As far as I know Seagal does still train.
Remember that his level of pudginess has nothing to do with his proficency at aikido. I did aikido for a year and half and Aikido really is the ‘softest’ of the ‘soft’ martial arts. You need a basic level of fitness but that is all.
I have also limited experience in judo, jiu-jitsu and karate and a few years experience in Kung-fu, Pankration and submission wrestling. Just so’s you dont think I am talking out my wee bum
Anyway back in 1997 I saw Ken Cottier (spelling?) an 83 Aikido sensei slapping around 3 much younger guys at a demo. Now it must be said that it was a demo so they werent really trying to hurt him but they were definitely trying to at least hit him and they just couldnt. It isnt about speed it is about certainty. Those of you who are traditional martial artists will know that ‘chi’ doesnt just mean energy but also means ‘intention’. It is about doing the right thing at the right time and the speed involved is not as important as you would think.
I dont know if that makes sense but it’s true.
In spite of the dodgy nature of his movies I would back seagal to crush Norris AND van damme. The nature of the movies is kinda irrelevant: jet li makes awesome movies and he has said openly that he is a terrible martial artist (at least in terms of actual fighting ability).
My point is just cause Seagal is old and tubby doesnt mean he cant break our arms and legs without much effort at all. After all that is what aikido is about: no effort and broken bones.
