Morihei Ueshiba (O- Sensei) (1883 - 1969)
The founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba (known as O-Sensei) developed his martial art from a number of ancient martial systems, including Jujutsu (Art of Suppleness), Kenjutsu (Art of the Sword) and Jojutsu (Art of the Staff).
The resultant art of Aikido was revealed to the public in 1946 and become one of the fastest growing martial arts to date. O-Sensei's Aikido is based not only upon Taijutsu (body arts) but also the use of weapons, namely the Aiki Ken (wooden sword) and Aiki Jo (wooden quarter staff).
O-Sensei regarded an understanding of the use of these weapons as fundamental to the proper execution of open-handed techniques, but would seldom teach them at the Hombu dojo in Tokyo. He wished for those looking for his Aikido to learn the Aiki weapons at the birth place of Aikido in Iwama.
Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002)
Morihiro Saito Sensei 9th Dan began studying under
O-Sensei in 1946. His shift work on the Japanese
railways enabled Saito Sensei, who also lived in Iwama,
to learn O-Sensei's Aikido first hand and allowed him the
privilege of having only one teacher, the founder of Aikido.
Saito Sensei's loyalty and devotion (he also cared for the
Founder and his wife) was repaid by O-Sensei with the
gift of a plot of land next to the Iwama dojo and by O-Sensei
bequeathing him the Aiki weapons' legacy. Under the
supervision of O-Sensei, Saito Sensei organised the
teachings of Aikido into a more structured format.
Before his death O-Sensei passed on the responsibility of the Aiki Jinga (Shrine), the Iwama Dojo and the teaching of O-Sensei's Aikido to Saito Sensei. Saito Sensei calls this Iwama Aikido (Aikido according to the tradition of Iwama), and can be recognised by its strong basics, accuracy of technique and posture and its use of the Aiki Ken and Aiki Jo.
Saito Sensei studied directly under the Founder
for an unbroken 24 years, longer than any other
student.
Sensei Tony Sargeant, 6th Dan
Saito Sensei's representative in the
United Kingdom is Sensei Tony Sargeant -
6th Dan Aikikai, 5th Dan Iwama. Sensei Sargeant
trained for many years under Saito Sensei and
was responsible for establishing a strong UK based
Iwama Association. Sensei Sargeant lives in
Cambridge the and Greek island of Kefalonia.
He is the head of Takemusu Iwama Aikido Europe.
The International Aikido Federation catagorises 'Iwama' Aikido as the following:
" Saito-sensei was a long time uchi-deshi of O-sensei, beginning in 1946 and staying with him through his death. Many consider that Saito-sensei was the student who spent most time directly studying with O-sensei. Saito-sensei says he is trying to preserve and teach the art exactly as it was taught to him by the Founder. Technically, Iwama-ryu seems to resemble the Aikido O-sensei was teaching in the early 50s mainly in the Iwama dojo. The technical repertoire is larger than in most other styles and a great deal of emphasis is placed on weapons training."
Iwama Aikido not only 'resembles' the Aikido as taught by O-Sensei, but adheres to maintaining the purity of form and clarity of the art that the founder intended. This is achieved by studying the basics before moving on to the more advanced forms and also training regularly in Aiki Ken and Jo.
Iwama Aikido has not attempted to modify or change O-Sensei's original teachings.
Aikido Links
TIA Europe is the European Association for Takemusu Iwama Aikido
Takemusu Aikido Association is the worldwide association that promotes the Founder's traditional teaching & training methods as passed on by Morihiro Saito, Shihan.
Aikido Journal Vast amount of aikido information (inc forums, articles, video)
Aikido Iwama Ryu France - The Aikido group Iwama Ryu France, headed by Daniel Toutain
British Aikido Board - Overarching body for Aikido in the UK
TIA Europe Clubs: United Kingdom
matthill.co.uk - Sensei Matthew Hill's web site
Makotokai Aikido Riai - Sensei Coyle's Glasgow based dojo
Other sites of interest....
Nine Circles - Suppliers of quality Japanese Budo Equipment. This is where we source our gi's and weapons
O'Sensei
Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido (1883-1969)
Allander Aikido Club
Iwama Aikido
Morihiro Saito Sensei in Largs, Scotland, 1985
Sensei Tony Sargeant, 6th Dan
Taught to many military / police forces, and an essential part of the Tokyo Riot Police training, Aikido principles are based on angles of direction where circular and spiral movements are used to blend with and redirect an opponents energy. Relying on skill of movement rather than strength, Aikido is suitable for men and women of all sizes and abilities. The self-defence goal of Aikido is to disarm and control an attacker without causing injury
Importantly, Aikido does not involve competitions or contests. Throwing and immobilising techniques are learned through partner practice in a safe and controlled way. At Allander Aikido Club, we train in unarmed body techniques, Bokken (wooden sword), Jo (wooden staff) and Tanto (knife defence). Aikido is unique in it's philosophy of learning with a partner rather than “fighting an opponent”.
About Aikido
