Two of my favorite lovers of all time were martial artists, but neither of the aikidoka. What I found was that unlike most men, they didn't tend to "go away" while making love, but were very intently focussed in the moment.
I would very much like to explore this with another aikidoka, as well as the obvious power exchange potential, if I ever meet an attractive, unattached and over 17-year-old doka of interest...

You asked: "Does anyone else have any ideas/experiences to support or detract from this theory?"

I have felt some tremendous energy from a few experienced aikidoka while off the mat. As we are married, there has been only tantalizing flirting. But I'll admit I have some great fantasies from those experiences!

The only way *I'm* going to find out if aikido makes for better sex partners is this: my husband does some serious training and gets past his early beginner status on the mat.

And that's not a good test... because he's already very sensitive and focused "off the mat."

Hmm.... maybe the similarities in energy and focus on the Big Mat and on the Little Mat are what make aikido so appealing to him and me!

I totally think there is a direct connection.

We discuss the allowing of different energies to go thur your body.

To learn to listen to your partner, blend and contribe.

I do hope that there is a connection between the two, as I thoroughly enjoy them both (although it's been a bit of a dry spell. I've never had an aikidoka as a lover (yet), but I do agree with needing energy, stamina, timing, etc on both the big and little mats. There's that connection between nage and uke, that blend that is almost...sensuous. I remember feeling weird when I first realized how many techniques required me to get real close to my partners. I'd be lying if I said there wasn't one in particular I don't mind giving up my personal space to. Besides, there's only a slight difference between martial arts and marital arts.