Just wanted to say Rokas, your journey though Aikido helped reflect on my relation with TKD and ultimately lead me to the conclusion I need to do other martial arts and look more critically at TKD. Keep up the good work man!
hey man, I'm a TKD black belt, had to take some time off due to college, and have since gotten back into combat sports. I first started boxing while in college but had my first boxing tourment cancelled due to COVID, since then I finished college and moved, now I'm training BJJ and have my first tournament coming up. Everyone's journey is different but I can say that branching out and experiencing other forms of fighting has enriched me in some many ways. Good luck with your journey!
I've been doing HEMA right now for 3 years, I've lost every tournament since I've started...and each time i broke down and wondered if this (in my 30s is worth it). You're journey from aikido to mma to now is inspiring and showed me the road ahead is long but worth walking. Thank you!
Come on man, I've had my ass handed to me in HEMA tournaments by 50+ year olds. Weapons are a great equaliser, and it is still an amateur sport, so champions are not some kind of super athletes. Most people train once or twice per week and then do nothing. If you just put more hours in your training - in addition to normal classes, you will very quickly rise above the average.
@@titmusspaultpaul5Historical European Martial Arts. It’s mostly built around weapons such as the long sword, sabers, spears and so forth, but it also involves wrestling
I appreciate you talking about this. It's rare candor that people will talk about their low points as well as their high ones. I'm glad you're sharing your journey, and I know how tough it has been sometimes, particularly mentally and socially.
Hey Rokas, Ive been a fan of your channel for a long time. I really appreciate your journey - and its one I have shared in a way. I grew up training judo - competed at a national level even (both under 18 and over 18). Im 44, I was there at the start of MMA/UFC and cross discipline martial arts meetups - atleast in england. When I was about 17 I went up against various styles of martial arts, and I learned that my judo + being a doorman was not enough to make me a well rounded fighter. I found out that I had big parts of the whole picture missing, I think we all did - regardless of style. Grapplers went off to study striking, strikers went off to study grappling, and most importantly some of the historical techniques and a lot of what people these days call 'bullshido' was left by the wayside. The difference I guess Is that when I went through this, i was not alone - there were many of us from many arts all going through the same thing. I just wanted to pass on my respect from an old fighter to a young one for having the courage to not only go through that alone(at first) but to share it with the world.
Your journey has been so inspiring to watch all these many years, Rokas! I think you already know that, but you have been a motivation for many of us who took up martial arts for other reasons than self-defense and who have come to see through your journey that you don't have to give up those core ideals to also be practical! I can't wait to see what came out of you sparring with Jeff Chan!
Hey, bro! You've always been willing to question Aikido's workability, and I thank you for that. *Someone* had to do it, and you did it great. I say this as a FAN of Aikido. It has always fascinated me. It's probably the most spiritual martial art, and I loved every minute of my time in the dojo. But the question remains: does it work in actual combat? No, it does not. I still love some of its elegant techniques, but that's not gonna help you if some guy starts throwing punches. I admire, and very much appreciate, your desire to take a real-world look at Aikido. Thanks!!
I think aikido works a lot better when you mix in some punches, which seems to be what the end of the video was alluding to for the next video. I've watched Jeff Chan for a little bit now, and he is *amazing* at sparring, regardless of the size of the guy he fights. Jeff Chan is like 5"7 and Rokas is over 6", maybe 6"2 or something. I'm really curious to see what kind of sparring session they have and I think it'll be super educational. While Jeff can certainly go hard if needed, he is skillful enough that he can pull off a lot of very difficult techniques quickly without hurting his partner. I'm stoked for the next episode.
Rokas, your journey of not retreating to the familiar, and just kept on pushing forward in search of the truth is just inspirational. I've watch most of these videos before, but how your are turning your journey into a coherent episodic story is just brilliant. It's almost like a course to how to pull oneself back up after from being in a cult.
@@MartialArtsJourney it’s not easy to share our failures, or our moments of doubt, especially on cameras, but that when all the growth happens! I think it’s great you share this, cause peopl le only see the final result but not the journey that came with it.. well done!
