Opinions of Seagal Aikido video clip.

[moogong]

Aikido folk, what do you make of this video? I am not a good judge of aikido but Seagal does seem to have a commanding presence.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0VcOtneCRU&search=aikido%20seagal

[David Anderson]

Aikido folk, what do you make of this video?

Wow -- I have never seen so much of Seagal's actual practice, and I'd say this is quite impressive. There are a few slightly funky things going on: he seems to be using some Judo concepts in some of his throws [hip throws, for eg.] and my own instructor would chide him for bending his elbows quite so much, but for the most part he's doing the real stuff in a very powerful and elegent way, IMHO.

Of course a good Uke can make a demo look _really_ good, and the ukes in this video appear very skillful. I also notice that Seagal sticks mainly to techniques that utilize his height and strength. This is not to criticise however. Thanks for posting this...I'm going to forward the link to the seniors in my dojo...

[Musubi Dojo]

Segal's stuff is what got me interested in Aikido in the first place. I've heard critics says he's a big brute who uses strength but his technique always looked pretty sweet to me.

Now his movies........shudder....:eek:

[shutterspeed]

Agreed. For better or worse, the world of aikido has Seagal to thank for bringing Aikido to the forefront of an entirely new audience (heh. nice pun there).

I remember countless threads on here debating Seagal's style of aikido. It isn't really "pure" Aikido, correct?

As Musubi has mentioned, there are an awful lot of stories relating Seagal's unprofessional treatment of stuntmen on movie sets. I've also heard one particularly juicy tale: Seagal made an open challenge on one particular set, as seems par for his personality, and could not escape a full nelson hold administered by a grip.

Reminds me of the reports of Van Damme getting knocked out one night at scores and Mickey Rourke having to drag him to safety outside. When the likes of Mickey Rourke is having to save you, you know you're in pretty bad shape.

[Ron Tisdale]

I have a mix of thoughts when I see these posts.

1) unless you are training with the guy, what does it matter?

2) He is a really big strong guy, yes. So I have to wonder if he will teach a smaller, weaker guy to do the same things he does. This seems to me a valid question.
3) The people I've met who actually trained with him respected his abilities. And some of them are smaller guys, who can kick my butt.
4) Aikido is not what you want for a cage match.
5) Movie aikido isn't real. that's why it's a MOVIE....

Best,
Ron

[Musubi Dojo]

I have a mix of thoughts when I see these posts.

1) unless you are training with the guy, what does it matter?

2) He is a really big strong guy, yes. So I have to wonder if he will teach a smaller, weaker guy to do the same things he does. This seems to me a valid question.
3) The people I've met who actually trained with him respected his abilities. And some of them are smaller guys, who can kick my butt.
4) Aikido is not what you want for a cage match.
5) Movie aikido isn't real. that's why it's a MOVIE....

Best,
Ron

Hi Ron, I was reffering to the quailty Mr. Segal's acting and films in general when I metioned movies. I don't think my post was clear.

Would Aikido be useful in a cage match? Would plumbing be useful for dentistry?

The "Style vs Style, my Sensei can kick your Sifu's butt" type arguements go on forever and are best suited to arm-chair Martial Artists, not the fine folks here at Budoseek. :)

Cheers
c

[aikibu]

He's kicked my butt on the mat and I am no fool and 6'2" 240 with a 30+ years of experiance. He towers over me and loves hard practice. Folks like to dog him (for his off the mat activities but I could give a hoot myself) but he is an excellent teacher. If you get the rare chance (like I did) take practice with him.

William Hazen

[Mark Barlow]

I visited his dojo in the late 80s and he certainly knew what he was doing. Not only was he polite and informative, his students were obviously well trained. All I can judge is what I've seen in person and I was impressed.

[Webmaster]

Excellent video. I have heard from many of folks that his aikido is definately "for real" and he is an outstanding instructor. My only complaint with him is that I wish he would stick with what he really knows best: Aikido!

[Brian R. VanCise]

Seagal can move and the way he utilizes his aikido works great for his size. Where people sometimes have a problem with him is his acting persona and off screen activities. The footage that I have watched is definately good.

Brian R. VanCise
www.instinctiveresponsetraining.com

[Qasim]

Excellent video. I have heard from many of folks that his aikido is definately "for real" and he is an outstanding instructor. My only complaint with him is that I wish he would stick with what he really knows best: Aikido!

I was just going to say after watching the video, he needs to stick to Aikido and he'll be okay.

Hollywood has been known to change people and it appears that the Seagall we see in the public light is the product of exposure to Hollywood. :bow:

[swchiro]

Hello Canada, Steve from So. CALIF. here....

I went to Seagal's seminar in Santa Barbara in 1997, it was a phenomenon. What you see is what your get! Hollywood movies are movies, but the art of Aikido is part of him in everyway you see....His timing, distance, application, extension of technique is exactly what your see in these videos and movies....His 6'4" aikido is 6'4" aikido, mine, well, it is 5'5" aikido, no better no worse, but not 6'4" AIKIDO!...take care....SW