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{{Infobox martial artist
{{Infobox_martial_artist
| name = Morihiro Saito | name = Morihiro Saito
| native_name = 斉藤 守弘 ''Saitō Morihiro'' | native_name = 斉藤 守弘 ''Saitō Morihiro''
| native_lang = jp | native_name_lang= jp
| residence = | residence =
| other_names = | other_names =
| image = | birth_name =
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1928|3|31}}
| imagesize =
| birth_place = ], Japan
| caption =
| death_date = {{death date and age|2002|5|13|1928|3|31}}
| birth_name =
| death_place = ], ], Japan
| birth_date = {{birth date|1928|3|31}}
| birth_place = ], ] | death_cause = of ]
| nationality = Japanese
| death_date = {{death date and age|2002|5|13|1928|3|31}}
| martial_art = ]
| death_place =
| death_cause = of ] | teacher = ]
| rank = '']'', 9th '']''
| martial_art = ]
| teacher = ] | relatives = ]
| students =
| rank = '']'', 9th '']''
| students = | website =
| website = | footnotes =
| footnotes =
}} }}
'''Morihiro Saito''' (斉藤 守弘 ''Saitō Morihiro'', March 31, 1928&ndash;May 13, 2002) was a teacher of the ] of ], with many students around the world. Saito's practice of aikido spanned 56 years, from the age of 18, when he first met aikido founder ], until his death in 2002.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia

|last = Pranin
'''Morihiro Saito''' (斉藤 守弘 ''Saitō Morihiro'', ], ]&ndash;], ]) was a teacher of the ] of ], with many students around the world. Saito's practice of aikido spanned 56 years, from the age of 18, when he first met aikido founder ], until his death in 2002.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia
|first = Stanley
| last = Pranin
|title = Saito, Morihiro
| first = Stanley
|encyclopedia = Encyclopedia of Aikido
| title = Saito, Morihiro
|year = 2007
| encyclopedia = Encyclopedia of Aikido
|url = http://www.aikidojournal.com/encyclopedia?entryID=565
| date = 2007
|access-date = 2007-08-04
| url = http://www.aikidojournal.com/encyclopedia?entryID=565
|url-status = dead
| accessdate = 2007-08-04
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071010053140/http://www.aikidojournal.com/encyclopedia?entryID=565
|archive-date = 2007-10-10
}}</ref> }}</ref>


==Early life== ==Early life==
Morihiro Saito was born in ], ], on 31 March 1928. Growing up in a poor farming village in the 1930s and early 40s, he recounted having the same interest in historical heroes such as ] and Goto Matabe as most other Japanese boys. In the Japanese schools at that time, the ] of ] and ] were taught to students, and Saito chose to study kendo.<ref name="Saito Interview 1978">{{cite journal Morihiro Saito was born in ], ], on 31 March 1928. Growing up in a poor farming village in the 1930s and early 40s, he recounted having the same interest in historical heroes such as ] and Goto Matabe as most other Japanese boys. In the Japanese schools at that time, the ] of ] and ] were taught to students, and Saito chose to study kendo.<ref name="Saito Interview 1978">{{cite journal
| last = Pranin |last = Pranin
| first = Stanley |first = Stanley
| title = Interview with Morihiro Saito (1978) |title = Interview with Morihiro Saito (1978)
| journal = Aiki News |journal = Aiki News
| volume = 32 |volume = 32
|date = December 1978
| issue =
|url = http://www.aikidojournal.com/article?articleID=199
| pages =
| date = December 1978 |access-date = 2007-08-06
|url-status = dead
| url = http://www.aikidojournal.com/article?articleID=199
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071013161558/http://www.aikidojournal.com/article?articleID=199
| accessdate = 2007-08-06
|archive-date = 2007-10-13
}}</ref> }}</ref>


In the years immediately following the end of ], the carrying of weapons of any kind, as well the practice of martial arts, was prohibited by the ]. As a result, Saito felt he should study some kind of unarmed self-defense technique, and began training in Shinto-ryū ] at the ] in ]. After a short time, his work with the ] transferred him to ], and he was forced to find other martial arts training. Thinking judo would be a useful complement to his kendo and karate skills, he began training at a judo dojo in ]. In the summer of 1946, however, Saito heard stories about an "old man doing strange techniques up on the mountain near Iwama." It seemed that people were confused about what martial art, exactly, this old man was practicing, but one judo instructor said the man was teaching "Ueshiba-ryū Judo."<ref name="Saito Interview 1978"/> In the years immediately following the end of ], the carrying of weapons of any kind, as well the practice of martial arts, was prohibited by the ]. As a result, Saito felt he should study some kind of unarmed self-defense technique, and began training in Shinto-ryū ] at the ] in ]. After a short time, his work with the ] transferred him to ], and he was forced to find other martial arts training. Thinking judo would be a useful complement to his kendo and karate skills, he began training at a judo dojo in ]. In the summer of 1946, however, Saito heard stories about an "old man doing strange techniques up on the mountain near Iwama." It seemed that people were confused about what martial art, exactly, this old man was practicing, but one judo instructor said the man was teaching "Ueshiba-ryū Judo."<ref name="Saito Interview 1978"/>


===Meeting aikido's founder=== ===Meeting aikido's founder===
By July 1946, the GHQ-imposed ban upon the practice of martial arts had forced Morihei Ueshiba into an official "retirement" from practice for several years. Ueshiba took this opportunity to seclude himself in the small town of Iwama, and was engaged in the practice of ascetic training (''shugyō''), and some believe that it was during this period that Ueshiba was perfecting the practice of aikido.<ref name="Ueshiba and Saito 101">{{cite journal By July 1946, the GHQ-imposed ban upon the practice of martial arts had forced Morihei Ueshiba into an official "retirement" from practice for several years. Ueshiba took this opportunity to seclude himself in the small town of Iwama, and was engaged in the practice of ascetic training (''shugyō''), and some believe that it was during this period that Ueshiba was perfecting the practice of aikido.<ref name="Ueshiba and Saito 101">{{cite journal
| last = Pranin |last = Pranin
| first = Stanley |first = Stanley
| coauthors = Dan Palmer |author2 = Dan Palmer
| title = Morihei Ueshiba & Morihiro Saito |title = Morihei Ueshiba & Morihiro Saito
| journal = Aikido Journal |journal = Aikido Journal
| volume = 101 |volume = 101
|year = 1994
| issue =
|url = http://www.aikidojournal.com/article?articleID=210
| pages =
| date = 1994 |access-date = 2007-08-07
|url-status = dead
| url = http://www.aikidojournal.com/article?articleID=210
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110911231800/http://www.aikidojournal.com/article?articleID=210
| accessdate = 2007-08-07
|archive-date = 2011-09-11
}}</ref> }}</ref>