Heck yeah Rokas! You're an inspiration! I actually didn't know of you or Jeff Chan until the USDC but now you two are two of my biggest inspirations. Seth and Mike already were but I'm very happy to have found and now follow your journey as I start to progress on my own journey of martial arts discovery.
Your story about training with pros reminded me of my own progress in boxing class. When I was brand new, every time I sparred with someone, they were more experienced and better than me. Sometimes I'd feel like I couldn't even touch some of my sparring partners. Then a few months later, a new guy shows up. He's an athlete who regularly played and competed in football (soccer for Americans). Great agility, light on his feet, immense gas tank - some of the things you need for good boxing. But when it was my turn to spar with him, I found myself parrying and countering, finding my range and getting good positioning and angles during the spar. I was improving, but nobody else was getting worse, so it wasn't exactly easy to track how much I was progressing.
Massive props to you, brotha. Takes a lot of guts to admit that something you dedicated your life to was wrong, up root, and reestablish yourself. Can't wait to see the next video!
From a yoga champion, I know it takes a lot to put your best foot forward. Even if you don't win, you've inspired others. You've already won when you do that! :)
Osu!!! So so cool. one of the coolest videos on the internet. For real. you look like a completely different person/fighter in the more modern clips. So much growth. So many hard lessons. So much pain. Thank you for documenting this. Also, just as a question, why don't you go back to aikido when/if you've reached your fighting goals? It could be an idea for future vids and bring you joy / provide full circle in your spirit. And make it more applicable if you want. You could end up inventing a hybrid style lol. On your own time. love ya bro. Reconnecting with your old students could be reallyyy wholesome vid ideas also. @Martial Arts Journey
I've been here since the first one, I saw you going through your weird "wearing a costume" stage, and I see you now coming full circle into something more balanced... Honestly, I thought it would take you less time. I'm happy to see you mature. I see you needed to learn to fight to feel that confidence; it's great brother :) Level up...
Shout out to another Lithuanian martial artist. Now I can say I've known of two. Being as I'm an American born Lithuanian lol. I went through a similar journey to some degree, when I transitioned from Taekwondo to more of a hard style of mixed karate. My Taekwondo wasn't exactly traditional, but it taught alot of useless moves that were purely just made for kata or show. They didn't seem as practical as say Muay thai techniques. One thing I did notice though when transitioning between styles is it was alot easier to pickup things that someone new to martial arts would miss. Either case your journey is awe inspiring, and I hope to one day be able to set aside more time to dedicate myself to martial arts.
Keep up the great work, Rokas. Has been so inspiring and entertaining watching your journey. Definitely given me some extra motivation and support on my own journey, having taken up BJJ and Muay Thai late in life after giving up other sports. You are greatly appreciated by many, I hope you know that. Thank you.
I like your entrepreneur spirit and your willingness to ask the hard questions both about yourself and your chosen field. Not many people are willing to look inside and ask the hard questions.
Very inspiring and moving even to see how far you’ve come, Rokas. This path of integration is not for the feint of heart. You are a warrior with heart!
Thank you for being so brave, true to yourself and taking us with you throughout your journey. You are really inspiring and an eye opener! Thank you so much for showing us the truth about martial arts and self defense. I especially liked the season 1 of self defense against knife for 10 seconds. While I watched that, I actually felt frustrated with you guys and even cried for you guys. I can't wait for season 2!! Keep doing your best with your one life, but don't push yourself through editing like you did with the first season. I want to experience your journey for the long run 💪🏻👏🏻
Rokas i know you wont reply to me, but for the longest time i have been trying over and over again to defend aikido. I swear it worked but then, i had a fight with my 'friend' and he took it physical . I tried aikido and while yes, it worked i was condemned to defeat. I did not want to quit aikido and wanted to make sure it was my main part. And thats when i combined it with karate. Aikido as the main part but karate was just to throw punches, kicks e.c.t . all because of you and your efforts that inspired me to keep fighting. Aikido is viable as you easily illustrate.
