Many aikidoka are unaware that these competitions take place. Of those that are, most only know of Shodokan\u2019s involvement with competitive practice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
At this point, you could argue that the case for competition is closed because it already exists. That would be too easy though, and has a problem. Just because something exists, doesn\u2019t mean it should. The existence of competitive aikido does not provide justification for its continuance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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A Dying Art<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
There is some circumstantial evidence that interest in aikido is declining. Some analyses indicate that it is slowly fading out. While there are serious flaws with these studies, they are the best indicator we have at present. Sadly, they are likely to be true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The problem seems to lie with the younger generations. Aikido is a top heavy art, with few new members. Many clubs have nothing but black belts, or fewer kyu grades than dan ranks. This is a serious issue, because it means that there is no pipeline to replace those that retire from the art for whatever reason.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Athletic young people, i.e. <30y.o., have a natural competitive drive. They like to compete and test themselves against other people. Even if it\u2019s only at a club level. Competition is a sure-fire way to attract in a host of younger members. This would help to create a solid, stable base of future talent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Competitive aikido is good, because it could be the key to securing the future of aikido as a martial art.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Missing Element<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Aikido faces many problems to gaining new students and they come from 2 major sources. Yoga and competitive martial arts. It\u2019s unlikely that any martial art can attract students away from yoga, but as for competitive arts, that should be possible. Many students walk into an MMA class for the first, and only, time. A lot of people like the idea of martial arts, but are less keen on being punched in the face.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As a martial art, aikido is beautifully placed to attract those students. It should be simplicity to attract them through the doors of the dojo, so why aren\u2019t they there? As noted in the last section, it\u2019s because they like to compete. There\u2019s a reason they went to MMA and not Tai Chi. Incidentally, even Tai Chi has competition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many students are looking for an effective martial art and the competitive ones seem like a better bet. They can see it in action, and they want to try it themselves. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Competitive aikido is good, because it is the missing element to getting students through the doors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Technical Improvements<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Aikido is a martial art. It also has a strange problem. The nature of the teaching method, and certain emphasis within it, mean that aikidoka can get away with martially poor techniques. You can perform a kote gaeshi poorly<\/a>, and still be successful. This is not a good thing. If you watch aikido demonstrations, even by shihan, many of them are not in a good position for e.g. irimi nage<\/a>. This applies to all the techniques, not just these two.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
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