Expert: Judith Warner - 1/10/2011

Question
QUESTION: Hello i would like to know if Aikido is OK for tall people as i am 6.5 around 176 lbs , so as i usually injure my ribs at judo and bjj cause they fit more short people i would like to know if Aikido is OK for people so tall as me thanks :)

ANSWER: Hi Luca,
Aikido is definitely okay for tall people! The mind/body principles that are the focus of the art are valuable for everyone. I know of many tall (over 6 ft) people who practice the art. The beauty of aikido is that its moves are adaptable to take advantage of any size. For example, in a throw called tenchi nage, you will emphasize the heaven (upper) hand, and a short person will emphasize the earth (lower hand) in the throw. However both people must know the basic throw and be relaxed when throwing.

Please find a good instructor to teach you. There will be no reason for you to get injured if you learn to roll correctly and adhere to the philosophy of the art (don't turn it into a wrestling match).

Best of luck!

Judy

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks the main reason why i would like to try it is balance my aggressive personality and self defense , which i know if high level with wing chun bjj and kali silat i also integrate is the best for self defense . But my concern was wich style of Aikido does work better for self defense as here in Rome as i am from Italy we got mostly Aikikai that deluded me for the lack of instructors who never had real life fight so can't teach self defense and the unrealistic training much common in Aikido . You think as Steven Seagal says that Aikido in the end is one and it's about the Master not the style of Aikido for it to be street effective or i should look to a more realistic sparring oriented Aikido like Tomiki and Yoshinkan the police one ? Problem i must change country as here we got not much for what i seek :)

Answer
Hi Luca,

You live in Rome. Go to whatever aikido dojo is nearest to where you live or work and give it a try. Do not try to judge ahead of time. Everything depends upon your open attitude and getting along with your instructor. You can learn what you need in any style of aikido if you have the right mind.

Enjoy! You live in a beautiful city - I visited there last spring. Hope that you find what you want.

Judy