I love your ability to view the world as "Action>Outcome>Lesson>Action>..." I get in my own head and I get so discouraged and sometimes I don't see things so clearly. Your perspective is refreshing. I hope I can learn to see the world more like you do.
dude, I don't train Aikido and I'm not a fan of many Aikido instructors, but what you did for your students is so above and beyond awesome. seriously, I've never heard of a boxing, muay thai, wrestling, or bjj instructor going to nearly that length. In fact I've had multiple instructors just move away, black belts that are here one day then gone the next. super cool you didn't do that.
Rokas.... We did it mate. We broke free from the cult of Aikido and the grip it has on you for so long. We freed ourselves from it's VICE. Thank goodness. 8 years for me and NEVER looked back!
It's such an awesome growth story. I really admire your honesty, integrity and I think I see great capability of understanding and empathy too. I also find your forward pushing spirit quite invigorating, yet relatable. :) Another great takeway too that it is never too late to change course, learn anew, try something out and follow new directions.
Rokas can i ask you a question? Why are you doing all this? It sounds like you're pushing yourself very hard (always stressed, burned out, tired etc). but for what? i mean do you want to become a professional fighter who wins tournaments? - is that your dream? Or is it just because it's fun to you? I mean you could do anything...horseback archery, playing warhammer tabletop with friends, become a dog coach etc.. i don't know, whatever. Why exactly you're so focused on becoming a martial artist who wins fights? When watch your videos i feel sometimes you're a little obsessed with that and i wonder why. (no offense tho, i'm just curious)
That's a good question. I think part of that is since I was a kid I wanted to become good at fighting. I wanted to be a "powerful warrior" that others could trust to defend them and I think part of me still wants that. I was also undervalued by many of my viewers at the beginning of my journey, telling me that I could never become a fighter. That I don't have what it takes to be one. And I think another part of me wants to prove it to them that I can. I believe I have learned a lot, and improved greatly over these last few years, but I guess it's just something ingrained in our brains, that in order to prove that you are good - you have to win. Which is not true. But it is something I'm thinking about myself and questioning it at the same time.
Dude! its funny seeing how good your first fight was! I had know you were disappointed about it from previous videos, but from the clips here it seems like you gave 200% and it was an absolute blood and guts performance. It's better than so many first fights!
You're doing it right, sir. I hope some of your former students are still paying attention, because you're doing what a good teacher, and leader does: setting an example.
Very enjoyable watch, and I love that you are willing to talk about your weaknesses as well as your strengths. That makes for a better narrative and makes your accomplishments feel much more relatable and earned.
I'm a 70 yrs old retired Veit Nam Veterans, and I like what you said, I'm a small guy _ walk with cane and, I use to box & wrestling in high school,1968 I got drafted,
This guy's authenticity is through the roof. The fact that he saw that his martial art Aikido wasn't effective and started on other martial art that are effective is a sign of a mature wise man.
So inspired by your journey and have been following it with my two accounts since you started and even the stint with the superhero cape. So proud of how far you've come and how inspiring you are :)
Your journey has been extremely inspiring to follow. I wish that I had gotten into martial arts when I was younger as I'm significantly busier now with a wife and 4 kids.
I remember a few years back you done a podcast with Dan the Wolf man, and he insisted that aikido does work if you are a good enough martial artist to apply it. At the time, it seemed somewhat arrogant and disrespectful on his part. But looking at it in hindsight, you have come on leaps and bounds as a martial artist and were able to apply aikido techniques in the Ultimate Self Defence Championship. Would you say that Dan the Wolf man was actually right? And would you be willing to have another conversation with him to see how your views align now?
I think it's true that you can make Aikido work if you are a good fighter. Regarding Dan, the last conversation I had he didn't represent himself well and afterwards I have no more interest to talk to him anymore. You can see the conversation here: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-IF0WAsMhRQg.html
@@MartialArtsJourney absolutely fair. I caught one of his reviews of the Self Defence Championship and I don't think I'd be interested in having a conversation with him either! Well done on your progress and absolutely loving the content.
