. At Hatenkai, we also welcome those with no prior martial arts experience.

Through Aikido training, you can learn not only to improve your physical fitness and technique but also etiquette and a spirit of respect for others. Additionally, in Jissen Aikido, you can aim to acquire skills that lead to self-defense, such as the ability to handle strikes and apply strategic standing joint locks. It offers the potential to simultaneously pursue the depth of a martial art, the intellectual fun of competition, and the improvement of one's self-defense capabilities.

If you have even the slightest interest, I hope you will visit a Hatenkai dojo for an observation or trial class to experience for yourself the potential of Aikido and the changes that training can bring.

[Editor's Note] This interview with Master Tenkei Fujisaki presented the viewpoint that the answer to "Is Aikido effective in a real fight?" differs depending on the definition of "real fight." Master Fujisaki spoke about the Jissen Aikido he teaches, highlighting its effectiveness as a self-defense art, its ability to handle strikes, and its strategic standing joint locks. At the same time, his respect for other martial arts and combat sports, and his desire for the development of the entire martial arts community, were also impressive.

At Hatenkai, one can learn modern, practical Aikido. For those interested in self-defense, those who wish to explore new aspects of martial arts, or those interested in a combat sport with intellectual engagement, considering an observation or trial lesson would be a good idea.

Aikido’s Quest for Practicality: The Role of Strikes and Technical Analysis — An Interview with Hatenkai's Master Tenkei Fujisaki [Part 2]

Following Part 1, which explored the "practicality" of Aikido from multiple angles, Part 2 will focus on more technical aspects. In the technical system of Aikido, what is the meaning of atemi—the striking techniques that have traditionally existed—in modern practical application? How should the saying, "atemi seven parts, throwing three parts," be interpreted? Master Tenkei Fujisaki, head of Hatenkai and a pursuer of practical Aikido, explains specific themes ranging from facial attacks, strategies against kicks, methods for dealing with striking-focused opponents, and the modern significance of pinning techniques, to his unique training methods for cultivating practical skill. In the latter half of this article, Master Fujisaki also discusses the future direction he envisions for Aikido and his thoughts on fostering the next generation.

Striking in Aikido Tradition: The Meaning of "Atemi Seven Parts, Throwing Three Parts"

—What are your thoughts on the importance of striking techniques, or atemi, in Aikido?

Master Fujisaki: In Aikido, there is a saying passed down from old times: "atemi seven parts, throwing three parts." This suggests that in Aikido's technical system, striking, or atemi, was positioned not merely as a supplement, but as a crucial element. During the era of the founder, Morihei Ueshiba, atemi existed as an indispensable element for effectively unbalancing an opponent to connect to an Aikido throw.

Making Aikido Practical in the Modern Era: The Need for Striking and Evasion (Sabaki)

—In that case, how should striking be positioned to enhance the practicality of Aikido today?

Master Fujisaki: From the perspective of a real fight in modern society, especially self-defense, I believe that techniques involving striking—and above all, the skill to handle an opponent's strikes—are necessary. In an unpredictable situation, an opponent will not necessarily try to grapple with you. On the contrary, it is more likely that an encounter will begin with a sudden strike. Furthermore, we should also consider the possibility of weapons, such as a club, being used. To respond appropriately to such diverse threats, both the ability to defend against an opponent's attacks and the ability to respond with strikes depending on the situation are required.

Aikido as Self-Defense: Responding to and Utilizing the Threat of Kicks

—In recent years, the importance of kicking techniques has grown in various martial arts and combat sports. How should Aikido view this?

Master Fujisaki: As you say, responding to kicks is a critical challenge in modern practical application, especially in self-defense. Compared to hand techniques, leg techniques have a longer reach and greater power, so one must always be vigilant. On the other hand, many Aikido techniques involve the use of both hands. In such situations, one could also consider utilizing kicks as an effective means to unbalance an opponent. For example, a low attack with an inside low kick coordinated with tai sabaki, or a middle-level knee strike, can rob the opponent of their balance and create an advantageous situation for applying a technique. We should consider not only defending against kicks but also utilizing them in a way that aligns with the principles of Aikido.

