Michelle Edwards5 said:😕Is Aikido really that much worse?
Please, don't listen to them...
You can find good discussions on this forum occasionally, but most of it just boils down to "my grandpa was tougher than your dad," or some nonsense along those lines.
I realize it's probably the most annoying advice out there: "Just try everything and stay where you feel at home."
But I suppose it’s true. You don't really know until you've actually tried it.
Almost everyone seems to rave about BJJ, for instance.
It sounded interesting to me, so I went to check it out.
After about a semester of training, I decided to move on.
It wasn't because the workouts were too grueling, or the sport itself was bad, or the crew was lousy. It was simply that it didn't click with me.
"Thanks. I'll go watch a class or two of both, then decide." Don't bother watching the classes. That won't help you. You'll likely just get the wrong impression. You have to experience it firsthand... (or whatever)...
Back in my old gym in suburban Chicago, there was a group of people who would sit there for two hours during a session just watching. I never quite understood them, and I rarely saw them again afterward. At least, not most of them.
Just go. Do a few sessions and see. Most places are friendly enough, and someone will likely be eager to show you the ropes and help you stick around. If they aren't—well, goodbye, and maybe try another club.
Keep in mind that standard sports tend to have a faster learning curve where you see tangible results quickly. With martial arts, it takes years before you can say you're actually worth anything (in a self-defense context, obviously). It all depends on the training style and whoever happens to be coaching you.
If I had to choose something else to train, I might give Aikido a shot. I've always liked that relaxed vibe they have...