Can I learn aikido for self-defence?
Yes. Aikido is first and foremost a martial art. Aikido is famous as being a defensive based art, but that does not lessen the effectiveness of its techniques. In Yoshinkan Aikido there are hundreds of different techniques applied in various situations. We learn how to react differently depending on the attack. Strikes, counter strikes, locks and throws are all part of the regular curriculum. Students also learn kiai, or vocal projection and mai, creating a safe distance between oneself and an attacker. Yoshinkan Aikido is taught to police men and woman as well as special response groups within the Tokyo Metropolitan Police.