| What is Aikido |
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The Japanese word Aikido is written with three characters which translate as "the way of unity with the fundamental force of the universe".
Aikido is a true budo or Martial Way that evolved in the historic tradition of Japanese warrior arts. Studied in earnest, budo is more than a science of tactics and self-defense - it is a discipline for perfecting the spirit. Aikido was developed by Morihei Ueshiba, (1883-1969) known as O-Sensei (Great Teacher) to more than one million students throughout the world. Even as a young man, he was an extraordinary martial artist, a master of the sword, the staff, the spear, and the art of ju-jitsu. But O-Sensei also had a strong spiritual drive, and brooded over the futility of a path based on victory over others.
Leading a life of austerity and rigorous training, he struggled with this dilemma. It was resolved in a moment of profound awakening. Transformed by his spiritual insights, Ueshiba's technical mastery evolved into a martial art of refinement and astonishing power, fundamentally different from those that preceded it. "The secret of Aikido," he wrote, "is to harmonize with the movement of the universe and bring ourselves into accord with the universe itself." O-Sensei maintained that budo is a work of love, a path to overcome discord in ourselves and bring peace to the world, "to make the heart of the universe one's own heart."
There have always been visionaries of remarkable insight, but O-Sensei taught that true awareness is not grasped by intellect alone. "This is not mere theory," he said. "You must practice it. Lessons are held in a training room (dojo) which has special mats (tatami) for breaking the impact of falls. All members of the group taught by the instructor, regardless of level, age, sex or weight, take part in the lesson. Beginners wear a white keikogi, which is a pair of trousers and a very hard-wearing jacket. Black-belt experts also wear a black hatama (a divided skirt), which is a traditional item of Japanese clothing. Dento (Traditional) Iwama Ryu Aikido
Iwama Ryu is a name for the style of aikido that was taught by the Founder at the Iwama dojo. Iwama is the name of a small Japanese town in Ibaraki prefecture, north of Tokyo. The Founder moved there during the Second World War and stayed until he died on 26th April, 1969. He built in Iwama, next to his home, his Aiki Shuren Dojo, and the Aiki Jinjia, the Shintoist sanctuary dedicated to Aikido which is a reference point and destination for all lovers of this art. It is in this peaceful place surrounded by nature that the Founder, in between farm-work and spiritual studies, discovered the ideal conditions for developing his "art" which he called "Takemusu Aiki", now known worldwide as "Aikido". Nowadays, there are still many “masters” throughout the world who, even if elderly, were taught by the Founder himself. Each of them has learned this art depending on the amount of time spent together and according to their ability to interpret the techniques demonstrated by the Founder. The result is that there are now many Masters who have their own personal style of teaching and that is why there are different ways of doing Aikido. Iwama ryu aikido is often used to describe the aikido in the lineage of Morihiro Saito, a close disciple of the founder of aikido Morihei Ueshiba for 23 years. Iwama ryu includes the combined study (riai) of traditional Japanese weapons (bukiwaza) and empty-handed aikido (taijutsu). Upon the Founder's death in 1969, Morihiro Saito Shihan became Head of the Iwama Dojo, Guardian of the Founder's home, and of the Aiki Jinjia. He regularly taught both uchi-deshi and soto-deshi at the Aiki Shuren Dojo in Iwama and held Seminars all over the world, thus making a huge contribution to the diffusion of the Founder's traditional Aikido. When Morihito Saito Soke died on 13th May, 2002, his son Hitohiro Saito Soke took over.
As official successor and head-of-school, Hitohiro Saito Sensei is handing down his father's tradition by regularly teaching in Iwama and holding "Aikido Iwama Ryu" seminars throughout the world. To confirm this intent, Hitohiro Saito Soke decided to leave the Aikikai Foundation in October 2003 and become independent under the name of "IWAMA SHINSHIN AIKI SHURENKAI". The aim of "SHIN SHIN AIKIDO" is to understand the ultimate principles of the founder, Morihei Ueshiba, O-Sensei, His spirit and technique and to protect and spread the way of His teaching through the doctrine and method of Saito Morihiro Sensei. |
