What is Real Aikido?

Real Aikido is an evolved form of traditional aikido: it brings together the most workable elements of aikido, judo and jujitsu in a single system. The aim is not sporting competition but protecting yourself in a real situation — on the street, in a confined space, in an attack that comes without warning.

The system does not answer force with force. The attacker’s own direction, speed and weight are turned against them. For that reason the techniques do not require a large frame or years of strength training to work.

The founder

Real Aikido was created by the Serbian master Ljubomir Vračarević — black belt, 10th dan. After many years of work with Japanese masters he studied and simplified thousands of techniques, combined them with elements drawn from other fighting systems, and shaped a new style.

Vračarević taught internationally, working with special military and police units as well as close-protection services.

Core principles

• Answer force with technique and direction, not with more force
• Use the attacker’s own energy and gravity
• Break the balance and take control
• Maximum result with minimum effort
• Combine techniques to fit the situation rather than follow fixed sequences

Grades

Training moves step by step from the coloured belts (kyu) to the black belt (dan). Each step adds new forms of attack and the defenses against them:

Grade	Belt	Main technique groups
6 kyu	White	Entry level — stance, distance, safe falling.
5 kyu	Yellow	Single-hand grabs, shoulder and lapel grabs, strikes from above, roundhouse punches, lapel and waist grabs from behind.
4 kyu	Orange	Two-hand grabs, kicks, knife attacks from below.
3 kyu	Green	Leg kicks, extended defenses against punches, collar grabs from behind.
2 kyu	Blue	Knife attacks from above and to the stomach, roundhouse kicks, neck locks, strikes from multiple directions.
1 kyu	Brown	Advanced knife defenses, handgun attacks from the front and from behind.
1st dan	Black	All movement types, falling techniques, theory and physical preparation.

Defense against weapons

At the higher grades the curriculum covers armed attacks:

• Knife — from below, from above, to the stomach, circular, and held against the neck
• Handgun — from the front and from behind
• Bat and similar hand-held weapons

Who can train?

There are no age, weight or height requirements. The system suits children, women and older people as well, because the techniques rest on correct movement rather than physical advantage.

Real Aikido is also used in the preparation of military and police units and of close-protection officers. Training builds balance, reaction and self-confidence.