Great hearing your journey, and the need to stay true to yourself and your ideals rather than sticking with a “I should do this because I’ve done it for so long”, “I should do it because it’s my source of income” etc. I’ve taken a step to leave my job and focus on what is calling me, qigong, dao yin, taiji chuan, neigong (with a respect for what aikido has given to me). I’m also bringing the benefits of qigong to a wider range of people who can benefit from it in a daily basis. Staying with what matters to you is so important. Live life!
It's good to see you train with other styles and take what works and use it to suit you. That's one of the reasons to cross train in martial arts as there is always something to learn even if it's basic techniques
Isn't it crazy how you can lose track of your own progress? I have people who I remember from taking my intro class say things like "I suck," and I have to remind them that they couldn't even roll a full five minutes when they started, but now they're forcing me to be intelligent in my attacks, rather than just doing whatever I want. It's like the moment in the Matrix when Neo is on the ground panting, and Morpheus says, "you don't think that's AIR you're breathing right now, do you..?"
You are a true sensei, a true master, a true fighter proving you courage in callenging old knowlege of pure martial arts. You bring new energy and problably new martial art filosophy, at least in the Aikido teaching. There will be this new Aikido of yours, and the old Aikido that works only with children and elderly. I always felt Aikido as a traditional not practical martial art, much like, Tai Chi, and you are making possibly a true evolution in your martial arts, such as the one that happend to jiu-jitsu and brazilin jiu-jitsu, respecting the obvious differences in this comparision.
I love that you never throw your aikido away. My sifu always says to take other styles like vitamins. If you already have a base, there's no sense in throwing it away. Just learn more stuff to supplement what's lacking.
Don't forget this, in the warrior tradition, you can actually defend yourself and your loved ones. While that may not be the real goal for many who do MMA, BJJ, etc., that's the result. Be proud of yourself. You've reached a milestone that you may not even understand fully.
I've been practicing Silat and Escrima since 1993 and Taiji, Bagua and Xingyi since 2008. I like practicing slow twisting and circling steps with blades. It nourishes my brain and I circulate my chi to stay healthy and massage my internal organs to stay soft and limber. The first thing I would teach someone is how to relax and root and circulate Qi. After relaxing, someone can learn basic Gong Fu! I know a lot of takedowns and armlocks, mostly from Silat. I want to train BJJ. I am good at setting up takedowns and throws as well. I know some throws.
Great video!..... with aikido and MMA it is never either/or. You can have both.The cultural differences are radically but I have appreciation for both.
The problem with Aikido and the benefit of a Aikido is that it is a graduate level of study. The Art of Peace requires you to be very dangerous first and then CHOOSE peace. If you go into a Aikido without the ability to inflict harm, you are just harmless (but good defenses). But take a dangerous man and teach him the Art of Peace, now he doesn't need to be dangerous all the time.
I trained allot of guys and my favorite moment is the ones who don't give up after tapping for months and finally that light bulb comes on when another team or class would spar and they would maul the guys. (That moment of how proud they were once they realized just how much they were learning even though I was tapping them was priceless....they would just have this grin on their faces that they couldn't take off....) .lol I loved it. I loved how thankful they were later knowing I held no secrets...due to by being vulnerable I also knew I had to stay at the top of me game. It's a brotherly love for everyone in the mix.
Ok, Rokas. I got your idea of re-telling your story :) it's gooood! Last scenę from USDC was awesome, when you learnt to fight, you started to really use aikido. Like Morihei's students in old times, when they joined dojo already being judo or jiu-jitsu fighters.
My knowledge is limited, but I'd say weight lifting/endurance training. Strength can take you a long way in a fight. Looking muscular also prevents attackers from choosing you as a victim. Just my opinion though.
I would agree with Rokas and say Weightlifting (only little powerlifting, because that makes you stiff and slow). Weightlifting is olympic sport (snatch, Clean & Jerk+ their help moves/training)
