In my experience in Randori, it is next to impossible to throw someone down who is 300+ lbs. (I am just under 190lbs). I know that people are going to say that I have to perfect my technique or use a different one that would work, but in my previous dojo, one guy was a 375lb brown belt and no one could throw him, not even other brown belts. This made me really worry if I ever had to face someone this large in a real world fight.

I know I may seem wishy-washy, but it has weighed heavily on my decision to begin Judo again. A fellow colleague was around 300lbs and he demonstrated a wrist-lock from Aikido (he was a 2nd Dan), and it seemed much more effective than trying to thrown someone using Judo.

Any suggestions? I have a choice of both dojos relatively close, but it is really bothering me. Please no flames.

Also, I do have real life fighting experience using martial arts, but usually I had relied exclusively on my Shotokan techniques.

Aikido and Judo really rely mostly upon the same principles of leading and unbalancing.

As far as self defense goes there will be some things from Aikido that work well and some things from Judo that work well. It depends on the particular situation, and how well the particular technique works for you.

When trying to throw a large person it's all about the Kuzushi (unbalancing). For example if you try to throw Ogoshi on a 300+ pound guy that is leaning backwards then it will definitely be nearly impossible to move that much weight. If, on the other hand, the guy is already moving forward all you need to do is act as a lever for him to throw himself.

Sure it is easier to throw a smaller person because your lack of technique can be made up for with strength. When working with a heavier uke you need to be patient and wait for that moment when he's ready to move in the direction you want him to.

--Dallas