It was at this time, at the age of 18, that Saito joined Ueshiba for training, which already included then live-in students ], ], and ]. This early training was quite brutal, but after persevering for several years, Saito became one of Ueshiba's closest students. Much credit is given to the fortuitous work schedule Saito had with the Japanese National Railways, where Saito worked 24 hours on, 24 hours off. As a result, Saito was often the sole training partner of Ueshiba, and had the unique opportunity to train with Ueshiba in the practice of the sword and short staff, which occurred early each morning before the other students arrived.<ref name="Ueshiba and Saito 101"/> It was at this time, at the age of 18, that Saito joined Ueshiba for training, which already included then live-in students ], ], and ]. This early training was quite brutal, but after persevering for several years, Saito became one of Ueshiba's closest students. Much credit is given to the fortuitous work schedule Saito had with the Japanese National Railways, where Saito worked 24 hours on, 24 hours off. As a result, Saito had the unique opportunity to train with Ueshiba in the practice of the sword and short staff, which occurred early each morning before the other students arrived.<ref name="Ueshiba and Saito 101"/>


===Training=== ===Training===


Training at the ] consisted of a great deal of farmwork. The life of the full-time live in students consisted of prayer each morning before sunrise, two meals of rice porridge each day, and training interspersed with copious amounts of work on the farm. As a result of Saito's 24 hours on, 24 hours off, position with the National Railway meant that he would train and live as a live-in student only every other 24 hours. Eventually, the other live-in students moved away, and when Saito returned from work, he would train alone with Ueshiba.<ref name="Saito 50">{{cite journal Training at the ] consisted of a great deal of farmwork. The life of the full-time live in students consisted of prayer each morning before sunrise, two meals of rice porridge each day, and training interspersed with copious amounts of work on the farm. As a result of Saito's 24 hours on, 24 hours off, position with the National Railway meant that he would train and live as a live-in student only every other 24 hours. Eventually, the other live-in students moved away, and when Saito returned from work, he would train alone with Ueshiba.<ref name="Saito 50">{{cite journal
| last = Pranin |last = Pranin
| first = Stanley |first = Stanley
| title = Morihiro Saito Celebrates 50 Years in Aikido |title = Morihiro Saito Celebrates 50 Years in Aikido
| journal = Aikido Journal |journal = Aikido Journal
| volume = 109 |volume = 109
|date = Fall–Winter 1996
| issue =
|url = http://www.aikidojournal.com/article?articleID=32
| pages =
| date = Fall/Winter 1996 |access-date = 2007-08-08
|url-status = dead
| url = http://www.aikidojournal.com/article?articleID=32
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071013161313/http://www.aikidojournal.com/article?articleID=32
| accessdate = 2007-08-08
|archive-date = 2007-10-13
}}</ref> }}</ref>


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Saito's instruction of aikido is particularly remembered for its emphasis upon the basics of aikido, and especially upon the relationship between the armed and unarmed aspects of the art.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia Saito's instruction of aikido is particularly remembered for its emphasis upon the basics of aikido, and especially upon the relationship between the armed and unarmed aspects of the art.<ref>{{cite encyclopedia
| last = Pranin |last = Pranin
| first = Stanley |first = Stanley
| title = Iwama-Style Aikido |title = Iwama-Style Aikido
| encyclopedia = Encyclopedia of Aikido |encyclopedia = Encyclopedia of Aikido
| date = 2007 |year = 2007
| url = http://www.aikidojournal.com/encyclopedia?entryID=315 |url = http://www.aikidojournal.com/encyclopedia?entryID=315
| accessdate = 2007-08-07 |access-date = 2007-08-07
|url-status = dead
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071011104526/http://www.aikidojournal.com/encyclopedia?entryID=315
|archive-date = 2007-10-11
}}</ref> }}</ref>


], a live-in student ('']'') of Ueshiba at the ] in Tokyo, recalled in particular the intensity of the training that occurred at the Iwama dojo, ], a live-in student ('']'') of Ueshiba at the ] in Tokyo, recalled in particular the intensity of the training that occurred at the Iwama dojo,


{{cquote|A large portion of the membership at Iwama Dojo consisted of local farmers, hard workers who spent all day in the fields. They had thick bones and great physical strength, combined with a peculiar local character known as “Mito kishitsu,” a type of manliness close to gallantry. Altogether, it was quite an opposite culture from Hombu Dojo in Tokyo. Because it is in the capital of Japan, Hombu’s membership consists of ]s, intellectuals, businessmen, politicians and university students. {{cquote|A large portion of the membership at Iwama Dojo consisted of local farmers, hard workers who spent all day in the fields. They had thick bones and great physical strength, combined with a peculiar local character known as “Mito kishitsu,” a type of manliness close to gallantry. Altogether, it was quite an opposite culture from Hombu Dojo in Tokyo. Because it is in the capital of Japan, Hombu’s membership consists of ]s, intellectuals, businessmen, politicians and university students.


Any members who came to visit Iwama Dojo from Hombu must have looked pale and weak from city living to Iwama members. Indeed, the Iwama students treated us from Hombu as such and challenged us vigorously. It was a matter of survival for members from Hombu Dojo, including Hombu uchideshi like myself. And Saito Sensei was on top of that mountain, which we had to climb with all our might.<ref name="Chiba Remembering">{{cite journal Any members who came to visit Iwama Dojo from Hombu must have looked pale and weak from city living to Iwama members. Indeed, the Iwama students treated us from Hombu as such and challenged us vigorously. It was a matter of survival for members from Hombu Dojo, including Hombu uchideshi like myself. And Saito Sensei was on top of that mountain, which we had to climb with all our might.<ref name="Chiba Remembering">{{cite journal
| last = Chiba | last = Chiba
| first = T.K. | first = T.K.
| authorlink = Kazuo Chiba | author-link = Kazuo Chiba
| title = Remembering Morihiro Saito Sensei | title = Remembering Morihiro Saito Sensei
| journal = Biran, the Aikido Journal of Birankai/USAF-Western Region | journal = Biran, the Aikido Journal of Birankai/USAF-Western Region
| volume = | year = 2002
| issue =
| pages =
| date = 2002
| url = http://aikido-france.net/articles/chiba/ | url = http://aikido-france.net/articles/chiba/
| accessdate = 2007-08-06 | access-date = 2007-08-06
}}</ref>}} }}</ref>}}


