Expert: J Richard Seavitt - 3/6/2010

Question
Hi at the moment i study Aikido but i am interested in combining both Aikido and Daitoryu Aikijujutsu takumaki. would the two arts complement each other and have learning benifits for both arts.
Thanking you,
Damian

Answer
Damian -

The underlying principles of aikido and classical aikijujutsu are largely similar, though there are of course some specific variations.  I am not convinced that training in two such similar arts really leads to "complement", though I suspect the larger issue will be the desires of your instructors.  Daitoryu Aikijujutsu Takumaki is a modern association formed by some specific exponents of a Japanese koryu, which typically means they are breaking from the traditional iemoto/soke system in some way.  I don't know enough to comment as to whether it is a technical or political break, but in any event both traditional and 'revised' koryu often prefer that their students focus on a single curriculum.  Obviously, this is an "ask your instructor" situation.  If it is up to you, I don't imagine it would be deleterious to your training, though I also wouldn't expect that the loss of time in training in one art wold be compensated for by any remarkable insight provided the other - they're just too similar.

Regards,
John