Aikido and MMA are two highly effective and beneficial martial arts. This article will compare them so you’ll be able to understand which is better and for what purpose. For instance, if you want to study self-defense, you’ll know which of them is better for self-defense.
When comparing two martial arts, we must assume two fighters of the same skill level and make them fight (in our imagination.) By doing so, we’ll be able to come to conclusions that’ll allow us to summarize this article with straightforward answers.
This will be the only article you’ll need to understand the differences and similarities between Aikido and MMA. So whether you’re having a difficult time choosing one or you just want to know which of them excels at what, you’ll be able to do so by reading this article.
Now, a disclaimer. Many people on the Internet think that Aikido is the most useless martial art. To that, I can only say that it’s simply untrue—and you’ll see why by sticking through this article.
So let’s dive in!
What Is Aikido?
The first thing we’ll do is define Aikido. My goal for this section is to remove any uncertainty to allow you to have a clear mind coming into this comparison.
Now why is that critical to do for the sake of this article? That’s because most people, especially those who have no martial arts background, think that Aikido is nothing more than ineffective and useless. To be honest with you, that cannot be further away from reality.
So what will you learn in Aikido practice?
In Aikido, you’ll learn to grapple and strike in a unique way where you’ll use your opponent’s movements against him. You’ll learn about harmony and using what you have to your advantage and defend yourself and the people close to you. Primarily, you’ll learn takedowns, punching, kicking, and even submissions.
Here’s an excellent video I encourage everyone to watch. In it, you’ll see an Aikido master showcasing what he knows, which is quite a lot. He’ll also break many myths regarding its effectiveness and teachings. So definitely give it a watch!
What Is MMA?
Now that we know what Aikido is all about, let’s dive into further detail regarding MMA.
MMA, or Mixed Martial Arts, is a fighting style and combative system that mixes many martial arts and many techniques to create a complete martial art (fighting style.) Therefore, you’ll learn a wide variety of techniques, including kicking, punching, striking, takedowns, throws, ground grappling, and various submissions and joint locks.
Now, why is that a solid way of approaching the world of fighting?
Because you want to broaden your toolbox to the point where you’re exceptionally dynamic and capable of causing a lot of damage quickly. You also want to adapt to any situation out there, which can only be done by learning plenty of techniques that’ll help you deal with situations more effectively and fiercely.
For example, if you know to use ground grappling to your advantage, you’ll be open to more opportunities and more attacks, obviously. The more you know to do, the more situations you’ll be able to face, which is what MMA is all about.
And that’s why Mixed Martial Arts is one of the best combative systems and martial arts globally!
Aikido vs. MMA – Showdown
Now that we understand what each fighting style is and how it plays out, it’s time we dive into what you’ve all been waiting for; the showdown!
After you finish reading this part of the article, you’ll know exactly which fighting style you want to learn. We’ll dive deeply into both the differences and similarities of each fighting style, so you can make a wiser choice as to which one you want to learn.
After we compare their differences and similarities, we’ll go ahead and compare them in common situations, such as effectiveness in various situations, simplicity, and an overall comparison.
So stay tuned for that: and let’s dive in!
The Differences Between Aikido and MMA
The first part of this showdown is comparing their differences. This is, perhaps, the most important part of the article for those having a difficult time choosing which of them to learn. Even if you have other options in mind, you’ll be able to come to a better conclusion by knowing in what way they differ.
So without further introduction, let’s dive in!
#1 – Fighting Techniques
The first difference is the fighting techniques you’ll learn. Frankly, there isn’t much of a definition to MMA, as it combines all the martial arts in the world.
Now, there’s a caveat we want to address here. MMA utilizes a controlled environment to test which fighting style or which combination of fighting styles is most effective. Therefore, it excludes various techniques that are deemed deadly or immoral. For example, you’ll get disqualified if you hit the opponent’s groin in an MMA fight.
Aikido, on the other hand, is all about self-defense. Therefore, it includes all the techniques MMA excludes, which is typically hitting pressure points, such as the throat, jaw, nose, and groin.