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Other students of Saito attest to his commitment to carry on Ueshiba's legacy, and to follow and preserve Ueshiba's teachings as Saito had learned them.<ref name="Pranin Remembering">{{cite journal Other students of Saito attest to his commitment to carry on Ueshiba's legacy, and to follow and preserve Ueshiba's teachings as Saito had learned them.<ref name="Pranin Remembering">{{cite journal
| last = Pranin |last = Pranin
| first = Stanley |first = Stanley
| title = Remembering Morihiro Saito Sensei |title = Remembering Morihiro Saito Sensei
| journal = Aikido Journal |journal = Aikido Journal
|year = 2007
| volume =
|url = http://www.aikidojournal.com/article?articleID=187
| issue =
|access-date = 2007-08-06
| pages =
|url-status = dead
| date = 2007
| url = http://www.aikidojournal.com/article?articleID=187 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20110911225454/http://www.aikidojournal.com/article?articleID=187
|archive-date = 2011-09-11
| accessdate = 2007-08-06 }}</ref> Saito believed that striking techniques (''atemi'') are a "vital element" of aikido, and also that the principles of swordsmanship formed the basis of aikido techniques. He also advocated training to cope with the attacks of other martial arts, such as the kicks practiced in karate.<ref name="Pranin Interview 1991">{{cite journal
}}</ref> Saito believed that striking techniques (''atemi'') are a "vital element" of aikido, and also that the principles of swordsmanship formed the basis of aikido techniques. He also advocated training to cope with the attacks of other martial arts, such as the kicks practiced in karate.<ref name="Pranin Interview 1991">{{cite journal
| last = Pranin
|last = Pranin
| first = Stanley
|first = Stanley
| title = Interview with Morihiro Saito
|title = Interview with Morihiro Saito
| journal = Aiki News
|journal = Aiki News
| volume = 88
|volume = 88
| issue =
|year = 1991
| pages =
|url = http://www.aikidojournal.com/article?articleID=82
| date = 1991
|access-date = 2007-08-07
| url = http://www.aikidojournal.com/article?articleID=82
|url-status = dead
| accessdate = 2007-08-07
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071015175912/http://www.aikidojournal.com/article?articleID=82
|archive-date = 2007-10-15
}}</ref> }}</ref>


According to Saito's son, ], Saito believed that the basis of all empty-handed, sword, and staff techniques was the mastery of aikido's basic posture (''hanmi''). Saito believed that once the correct posture was mastered, the next step was to develop a proper '']'' (sometimes translated as "spirit shout").<ref>{{cite journal According to Saito's son, ] (now Hitohira), Saito believed that the basis of all empty-handed, sword, and staff techniques was the mastery of aikido's basic posture (''hanmi''). Saito believed that once the correct posture was mastered, the next step was to develop a proper '']'' (sometimes translated as "spirit shout").<ref>{{cite journal
| last = Tanaka |last = Tanaka
| first = Sonoko |first = Sonoko
| title = Interview with Hitohiro Saito |title = Interview with Hitohiro Saito
| journal = Aikido Journal |journal = Aikido Journal
| volume = 113 |volume = 113
|year = 1998
| issue =
|url = http://www.aikidojournal.com/article.php?articleID=95
| pages =
| date = 1998 |access-date = 2007-08-13
|url-status = dead
| url = http://www.aikidojournal.com/article.php?articleID=95
|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071010052846/http://www.aikidojournal.com/article.php?articleID=95
| accessdate = 2007-08-13
|archive-date = 2007-10-10
}}</ref> }}</ref>


==Legacy== == Legacy ==
In the beginning of the 1970s, aikido students from outside ] began traveling to Iwama to train under Saito. Later they would return to their native countries to teach what they had learned. There were also a small number of Japanese students of Saito who travelled abroad to teach Aikido, such as Takayasu-shihan.
In the beginning of the 1970s, aikido students from outside ] began traveling to Iwama to train under Saito. The first was Bill Witt (now 7th ]). Some of those who followed include: ] (7th Dan Iwama Ryu, named by Saito Sensei in his last 10 years, as his official Representative in Continental Europe, as Top Iwama Ryu Shihan) - Italy; ] (7th Dan Iwama Ryu, named as his official Representative in Northern Europe as Top Iwama Ryu Shihan) - Sweden; Alexander (6th Dan), Dennis Tatoian, Kim Peuser, Hans Goto, Bernice Tom (6th Dan), Patrick Cassidy, Pat Hendricks, (6th Dan), Lewis Bernaldo de Quiros (6th Dan) - The Netherlands, Jan Brand (5th dan) - The Netherlands, Miles Kesler, and Mark Larson (5th Dan) of the US; Lars Göran Andersson - Sweden; ] - Portugal; ; Matt Hill (5th Dan) Justin Christou (4th Dan) and ] - UK; Štefan Kurilla (5th Dan) - Slovakia; Michael Field and Michael "Mic" Marelli - Australia; Giorgio Oscari - Italy; Giuseppe Lisco- Italy; Luca Canovi, and many more, including Serio Jean-Marc (4th dan) - France, Bjorn Saw (4th Dan) . The kind of aikido that Saito's students do is often referred to as ''Iwama aikido'' or ].


In the West, Saito, along with many of his students, formed a dan-ranking network of dojos called ], which could choose to receive their grades directly from Saito rather than from the ] although Saito never left that organization. After his death, his son ] formed the independent {{Nihongo|Shinshin Aikishuren Kai|神信合気修練会}}. Some of the Iwama Ryu network dojos joined Hitohiro, while most of oldest Saito's students chose to remain affiliated with the Aikikai, usually tending to remain under a big dojo network called Takemusu Aikido Kyokai (directed by Saito's top students ] and ]). The kind of aikido that Saito's students do is often referred to as ''Iwama aikido'' or ]. In Europe, Saito, along with many of his students, formed a dan-ranking network of dojos called ], with ranks received directly from Saito rather than or in addition to those from the ] although Saito never left that organization. Saito also awarded teaching certifications for Aiki-weapons (bokken and jo) internationally. Receipt of the full set of five weapons certifications is considered the menkyo-kaiden.

