This questions are for those who practise both of these martial arts: 1) Which one is easier to learn? 2) Which one takes longer to mastered (reach 1st dan level)? 3) Which one do you think would be more effective on a real fight? 4) Which one is easier to practise (time, space, etc)? 5) This is a personal question, which one do you enjoy more practicing it?
Well Tai Chi forms are easier to learn. Finding someone who teaches the combat aspects is difficult. Aikido is easier to get to first dan. I do not think any tai chi place gives belts. Do they? Tai Chi would be more effective if you found someone who could teach it. It is easier to get to combat proficiency in Aikido. I enjoy doing tai chi forms. When I did aikido I enjoyed that as well.
I'm still waiting for someone to work up a half-decent definition of "mastery" for me. What does it mean to have "mastered" a martial art? Stuart
I don't know really. I guess the ability to apply the principles in a fight but since neither MA really is oriented towards live training and combat, this would be a bad definintion.
That is the definition with which I'd be most comfortable with though, I think. If you can apply something in its intended context, then that's as close to mastery as you really need to be, I think.