So the fighting techniques serve a different purpose. And honestly, contrary to the common belief, you’re likely to become a better self-defense fighter if you decide to learn Aikido. This can be surprising to many people; but if you think about it, Aikido is more deadly than MMA, specifically because it includes the techniques that are immoral and illegal in other, more controlled, martial arts.
Later in this article, we’ll come up with a definitive answer as to which is better for self-defense.
#2 – Purpose
The 2nd difference we’ll cover is purpose. Each martial art exists for a reason. It’s impossible to have a martial art or any other thing in our lives, if it doesn’t do something to us, either add or detract. In this sense, both fighting styles provide plenty of value, but differently.
While Aikido’s purpose is to be in harmony and to use the opponent’s offensive moves to attack, MMA is all about aggressiveness and effectiveness in fighting. Therefore, they serve different purposes and add distinct value to their trainees, which is what makes each unique.
You know? I’ve seen fighters in both realms of fighting—and came to a critical conclusion: both martial arts will make you a solid fighter.
Eventually, this is all that matters. So if your goal is to learn self-defense or develop yourself personally and mentally, the best thing you can do for yourself is going to a trial practice in each of them and choose one without hesitation or regret.
That way, you’ll start progressing and learn to fight sooner than you think possible!
#3 – Fighting Approach
The 3rd difference is the attitude in which you’ll be fighting. I’ll keep myself as concise as possible because I want you to progress to the next sections of this article as soon as possible, to give you the most value.
While MMA is about aggressiveness and competitiveness, Aikido is about staying in harmony. The translation of Aikido is the Art of Harmony, which is quite fitting if you ask me.
The attitudes are different. If you want a more aggressive martial art, you’ll be better off choosing Mixed Martial Arts. However, if you want to be more sure of yourself, more at peace, and at ease, Aikido is a perfect choice!
#4 – Competitive Nature (Pressure Testing)
The last difference we’ll review is the competitive nature of the two martial arts. Now, I’ve added pressure testing in the title because there’s something you want to understand.
Aikido doesn’t pressure test, which is the primary thing lacking in it. Pressure testing, if you don’t know, is putting a trainee under plenty of stress to see how one would react. What it comes to show us is that it’s not an aggressive fighting style.
MMA, on the other hand, uses a lot of pressure testing, primarily in the form of sparring and competing. Pressure testing is all about competitiveness and checking your actual skills. There isn’t a better way to see how skilled you are other than seeing how you react to REAL situations, such as real fights.
So, to summarize, MMA is much more competitive than Aikido. That’s why it’s more aggressive and is likely to make you a better fighter, especially in the real world.
But more on that later!
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The Similarities Between Aikido and MMA
Now that you know how Aikido and MMA differ, it’s time we compare them from the other side. Let’s now see how they’re similar to each other, which, in my eyes, is more important than understanding the differences between them.
Let me tell you why that’s the case.
What most people will do, or, better stated, what most people will never do—is start their training. Do you know how many people want to learn to fight but never seem to do anything about it? I’m certain you’ll be surprised if I were to tell you the number – I would too.
So knowing how they’re similar will motivate you to take action. Why is that? Because you’ll understand that at the end of the day—all you need to do is start your training. Once you got that covered, you’ll begin seeing results in no time!
Before we dive into the similarities if you want to progress faster in your martial arts journey, follow this link!
#1 – Goals
The first similarity is the goal of both martial arts. It’s quite obvious, but I’ll still state it as I think it’s important to understand. The goal of MOST martial arts is to teach you how to fight effectively.
If you examine history, all martial arts came to be because of a need. That need is learning to fight. Take Karate as an example since it’s a classic martial arts story. Why was it constructed?
Karate was constructed because the people of Okinawa needed to learn to fight, as times were times of war. Therefore, they began constructing a new martial art that throughout years of development came to be what it is today.
But it all started with a goal. The same applies to MMA and Aikido. Why do so many people begin their fighting journey? Usually, because they want to learn to fight.
Many people start their journey, whether in Aikido or MMA, for other reasons as well. For example, many trainees want to develop their character, so they begin training in a martial art. Learning to fight and developing yourself are the two most common reasons and goals people have when they begin training in martial arts.
And both of them are common in MMA and Aikido!