Saito Sensei also inspired many around the world to establish dojo that focus on Iwama Style Aikido. Some dojo, like , have full-time uchideshi programs based on what Saito Sensei developed at the Iwama Dojo. Uchideshi can do short-term intensive studies (short stay) or long-term apprenticeships for a year or more to fully immerse in the training.

=== Saito family line ===
After Saito's death, his son ] formed the independent {{Nihongo|Shinshin Aikishuren Kai|神信合気修練会}}. Some of the Iwama Ryu network dojos joined Hitohiro while others including some of Saito's longest students chose to remain affiliated with the ].

Hitohiro had already been the main instructor at ]. Like the ], he does not claim a dan rank.

=== Senior (5th, 6th and 7th dan) Direct Students ===

This short list was chosen based on several criteria including: the rank of the instructor, how long they studied directly with Saito (total time in Iwama), how long they were a student of Saito (total time since becoming his student) and how senior they are in their given region.
This list shows the ranks Morihiro Saito personally awarded in his life (under both the Iwama Ryu and Aikikai systems).

Note: Morihiro Saito never awarded any 8th dan rankings. The highest ranks he delivered were the two Iwama Ryu 7th dan Shihan ranks that he awarded to Paolo Corallini (Italy) and Ulf Evenås (Sweden).

For some instructors the current rank is also shown, since some of them continued teaching through other organizations (i.e. Aikikai Tokyo or Iwama Shin Shin Aiki Shuren Kai, founded by Hitohiro Saito, Morihiro's son).

For example, the only 6th dan in a given country might be listed while one of many 6th/7th dans in another country is not even if the latter instructor is senior to the former.

{| class="wikitable"
! Country
! Student
! Rank awarded
|-
|United States
|William Witt (current rank: Aikikai 8th dan Shihan) - First American uchideshi of Morihiro Saito
|7th dan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aikidosiliconvalley.com/witt-sensei |title=Bill Witt Shihan 1 |publisher=Aikido Silicon Valley |access-date=2016-04-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aikicommunications.net/billwittandmarklarson.html |title=Bill Witt Shihan 2 |website=Aikicommunications |access-date=2018-03-27}}</ref><ref name="Witt and Larson">{{cite web|url=http://www.aikicommunications.net/billwittmarklarson2018b.html |title=Witt and Larson |website=Aikicommunications |access-date=2018-08-08}}</ref>
|-
|Italy
|Paolo Corallini (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan Shihan) - Morihiro Saito's Top ranked student
|7th dan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.taai.it/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=53&Itemid=56&lang=en |title=Paolo Corallini Shihan |website=Taai.it |access-date=2016-04-01}}</ref>
|-
|Sweden
|Ulf Evenås (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan Shihan) - Morihiro Saito's Top ranked student
|7th dan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aikido.lt/?page=uevenas&lang=en |title=Ulf Evenas Aikido Center - Aikido masters - U. Evenas Sensei |website=Aikido.lt |access-date=2016-04-01}}</ref>
|-
|Germany
|Ute and Mark van Meerendonk (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan)
|6th Dan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onegaishimasu.de/sensei/ute-van-meerendonk/ |title=Ute van Meerendonk |website=onegaishimasu.de |access-date=2016-04-01}}</ref> <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.onegaishimasu.de/sensei/mark-van-meerendonk/ |title=Mark van Meerendonk |website=onegaishimasu.de |access-date=2016-04-01}}</ref>
|-
|United States
|Hans Goto (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan)
|6th dan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.baymarinaikido.com/pages/sensei.html |title=Hans Goto Sensei |website=Baymarinaikido.com |access-date=2016-04-01}}</ref>
|-
|United States
|] (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan)
|6th dan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aikido-sanleandro.com/aboutsensei.html#hendrickssensei |title=About Sensei - Aikido of San Leandro |website=Aikido-sanleandro.com |access-date=2016-04-01}}</ref>
|-
|United States
|Bernice Tom (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan)
|6th Dan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sunsetcliffsaikido.com/instructors/ |title=Instructors б╩ Sunset Cliffs Aikido - San Diego |website=Sunsetcliffsaikido.com |access-date=2016-04-01}}</ref>
|-
|United States
|Kim Peuser (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan)
|6th dan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aikidoinstitute.org/ |title=Welcome |publisher=Aikido Institute |access-date=2016-04-01}}</ref>
|-
|Japan
|Kenichi Shibata (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan)
|6th dan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www7a.biglobe.ne.jp/~shiogama-aiki/Data/Data/HP_Cache/0.html |title=Shiogama Aiki Shuren Dojo |website=A.biglobe.ne.jp |access-date=2016-04-01}}</ref>
|-
|Australia
|Saburo Takayasu (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan)
|6th dan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aikidoaus.com.au/takemusu-aiki/saburo-takayasu-sensei/ |title=Saburo Takayasu Sensei &#124; Aikido Australia - Takemusu Aiki Association |website=Aikidoaus.com.au |access-date=2016-04-01}}</ref>
|-
|France
|Philippe Voarino (current rank: 7th dan Takemusu Aiki Intercontinental)
|6th Dan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aikidotakemusu.org/fr/articles/philippe-voarino-7eme-dan |title=Philippe VOARINO - 7ème DAN &#124; Takemusu Aiki Intercontinental |language=fr |website=Aikidotakemusu.org |date= 2003-06-14|access-date=2016-04-01}}</ref>
|-
|France
| Daniel Toutain (current rank: Aikikai 6th dan)
| 6th dan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aikido-france.net/toutain/|title=Daniel Toutain - Iwama Ryu Aikido}}</ref>
|-
|Netherlands
|Lewis Bernaldo de Quiros (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan Shihan)
|5th Dan<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wellspringsaikido.co.uk/lewis-bernaldo-de-quiros/ |title=Wellsprings Aikido |website=wellspringsaikido.co.uk/ |access-date=2024-11-11}}</ref>
|-
|Israel / U.S.A.
|Miles Kessler (current rank: Aikikai 6th dan)
|5th Dan<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.akban.org/blog/miles-kessler-sensei-opens-up-an-new-aikido-beginners |title=Akban |website=akban.org |access-date=2024-11-11}}</ref>
|-
|Sweden
|Lars-Göran Andersson (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan Shihan)
|5th dan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.torsbyaikido.se/index.php?edit=lasse |title=Torsby Aikidoklubb |website=www.torsbyaikido.se |date=2018-03-27 |access-date=2018-03-27}}</ref>
|-
|Philippines
|Dennis Tatoian (current rank: 7th dan Iwama Shin Shin Aiki Shuren Kai)
|5th dan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.traditional-aikido.com/dojo_sensei.htm |title=Tatoian Sensei |access-date=April 9, 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110413055718/http://www.traditional-aikido.com/dojo_sensei.htm |archive-date=April 13, 2011 }}</ref>
|-
|Portugal
|Tristão da Cunha (current rank: 8th dan Iwama Shin Shin Aiki Shuren Kai, the "Last Uchideshi")
|5th dan<ref>{{cite web|author=Publicada por Dentou Iwama Ryu |url=http://iwamanews.blogspot.pt/2016/01/omedetou-gozaimashita-mestre.html |title=Iwamanews: Omedetou Gozaimashita, Mestre!!! |website=Iwamanews.blogspot.pt |access-date=2016-04-01}}</ref>
|-
|United States
|Stephanie Yap (current rank: 7th dan Iwama Shin Shin Aiki Shuren Kai)
|5th dan<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aikidosouthflorida.com/instructor.cfm |title=Aikido of South Florida |website=aikidosouthflorida.com |access-date=2016-04-01}}</ref>
|-
|France
|Jean-Marc Serio (current rank: Aikikai 6th dan)
|5th Dan<ref name="poole-aikido.com">{{cite web|url=http://poole-aikido.com/iwama-aikido/ |title=poole-aikido.com |website=Poole-aikido.com |access-date=2016-04-01}}</ref>
|-
|United Kingdom
|Tony Sargeant (current rank: 7th dan Shihan Aikido Alliance UK) - Morihiro Saito's UK Representative
|5th Dan<ref>{{cite web|url=https://takemusu-iwama-aikido.org/ |title=Takemusu Iwama Aikido |website=takemusu-iwama-aikido.org |access-date=2023-11-05}}</ref>
|-
|United States
|Mark Larson (current rank: Aikikai 6th dan) - Last American uchideshi of Morihiro Saito
|5th Dan <ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aikido-shuren-dojo.com/biographies/mark-larson-sensei-1971/ |title=Mark Larson Sensei 1 (1971- ) &#124; Minnesota Aiki Shuren Dojo |website=Aikido-shuren-dojo.com |access-date=2016-04-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.aikicommunications.net/billwittandmarklarson.html |title=Mark Larson Sensei 2 |website=Aikicommunications |access-date=2018-03-27}}</ref><ref name="Witt and Larson"/>
|-
|Germany
|Edmund Kern (highest rank: Kyoshi 8th dan IMAF)
| 5th dan<ref>{{cite web|url=https://aikido.uni-jena.de/takemusu/?page_id=9|title=Edmund Kern|website=Takemusu Aiki Dojo Uni Jena|access-date=2021-09-14}}</ref>
|-
| Germany
| Wolfgang Baumgartner (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan)
| 5th dan
|}


