Zanaffar - IMHO, a lot depends on the teaching philosophies of your Aikido instructor. It is my understanding some Aikido instructors do in fact include atemi waza, and to me makes the street self-defense applications far more realistic. IMHO, learning joint locks & throws without atemi waza is ineffective. I study Aikijujutsu, which is combat art training with multiple attackers. If, one is fortunate enough to find a reputable Aikijujutsu instructor, then that is the path I recommend. However, I'm NOT bashing Aikido and certainly appreciate those that practice aikidoka using realistic atemi waza to set-up skeletal manipulation.

BTW, I'd like to wish all a Merry Christmas & safe and prosperous 2007.

Or any style of trad. Ju Jutsu, for that matter... doesn't have to be Aikijujutsu, and trad ju jutsu school would be easier (slightly) to find and teaches much the same thing.