#2 – Benefits
The 2nd similarity is the benefits you’ll experience. I want to be as concise as possible, so here are the benefits you’ll experience if you train in either Aikido or MMA consistently and vigorously:
- Better physical shape
- Reduced body fat percentage (if you want that)
- Knowing to fight
- Knowing to get hit
- Reduced fear of fights
- Greater feeling of responsibility over the people you love
- Lower stress levels
- Reduced violence levels
- Lower aggression levels
- Knowing to be violent when you need to
- Learning to let go of limiting beliefs
- Increased confidence
- Higher self-esteem
Isn’t that list enough to get you out of your home and start training? Even if you have no money to invest in a real martial arts gym, why not start training at home? You can do that as soon as today if you really want to learn martial arts.
The entire purpose of this website is to get you to take action, and do it quickly. So, if you’re serious about your fighting journey and noticing ALL these benefits yourself, start training at home.
And for those who want to start doing Aikido:
#3 – Audience
The 3rd similarity is the audience and trainees MMA and Aikido attract. At the end of the day, it attracts people who want to better themselves. People who wake up and are not content with who they are and their skills.
Instead, they want to better themselves and expand their knowledge, either by learning to fight or by bettering themselves. Usually, for most trainees, it’s both!
#4 – Techniques
And now, let’s dive into the last similarity between these two wonderful martial arts.
Aikido incorporates elements from other martial arts, including joint locks and throws derived from Daito-Ryu Aiki-jujutsu and movements influenced by kenjutsu.
MMA combines techniques from various martial arts disciplines, such as striking techniques from boxing and Muay Thai, takedowns from wrestling, and submissions from Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.
| Similarities | Differences |
|---|---|
| Goals | Fighting Techniques |
| Benefits | Benefits |
| Audience | Fighting Approach |
| Techniques | Pressure Testing |
Alright. You now have all the knowledge you need to make a wise choice between these two martial arts. Whether you want to become an aggressive fighter or one who knows to manipulate his opponent’s movements to his advantage, you know what you should pick.
However, let’s continue by diving deeper into the core questions that’ll help you decide which fighting style to learn.
Stay tuned to learn more about which is better for each situation!
Which Is Better, Aikido or MMA?
The first question we’ll review is which is better overall. Now, this is, as you can imagine, my opinion only. Of course, it derives from years of experience and research in this topic, so I assume it can apply to you.
MMA is a better martial art than Aikido in terms of fighting and self-defense. However, when we review traditional values and traditional martial art fighting techniques, Aikido has the victory. But overall, MMA is a better martial art in aggressiveness, dynamic nature, and adaptiveness to more situations.
Should I Learn Aikido or MMA?
You should learn Aikido if you want to experience a more traditional fighting style. However, if you desire to become a better, more aggressive, dynamic, and solid fighter, MMA is the most suitable choice.
Aikido vs. MMA for Self-Defense
MMA is more suitable for self-defense and street fights than Aikido because wants to be as aggressive as possible in these situations, which MMA does best. Although Aikido teaches more deadly and more effective techniques, which are illegal in MMA, you won’t end up being as aggressive in it.
Which Is Easier to Learn, Aikido or MMA?
Aikido is easier to learn than MMA although the first teaches more complicated movements. However, the latter includes more pressure testing and greater obstacles and challenges, which makes it harder to learn. But, it’s all up to the individual, as one can find the first easy and the other the opposite.
Final Words
That’s it for this article. I’ve had a blast researching and writing about MMA and Aikido, as they’re both highly effective martial arts designed to make you a solid fighter and a better person.
Comparison aside, both martial arts will make you a better version of yourself. And to be frank, isn’t that all that matters?
Choose a martial art and start training as soon as possible. This is what Blinklift is all about; taking as much action as possible. Good luck!
You can also sign up for our Email Newsletter to keep up with our blog posts and gain access to free martial arts/self-improvement courses!
Here are other articles you’d enjoy reading:
Is Aikido Effective? For Self-Defense and Street Fights
Should You Learn Aikido? The Truth
The 7 Most Effective Japanese Martial Arts You Should Learn
Is Aikido a Grappling or Striking-Based Martial Art?