==Published works== ==Published works==
===Books=== ===Books===

*{{cite book *{{cite book
| last = Saito | last = Saito
| first = Morihiro | first = Morihiro
| title = Traditional Aikido | title = Takemusu Aiki, Volume 1: Katatedori
| publisher = Japan Publications Trading Co | publisher = Aiki News
| date = July 1, 1974 | year = 1979
}}
| location =
*{{cite book
| pages =
| last = Saito
| isbn = 978-0870402876 }}
| first = Morihiro
| title = Takemusu Aiki, Volume 2: Koshinage
| publisher = Aiki News
| year = 1981
}}
*{{cite book
| last = Saito
| first = Morihiro
| title = Traditional Aikido, Vol.1: Basic Techniques
| publisher = Minato Research & Publishing Company
| date = September 1973
| isbn = 0-87040-266-8 }}
*{{cite book
| last = Saito
| first = Morihiro
| title = Traditional Aikido, Vol.2: Advanced Techniques
| publisher = Minato Research & Publishing Company
| date = December 1973
| isbn = 0-87040-267-6 }}
*{{cite book
| last = Saito
| first = Morihiro
| title = Traditional Aikido, Vol.3: Applied Techniques
| publisher = Minato Research & Publishing Company
| date = July 1974
| isbn = 0-87040-287-0 }}
*{{cite book
| last = Saito
| first = Morihiro
| title = Traditional Aikido, Vol.4: Vital Techniques
| publisher = Minato Research & Publishing Company
| date = October 1974
| isbn = 0-87040-288-9 }}
*{{cite book
| last = Saito
| first = Morihiro
| title = Traditional Aikido, Vol.5: Training Works Wonders
| publisher = Minato Research & Publishing Company
| date = March 1976
| isbn = 0-87040-372-9 }}
*{{cite book *{{cite book
| last = Saito | last = Saito
| first = Morihiro | first = Morihiro
| title = Aikido: Its Heart and Appearance | title = Aikido: Its Heart and Appearance
| publisher = Cheng & Tsui | publisher = Minato Research
| date = December 1984 | year = 1975
| isbn = 0-870403-45-1}}
| location =
| pages =
| isbn = 978-0887270406 }}
*{{cite book *{{cite book
| last = Saito | last = Saito
| first = Morihiro | first = Morihiro
| title = Takemusu Aikido | title = Takemusu Aikido, Volume 1: Background and Basics
| publisher = Aiki News | publisher = Aiki News
| date = 1994 | year = 1994
| isbn = 4-900586-16-1}}
| location =
| pages =
| isbn = 4900586161}}
*{{cite book *{{cite book
| last = Saito | last = Saito
| first = Morihiro | first = Morihiro
| title = Takemusu Aikido, Volume 4: Kokyunage | title = Takemusu Aikido, Volume 2: More Basics
| publisher = Aiki News | publisher = Aiki News
| date = 1997 | year = 1996
| isbn = 4-900586-20-X}}
| location =
| pages =
| isbn = 4-900586-24-2 }}
*{{cite book *{{cite book
| last = Saito | last = Saito
| first = Morihiro | first = Morihiro
| title = Takemusu Aikido Special Edition: Budo (Commentary on the 1938 Training Manual of Morihei Ueshiba) | title = Takemusu Aikido, Volume 3: Basics Concluded
| publisher = Aiki News | publisher = Aiki News
| date = 1999 | year = 1996
| isbn = 4-900586-21-8 }}
| location =
*{{cite book
| pages =
| last = Saito
| isbn = 4-900586-56-0 }}
| first = Morihiro
| title = Takemusu Aikido, Volume 4: Kokyunage
| publisher = Aiki News
| year = 1997
| isbn = 4-900586-24-2 }}
*{{cite book *{{cite book
| last = Saito | last = Saito
Line 214: Line 375:
| title = Takemusu Aikido, Volume 5: Bukidori & Ninindori | title = Takemusu Aikido, Volume 5: Bukidori & Ninindori
| publisher = Aiki News | publisher = Aiki News
| date = 2001 | year = 2001
| location =
| pages =
| isbn = 4-900586-61-7 }} | isbn = 4-900586-61-7 }}
*{{cite book *{{cite book
| last = Saito | last = Saito
| first = Morihiro | first = Morihiro
| title = Takemusu Aikido, Volume 2: More Basics | title = Takemusu Aikido Special Edition: Budo (Commentary on the 1938 Training Manual of Morihei Ueshiba)
| publisher = Aiki News | publisher = Aiki News
| date = 2007 | year = 1999
| isbn = 4-900586-56-0 }}
| location =
| pages =
| isbn = 4-900586-20-X}}


