Reply #16: I'm not an Aikidoist, but...

[MissouriTeacher]

I just kind of felt that you were writing off the art a little too quickly (or maybe that was just my assumption).

I actually practice Hapkido which is similar in some ways.

I've watched UFC and I don't think it's necessarily a true represention of "street fighting" either. There are still some rules after all. I know a Hapkidoist (and perhaps and Aikidoist as well) would be limited even in that format.

The whole point of my original comment was just to say that if your encounter with the Aikidoist was just a demonstration and not a true no holds barred fight, then the sensei would be prevented from using some his tricks, one of which might have been able to negate your hold.