Aikido vs. Karate

1.       Attacks & self-defense

1.       Pure self-defense.  No attacks.

2.       Interactions are harder, more rigid and combative

2.       Interactions are softer, more fluid, and more harmonious

3.       More injuries & more serious injuries including broken bones

3.       Less injuries and less serious injuries – more sprains and strains.

4.       Competitive.  Tournaments which foster winner-loser mentality.

4.       Cooperative.  No tournaments.   Instead, regional and national camps with emphasis on a cooperative growth environment fostering win-win mentality that seeks the best in our selves, our training partners and our community.

5.       Black belt programs (starting with kids)

5.       Adults can progress to black belt ranks, but no "Black Belt Programs" per se, (and definitely no black belt programs for Kids & Youth).

6.       Physical demands more suited to people under the age of 35.

6.       Physically suitable for ages 4+ as well as people with disabilities.  We’ve have people in wheelchairs and blind people train for many years!