===Film=== ===Film===
Line 235: Line 392:
| medium = DVD | medium = DVD
| publisher = Aikido Journal | publisher = Aikido Journal
|year= 2003 }}
| location =
|date= 2003 }}
*{{cite video *{{cite video
| people = Saito, Morihiro | people = Saito, Morihiro
Line 242: Line 398:
| medium = DVD | medium = DVD
| publisher = Aikido Journal | publisher = Aikido Journal
|year= 2003 }}
| location =
|date= 2003 }}
*{{cite video *{{cite video
| people = Saito, Morihiro | people = Saito, Morihiro
| title = Morihiro Saito: The Lost Seminars, Part 1 | title = Morihiro Saito: The Lost Seminars, Part 1-6
| medium = DVD | medium = DVD
| publisher = Aikido Journal | publisher = Aikido Journal
|year= 2005 }}
| location =
*{{cite video
| people = Saito, Morihiro
| title = Saito Sensei Paris 2000 pt. 1-4
| medium = DVD
| publisher = Aikishop.com
|date= 2005 }} |date= 2005 }}
*{{cite video
| people = Saito, Morihiro
| title = 1990 U.S.A. West Coast Tour
| medium = DVD
| publisher = Firelight Films
}}


==References== ==References==
{{Reflist|30em}}
<references/>


==External links== ==External links==
* http://www.saitosensei.com *
*
*
*
*

{{s-start}}
{{succession box
| title=] of ]
| before=]|after=]
| years=1964-2002}}
{{s-end}}

{{Authority control}}


<!-- Metadata: see ] -->
{{Persondata
|NAME = Saito, Morihiro
|ALTERNATIVE NAMES = Saitō, Morihiro; 斉藤 守弘 (Japanese)
|SHORT DESCRIPTION = Japanese aikidōka
|DATE OF BIRTH = 1928-03-31
|PLACE OF BIRTH = ], ]
|DATE OF DEATH = 2002-05-13
|PLACE OF DEATH = ], ]
}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Saito Morihiro}} {{DEFAULTSORT:Saito Morihiro}}
] ]
] ]
] ]

]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]
]

Latest revision as of 11:23, 11 November 2024

Morihiro Saito
Born(1928-03-31)March 31, 1928
Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
DiedMay 13, 2002(2002-05-13) (aged 74)
Iwama, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan
of cancer
Native name斉藤 守弘 Saitō Morihiro
NationalityJapanese
StyleAikido
Teacher(s)Morihei Ueshiba
RankShihan, 9th dan
Notable relativesHitohiro Saito

Morihiro Saito (斉藤 守弘 Saitō Morihiro, March 31, 1928–May 13, 2002) was a teacher of the Japanese martial art of aikido, with many students around the world. Saito's practice of aikido spanned 56 years, from the age of 18, when he first met aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba, until his death in 2002.

Early life

Morihiro Saito was born in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, on 31 March 1928. Growing up in a poor farming village in the 1930s and early 40s, he recounted having the same interest in historical heroes such as Yagyū Jūbei Mitsuyoshi and Goto Matabe as most other Japanese boys. In the Japanese schools at that time, the martial arts of kendo and judo were taught to students, and Saito chose to study kendo.

In the years immediately following the end of World War II, the carrying of weapons of any kind, as well the practice of martial arts, was prohibited by the GHQ. As a result, Saito felt he should study some kind of unarmed self-defense technique, and began training in Shinto-ryū karate at the Shudokan in Meguro. After a short time, his work with the Japanese National Railways transferred him to Iwama, and he was forced to find other martial arts training. Thinking judo would be a useful complement to his kendo and karate skills, he began training at a judo dojo in Ishioka. In the summer of 1946, however, Saito heard stories about an "old man doing strange techniques up on the mountain near Iwama." It seemed that people were confused about what martial art, exactly, this old man was practicing, but one judo instructor said the man was teaching "Ueshiba-ryū Judo."

Meeting aikido's founder

By July 1946, the GHQ-imposed ban upon the practice of martial arts had forced Morihei Ueshiba into an official "retirement" from practice for several years. Ueshiba took this opportunity to seclude himself in the small town of Iwama, and was engaged in the practice of ascetic training (shugyō), and some believe that it was during this period that Ueshiba was perfecting the practice of aikido.

It was at this time, at the age of 18, that Saito joined Ueshiba for training, which already included then live-in students Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Koichi Tohei, and Tadashi Abe. This early training was quite brutal, but after persevering for several years, Saito became one of Ueshiba's closest students. Much credit is given to the fortuitous work schedule Saito had with the Japanese National Railways, where Saito worked 24 hours on, 24 hours off. As a result, Saito had the unique opportunity to train with Ueshiba in the practice of the sword and short staff, which occurred early each morning before the other students arrived.

Training

Training at the Iwama dojo consisted of a great deal of farmwork. The life of the full-time live in students consisted of prayer each morning before sunrise, two meals of rice porridge each day, and training interspersed with copious amounts of work on the farm. As a result of Saito's 24 hours on, 24 hours off, position with the National Railway meant that he would train and live as a live-in student only every other 24 hours. Eventually, the other live-in students moved away, and when Saito returned from work, he would train alone with Ueshiba.