"Knowing the Opponent": Understanding Unorthodox Kicks

—What about kicks with unpredictable trajectories, like an inside crescent kick or an axe kick?

Master Fujisaki: These unorthodox kicks have trajectories and timings that are vastly different from conventional kicks. Without understanding their characteristics, responding to them becomes difficult. Whether an Aikido practitioner should actively use these techniques is a separate question, but learning their properties and experiencing the movements is important for improving defensive capabilities. "It is difficult to respond effectively without knowing the opponent." Anticipating what kind of attacks an opponent might launch and preparing for them is what leads to an improvement in practical skill.

Dealing with Facial Attacks and Hatenkai's Training: Practice Assuming a Real Fight

—How do you approach strikes to the face, which are unavoidable in a real fight?

Master Fujisaki: The face is a concentration of vital points on the human body and becomes a key target in a real fight. At Hatenkai, while giving maximum consideration to safety, we permit hand-edge strikes to the face (a practical application of the traditional shomen-uchi and yokomen-uchi) in our kumite (sparring) and match-style training. This is to cultivate the defensive reactions and, at the same time, the mental fortitude and technique to respond in an emergency, through practice that actually anticipates attacks to the face. It is an important part of our training for responding to more realistic situations.

Effective Aikido Techniques in a Real Fight: Techniques and Anti-Kick Strategies from Master Fujisaki

—Specifically, what Aikido techniques do you consider to be particularly effective in a real fight?

Master Fujisaki: From my own experience, hijijime (elbow locks), udegarami (arm entanglements), and the spinning throws that apply them are effective. These techniques accurately target the opponent's joints and can exert significant control with relatively little force. Also, kotegaeshi (wrist turn), sankyo (third teaching), and nikyo (second teaching) from a reverse-hand grip are frequently used in practical situations because they make it easy to unbalance the opponent and connect to the next movement. Techniques targeting the elbow joint, in particular, have the advantage of being relatively easy to apply due to human anatomy.

—What is an effective way to deal with kicks?

Master Fujisaki: To accurately catch a front kick or roundhouse kick and throw the opponent is an effective strategy. For example, the moment you catch their kicking leg, you can unbalance them with an irimi-tsuki (entering thrust) or transition directly into a side iriminage. The act of catching the kick itself puts pressure on the opponent and can also be expected to have the psychological effect of deterring careless kicks. Kicks are a threat at a distance, but they have a vulnerable side in that they put the kicker at a disadvantage if the leg is caught.

Anti-Striker Strategy: Dealing with Striking-Focused Opponents and the Effectiveness of Pins

—What are the key points when facing an opponent who specializes in striking, such as in Boxing or Karate?

Master Fujisaki: The crucial principle is to "not fight on the opponent's turf." In other words, do not engage head-on with their strikes. This is the foundation. An effective strategy is to first use sabaki to neutralize their strikes while closing the distance, and then transition into Aikido's specialty of throws and joint locks. It is vital to quickly create a close-contact situation where the opponent cannot strike, and then subdue them. As mentioned before, accurately catching their kicking leg and throwing them is also effective. What should be avoided is reacting emotionally and trying to trade strikes in return. Challenging a professionally trained opponent to a striking match is, in most cases, not an effective tactic. The effective approach is to seal the opponent's strengths and maximize your own: Aikido's sabaki, unbalancing (kuzushi), and joint locks.

—After taking an opponent down, what is an effective way to further control them?

Master Fujisaki: Yes, against a striking-focused opponent, it is effective to immediately lock up their joints with a pinning technique after taking them down with a throw. This can be said to be a clear advantage Aikido has over striking-based arts. Even fighters who excel at striking may have a low proficiency in ground fighting or pinning techniques. Therefore, by taking the fight to the ground with a throw and applying a joint lock before they can regain their posture, you can rob them of the chance to counterattack and control them safely and surely. Mastering not only standing techniques but also pins on a downed opponent, such as those following kotegaeshi or shihonage, will enhance one's ability to respond in a real situation.

