Using Atemi in Aikido

When a uncooperative uke on the street attacks you, do you actually strike him with atemi to create an opening for a technique or do you only feint an attack, as practiced in the dojo?

Definately strike, a faint will not stun an opponent, may make him flinch, meaning you have to be very good to use a technique in that short amount of time

A strike such as heelpalm to the nose or chin will give you more time to apply technique, if required

Yes, use Atemi. Gozo Shioda, Yoshinkan founder, said that 70% of fighting is striking.
In the streat, you have to force "uke" to cooperate.
You still need to use his force and momentum against him, but you will still have to stun/shock him throughout the altercation.

Jim Mc Coy

Thank you both for the helpful responses!

I find that when training with expeirenced ukes in the dojo, technique usually works better if your intention is to actually strike uke anyway. Then pull the punch if uke is not going to get out of the way (Cought naping or whatever). Obviously this isnt a great Idea with beginners [IMG]http://www.fightingarts.com/forums/ubb/smile.gif[/IMG]

Luck,

It takes the same energy to fake a strike as it does to do it. Maxium efficiency-minimum movement, so if you are going to do a striking movement, make the most of it and hit him, and do it in such a away that it facilitates the technique you are looking for. We have an expression we use "shock'em before you lock'em".