Although other students such as Koichi Tohei trained with Ueshiba for more years than Saito did, Saito's work allowed him to train almost as an uchideshi, for long periods as the only student.

From 1946 until Ueshiba’s passing in 1969, Saito served as Ueshiba's assistant in a variety of ways at Iwama while his wife served Mrs. Ueshiba. During Saito’s period as a deshi he taught classes in the Iwama dojo.

Ueshiba's death

Before his death Ueshiba gave Morihiro Saito the responsibility of carrying on the teaching at the Iwama dojo and also the position of caretaker of the Aiki Jinja located in Iwama.

Training methodology and philosophy

Saito's instruction of aikido is particularly remembered for its emphasis upon the basics of aikido, and especially upon the relationship between the armed and unarmed aspects of the art.

Kazuo Chiba, a live-in student (uchideshi) of Ueshiba at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, recalled in particular the intensity of the training that occurred at the Iwama dojo,

A large portion of the membership at Iwama Dojo consisted of local farmers, hard workers who spent all day in the fields. They had thick bones and great physical strength, combined with a peculiar local character known as “Mito kishitsu,” a type of manliness close to gallantry. Altogether, it was quite an opposite culture from Hombu Dojo in Tokyo. Because it is in the capital of Japan, Hombu’s membership consists of white-collar workers, intellectuals, businessmen, politicians and university students. Any members who came to visit Iwama Dojo from Hombu must have looked pale and weak from city living to Iwama members. Indeed, the Iwama students treated us from Hombu as such and challenged us vigorously. It was a matter of survival for members from Hombu Dojo, including Hombu uchideshi like myself. And Saito Sensei was on top of that mountain, which we had to climb with all our might.

Chiba also emphasized Saito's focus upon katai-keiko (固い稽古), or vigorous practice without holding back, which Ueshiba taught and Saito demonstrated in his methods of teaching and practice. Apparently, this rigorous training with Saito, which Ueshiba would often observe, also included intense conditioning exercises, as well as general farmwork that students at the Iwama dojo were expected to assist with.

Other students of Saito attest to his commitment to carry on Ueshiba's legacy, and to follow and preserve Ueshiba's teachings as Saito had learned them. Saito believed that striking techniques (atemi) are a "vital element" of aikido, and also that the principles of swordsmanship formed the basis of aikido techniques. He also advocated training to cope with the attacks of other martial arts, such as the kicks practiced in karate.

According to Saito's son, Hitohiro Saito (now Hitohira), Saito believed that the basis of all empty-handed, sword, and staff techniques was the mastery of aikido's basic posture (hanmi). Saito believed that once the correct posture was mastered, the next step was to develop a proper kiai (sometimes translated as "spirit shout").

Legacy

In the beginning of the 1970s, aikido students from outside Japan began traveling to Iwama to train under Saito. Later they would return to their native countries to teach what they had learned. There were also a small number of Japanese students of Saito who travelled abroad to teach Aikido, such as Takayasu-shihan.

The kind of aikido that Saito's students do is often referred to as Iwama aikido or Iwama style. In Europe, Saito, along with many of his students, formed a dan-ranking network of dojos called Iwama Ryu, with ranks received directly from Saito rather than or in addition to those from the Aikikai although Saito never left that organization. Saito also awarded teaching certifications for Aiki-weapons (bokken and jo) internationally. Receipt of the full set of five weapons certifications is considered the menkyo-kaiden.

Saito Sensei also inspired many around the world to establish dojo that focus on Iwama Style Aikido. Some dojo, like Aikido in Fredericksburg, have full-time uchideshi programs based on what Saito Sensei developed at the Iwama Dojo. Uchideshi can do short-term intensive studies (short stay) or long-term apprenticeships for a year or more to fully immerse in the training.

Saito family line

After Saito's death, his son Hitohiro formed the independent Shinshin Aikishuren Kai (神信合気修練会). Some of the Iwama Ryu network dojos joined Hitohiro while others including some of Saito's longest students chose to remain affiliated with the Aikikai.

Hitohiro had already been the main instructor at Iwama dojo. Like the Aikikai Doshu, he does not claim a dan rank.

Senior (5th, 6th and 7th dan) Direct Students

This short list was chosen based on several criteria including: the rank of the instructor, how long they studied directly with Saito (total time in Iwama), how long they were a student of Saito (total time since becoming his student) and how senior they are in their given region. This list shows the ranks Morihiro Saito personally awarded in his life (under both the Iwama Ryu and Aikikai systems).

Note: Morihiro Saito never awarded any 8th dan rankings. The highest ranks he delivered were the two Iwama Ryu 7th dan Shihan ranks that he awarded to Paolo Corallini (Italy) and Ulf Evenås (Sweden).

For some instructors the current rank is also shown, since some of them continued teaching through other organizations (i.e. Aikikai Tokyo or Iwama Shin Shin Aiki Shuren Kai, founded by Hitohiro Saito, Morihiro's son).

For example, the only 6th dan in a given country might be listed while one of many 6th/7th dans in another country is not even if the latter instructor is senior to the former.

Country Student Rank awarded
United States William Witt (current rank: Aikikai 8th dan Shihan) - First American uchideshi of Morihiro Saito 7th dan
Italy Paolo Corallini (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan Shihan) - Morihiro Saito's Top ranked student 7th dan
Sweden Ulf Evenås (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan Shihan) - Morihiro Saito's Top ranked student 7th dan
Germany Ute and Mark van Meerendonk (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan) 6th Dan
United States Hans Goto (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan) 6th dan
United States Patricia Hendricks (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan) 6th dan
United States Bernice Tom (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan) 6th Dan
United States Kim Peuser (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan) 6th dan
Japan Kenichi Shibata (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan) 6th dan
Australia Saburo Takayasu (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan) 6th dan
France Philippe Voarino (current rank: 7th dan Takemusu Aiki Intercontinental) 6th Dan
France Daniel Toutain (current rank: Aikikai 6th dan) 6th dan
Netherlands Lewis Bernaldo de Quiros (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan Shihan) 5th Dan
Israel / U.S.A. Miles Kessler (current rank: Aikikai 6th dan) 5th Dan
Sweden Lars-Göran Andersson (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan Shihan) 5th dan
Philippines Dennis Tatoian (current rank: 7th dan Iwama Shin Shin Aiki Shuren Kai) 5th dan
Portugal Tristão da Cunha (current rank: 8th dan Iwama Shin Shin Aiki Shuren Kai, the "Last Uchideshi") 5th dan
United States Stephanie Yap (current rank: 7th dan Iwama Shin Shin Aiki Shuren Kai) 5th dan
France Jean-Marc Serio (current rank: Aikikai 6th dan) 5th Dan
United Kingdom Tony Sargeant (current rank: 7th dan Shihan Aikido Alliance UK) - Morihiro Saito's UK Representative 5th Dan
United States Mark Larson (current rank: Aikikai 6th dan) - Last American uchideshi of Morihiro Saito 5th Dan
Germany Edmund Kern (highest rank: Kyoshi 8th dan IMAF) 5th dan
Germany Wolfgang Baumgartner (current rank: Aikikai 7th dan) 5th dan

