Judo and Aikido are two different martial disciplines that have been influenced by jiu-jitsu.
Aikido, in contrast to judo, is recognized for its serene disposition. Both forms concentrate significantly on grappling after a takedown because they are derived from jiu-jitsu. So, Aikido vs. Judo, which one is better for you?
Aikido is better if you want a martial art that teaches self-defense, as the goal in Aikido is to protect yourself while trying to avoid harming the attacker. Whereas Judo is a grappling art using the most deadly techniques on the ground, it is better if you are looking for something more competitive or aggressive.
The similarities and contrasts between judo and aikido and the most often asked questions about these parallels will be addressed in this article.
See also: Differences Between Aikido And Jiu-Jitsu, Which Should You Choose?
What Is Aikido?
Aikido’s comprehensive techniques include throwing, locking joints, striking, and pinning, making Aikido a complete system. Sword, staff, and dagger training are also part of the curriculum.
It wasn’t until the early 20th century that Morihei Ueshiba came up with aikido after studying various armed and unarmed fighting techniques. It’s a potent amalgamation of hundreds of years’ worth of Japanese martial arts expertise.
As a form of budo, it is well-known throughout the world. Despite this, Ueshiba, who was known as o-sensei, insisted that aikido be taught as more than merely a fighting technique.
Many Japanese martial arts place a high value on developing one’s physical and mental stamina, drawing inspiration from eastern cultures like India and China.
The video below shows Morihei Ueshiba O Sensei’s Rare Aikido Demonstration.
What Is The Philosophy Of Aikido?
What guides aikido is the concept of harmony (ai), spiritual strength (ki), serenity, and the aikido way (do). Without resorting to physical force, the artist hopes to halt an assault. Take command of the incident and put an end to the attacker as quickly as possible to ensure no one is harmed.
Aikido is built on the principle that you should quit being aggressive and tune yourself to the universe. What matters most is that you grow into the best version of yourself. Aikido is one of the gentlest ways to fight.
Ueshiba’s view and teaching that aikido is both a means of self-improvement and a means of defeating an opponent by working with them rather than against them is the source of the aikido philosophy.
True Victory Is Victory Over The Self.
Morihei Ueshiba
What Is Judo?
Judo is a physically and mentally demanding martial art emphasizing quick reflexes and agility. In this style, you can lift and throw somebody while still standing. On the ground, it consists of a series of moves that allow you to pin, control, and strangle your opponents until they submit.
Judo is distinct from other sports in that it may be practiced by people of all ages, genders, and levels of expertise. People from many walks of life enjoy judo since it’s a low-cost, year-round sport that can be practiced.
Just as children under the age of 10, adults can enjoy the game. Using a combination of Jujutsu’s close-quarters fighting method and mental discipline, Jigoro Kano developed judo in 1882. Jujutsu’s origins can be traced back to sumo.
What Is The Philosophy Of Judo?
Japanese “judo” means “the gentle way” in the language. Maximizing efficiency with minimum effort and providing mutual benefit for everybody are the foundations of judo’s ethos. Using your opponent’s power to your advantage is a judo rule. Smaller opponents can now take control of smaller opponents thanks to this method.
Force is never confronted head-on in judo; the solution is always submission. However, this is done in response to those who have harmed them.
A judo move may not seem humane at first. All past, present, and future events have a role in the plot.
The judo techniques do not reject strength as long as it is employed correctly and under strict supervision.
You can easily defeat a smaller and weaker opponent with judo’s powerful strength-based techniques if you have less strength.
If there is effort, there is always an accomplishment.
Jigoro Kano
Similarities between Aikido and Judo
- Aikido and Judo are both Japanese martial arts that place an emphasis on using an opponent’s weight and momentum against them.
- Both Aikido and Judo involve throws and joint locks to incapacitate an opponent.
- Practitioners of both these disciplines wear uniforms. Aikido practitioners wear white Gi’s (uniforms), while Judo practitioners wear blue.
- The founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, was also a Judo practitioner.
- Aikido and Judo are considered to be relatively peaceful martial arts, as they emphasize using an opponent’s energy rather than causing harm.
Aikido Vs. Judo: What Are The Differences?
Both judo and aikido were conducted concurrently. Traditional ju-jitsu is the basis for both. Aikido and judo differ primarily in two respects.
- There are competitions and awards in judo; hence it’s a sport. Matches are governed by many regulations, some of which prohibit certain moves.
- Non-competitive martial art aikido is utilized for self-defense and self-improvement purposes.
However, judo is a more combative martial art type. Judo employs numerous throws to bring an opponent to the ground. However, aikido makes use of attacks delivered while the practitioner is still standing.
For the second time, in judo training, two people are involved. Attacks in aikido can come from any direction and from any number of people.
In order to improve our freestyle jiu-jitsu skills, we must practice several simultaneous attacks. Aikido was developed by Jigoro Ueshiba, who was trained by Jigoro Kano, the inventor of judo.
| Aikido | Judo | |
| Strength | If you wish to avoid employing raw force, aikido is your best option; there is no other martial art that comes close. | When compared to aikido, judo calls much more physical prowess. |
| Self-defense | Aikido is useful for self-defense, but its primary objective is character development, not learning how to fight. | Judo has a few self-defense moves, but you don’t need to know them to practice. |
| Sports | Aikido is rarely practiced as a competitive sport. Possibly, it isn’t considered “competitive” enough. | Judo was the very first combat sport to be recognized by the Olympic committee as a sport for competition. |
| Attacks | An aikido technique relies on this outcome. | Judo is founded on the premise that you only face one opponent at a time. |
| Techniques | Even though aikido includes blocking, counter, spraining, grappling, pinning, and striking techniques, it is not considered a combat art. | Throwing, standing, surrendering, and wrestling are the most common judo techniques, but there are many others. |
Aikido Vs. Judo: Which One Is Better For Self Defence?
Judo is better for self-defense because it teaches how to fight better from the ground than in Aikido. Aikido is generally ineffective in a real-world situation because of its complete lack of realistic practice. Aikido techniques are performed with a cooperative partner, whereas judo is practiced with total resistance.
An experienced person with a lot of training in Aikido might beat a resisting opponent, while an intermediate-level judoka will be effective sooner because of their training.
Hire a bodyguard if you anticipate encountering scenarios that necessitate using your martial arts training.
Additionally, judo and aikido share many similarities. You’ll learn how to throw a partner to land on a mat. Aikido is primarily concerned with attacking and disarming opponents.
You might wonder about Aikido And Hapkido; which to choose?
Is Aikido Good For Your Health?
Aikido training offers positive physiological and psychological benefits, including flexibility, balance stability, scoliosis, mindfulness, anger control, and ego orientation, as suggested by a 2017 study issued in the Archives of Budo Science Of Martial Arts.
Aikido practice focuses on personal safety, which means improving oneself and quality of life by preserving good health and vitality.
The practice of Aikido leads to good health because it builds and reinforces Ki (internal energy), which has been considered since ancient times to be the basis of vitality and health.
Final Words
Aikido is considered to be a more peaceful martial art, as it emphasizes using an opponent’s energy rather than causing them harm. Judo is a more combative martial art and is focused on throws and takedowns.
Both Aikido and Judo can be used for self-defense and self-improvement, but Aikido is better suited for character development, while Judo is better for learning how to fight. Ultimately, your best martial art depends on your goals and needs.