Hatenkai's Unique Training Method for "Handling" Strikes: From Basics to Application

—What kind of training do you do to improve the ability to handle and defend against an opponent's strikes?

Master Fujisaki: The foundation of the ability to respond to strikes is, after all, Aikido's basic tai sabaki—namely, irimi (entering), tenkan (turning), and tenshin (shifting). We thoroughly repeat these movements to master body mechanics that can respond to attacks from any angle. Then, we practice applying this tai sabaki against basic strikes like a straight punch or a roundhouse kick. Coordinating the appropriate blocks for high, middle, and low attacks with body movement is also important. Furthermore, for advanced students at Hatenkai, we conduct a unique "Strikes vs. Aikido Sabaki Kumite," which I constructed based on my own experience facing striking specialists, including full-contact Karate black belts and professional boxers. In this kumite, the striking side attacks freely, while the Aikido side uses sabaki and blocks to handle the attacks, looking for an opening to apply a technique. While ensuring thorough safety management, students can experience realistic speed and power, and within that, verify the effectiveness of Aikido's principles of movement and technique. Through this, we aim to improve their ability to respond to strikes.

Strategic Deepening of Standing Joint Locks: Thought and Repetitive Training

—What kind of thinking and training are important to further enhance the effectiveness of standing joint locks?

Master Fujisaki: A standing joint lock rarely ends as a single, isolated technique. The opponent will always resist, try to regain their posture, attempt to escape, or even counterattack. Therefore, "continuity" and "flexibility" are crucial—not fixating on a single technique, but instantly changing to the next technique or to a completely different one in response to the opponent's reaction. It requires a situational thought process that reads the opponent's move (reaction) and instantly delivers the optimal next move. An effective strategy is to connect three or four techniques in a continuous combination in response to the opponent's movement. By doing this, the opponent cannot keep up with the successively unfolding variations, and the technique is more likely to be successful before their mind can catch up. What is vital for executing these combinations smoothly is to elevate your skill to a level where "the body reacts unconsciously," rather than "moving after thinking." The key to enhancing the strategic nature of standing joint locks is to ingrain them into the body through long years of repetitive training, so that the techniques link together at a reflex speed that transcends thought.

The Future as Master Fujisaki Sees It: Cultivating Skilled Aikido Practitioners and Passing the Torch

—Finally, could you tell us about the goals and vision you yourself would like to realize in the world of Aikido?

Master Fujisaki: My goal is to cultivate as many Aikido practitioners as possible who are recognized as being truly skilled. I believe one of the factors behind the image that "Aikido is weak in a real fight," which has existed in some circles for many years, is that the number of Aikido practitioners who could demonstrate absolute skill was small compared to other martial arts. If my own level were to become recognized as the "average" for Aikido, I believe public perception would also begin to change. To that end, I want to focus on nurturing the next generation. I especially want to focus on developing the youth who will carry the next era. Aikido that incorporates practical elements has the potential for rapid growth if undertaken seriously from a young age. I myself realized that I had acquired a considerable level of skill by the time I won my first championship at 19 and my third at 21. For the younger generation to forge their minds and bodies through Jissen Aikido and become active members of society with confidence—that is my joy, and I believe it is the path to contributing to the future of the Aikido world. To nurture skilled Aikido practitioners and pass the torch to the next generation. This is the important goal I am aiming for.

[End of Part 2]

Editor's Note: Part 2 began with the question of the role of striking in Aikido and unfolded into a concrete explanation based on Master Fujisaki's practice and experience, covering responses to kicks in modern self-defense, considerations for facial attacks, specific effective techniques, strategies against strikers, unique training methods, and the deepening of standing joint locks. The content was rich with insights, going beyond mere technical theory to show the master's thoughts on the mindset and training crucial for practical application, as well as his vision for nurturing "skilled Aikido practitioners" and passing the art on to the next generation.