Published works

Books

  • Saito, Morihiro (1979). Takemusu Aiki, Volume 1: Katatedori. Aiki News.
  • Saito, Morihiro (1981). Takemusu Aiki, Volume 2: Koshinage. Aiki News.
  • Saito, Morihiro (September 1973). Traditional Aikido, Vol.1: Basic Techniques. Minato Research & Publishing Company. ISBN 0-87040-266-8.
  • Saito, Morihiro (December 1973). Traditional Aikido, Vol.2: Advanced Techniques. Minato Research & Publishing Company. ISBN 0-87040-267-6.
  • Saito, Morihiro (July 1974). Traditional Aikido, Vol.3: Applied Techniques. Minato Research & Publishing Company. ISBN 0-87040-287-0.
  • Saito, Morihiro (October 1974). Traditional Aikido, Vol.4: Vital Techniques. Minato Research & Publishing Company. ISBN 0-87040-288-9.
  • Saito, Morihiro (March 1976). Traditional Aikido, Vol.5: Training Works Wonders. Minato Research & Publishing Company. ISBN 0-87040-372-9.
  • Saito, Morihiro (1975). Aikido: Its Heart and Appearance. Minato Research. ISBN 0-870403-45-1.
  • Saito, Morihiro (1994). Takemusu Aikido, Volume 1: Background and Basics. Aiki News. ISBN 4-900586-16-1.
  • Saito, Morihiro (1996). Takemusu Aikido, Volume 2: More Basics. Aiki News. ISBN 4-900586-20-X.
  • Saito, Morihiro (1996). Takemusu Aikido, Volume 3: Basics Concluded. Aiki News. ISBN 4-900586-21-8.
  • Saito, Morihiro (1997). Takemusu Aikido, Volume 4: Kokyunage. Aiki News. ISBN 4-900586-24-2.
  • Saito, Morihiro (2001). Takemusu Aikido, Volume 5: Bukidori & Ninindori. Aiki News. ISBN 4-900586-61-7.
  • Saito, Morihiro (1999). Takemusu Aikido Special Edition: Budo (Commentary on the 1938 Training Manual of Morihei Ueshiba). Aiki News. ISBN 4-900586-56-0.

Film

  • Saito, Morihiro (2003). Aiki Ken (DVD). Aikido Journal.
  • Saito, Morihiro (2003). Aiki Jo (DVD). Aikido Journal.
  • Saito, Morihiro (2005). Morihiro Saito: The Lost Seminars, Part 1-6 (DVD). Aikido Journal.
  • Saito, Morihiro (2005). Saito Sensei Paris 2000 pt. 1-4 (DVD). Aikishop.com.
  • Saito, Morihiro. 1990 U.S.A. West Coast Tour (DVD). Firelight Films.

References

  1. Pranin, Stanley (2007). "Saito, Morihiro". Encyclopedia of Aikido. Archived from the original on 2007-10-10. Retrieved 2007-08-04.
  2. ^ Pranin, Stanley (December 1978). "Interview with Morihiro Saito (1978)". Aiki News. 32. Archived from the original on 2007-10-13. Retrieved 2007-08-06.
  3. ^ Pranin, Stanley; Dan Palmer (1994). "Morihei Ueshiba & Morihiro Saito". Aikido Journal. 101. Archived from the original on 2011-09-11. Retrieved 2007-08-07.
  4. Pranin, Stanley (Fall–Winter 1996). "Morihiro Saito Celebrates 50 Years in Aikido". Aikido Journal. 109. Archived from the original on 2007-10-13. Retrieved 2007-08-08.
  5. Pranin, Stanley (2007). "Iwama-Style Aikido". Encyclopedia of Aikido. Archived from the original on 2007-10-11. Retrieved 2007-08-07.
  6. ^ Chiba, T.K. (2002). "Remembering Morihiro Saito Sensei". Biran, the Aikido Journal of Birankai/USAF-Western Region. Retrieved 2007-08-06.
  7. Pranin, Stanley (2007). "Remembering Morihiro Saito Sensei". Aikido Journal. Archived from the original on 2011-09-11. Retrieved 2007-08-06.
  8. Pranin, Stanley (1991). "Interview with Morihiro Saito". Aiki News. 88. Archived from the original on 2007-10-15. Retrieved 2007-08-07.
  9. Tanaka, Sonoko (1998). "Interview with Hitohiro Saito". Aikido Journal. 113. Archived from the original on 2007-10-10. Retrieved 2007-08-13.
  10. "Bill Witt Shihan 1". Aikido Silicon Valley. Retrieved 2016-04-01.
  11. "Bill Witt Shihan 2". Aikicommunications. Retrieved 2018-03-27.
  12. ^ "Witt and Larson". Aikicommunications. Retrieved 2018-08-08.
  13. "Paolo Corallini Shihan". Taai.it. Retrieved 2016-04-01.
  14. "Ulf Evenas Aikido Center - Aikido masters - U. Evenas Sensei". Aikido.lt. Retrieved 2016-04-01.
  15. "Ute van Meerendonk". onegaishimasu.de. Retrieved 2016-04-01.
  16. "Mark van Meerendonk". onegaishimasu.de. Retrieved 2016-04-01.
  17. "Hans Goto Sensei". Baymarinaikido.com. Retrieved 2016-04-01.
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External links

Preceded byMorihei Ueshiba Dōjōcho of Iwama Dōjō
1964-2002 		Succeeded byHiroshi Isoyama
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