The Iwama Ryu Aikido On line School is:
"Dedicated to teaching the Aikido developed by the founder during the Iwama years that is Aikido with Atemi (strikes) to vital points. Clear instruction of all of techniques practised by the founder and Saito Sensei. To continue the original focus on irimi (entering) and initiation of techniques by tori (person executing the technique), and not to blur the distinction between omote and ura. To practise the Aiki sword, staff, frequently. Iwama Ryu Aikido is a budo, that was intended by the founder to be martially effective. Iwama Ryu Aikido is not to be confused with other "aikidos".
Members can train where ever they like, at home, at the office, in their own dojo small or big, with one friend or many students. Members download Iwama Ryu Aikido video instruction and do repetitions the prescribed number of times by copying with a partner the defences of renowned teacher Morihiro Saito Sensei, 9th Dan, and Michael Field Sensei, 5th Dan.
Members can do all kyu grade belt tests by firstly forfilling online attendance, time and repetition requirements, then sending a home video of their test to be assessed at our headquarters in Melbourne, Australia.
When a member has completed all Kyu Grade tests and has satisfied the elegibility requirements for the Shodan 1st degree Black Belt Test they are required to undergo a minimum of three months intensive training in Melbourne. (All Black Belt tests, 1st Dan to 4th Dan, require pre test intensives in Melbourne). Completing the intensive training though does not guarantee passing the test; Iwama Ryu Aikido standards as established by Morihiro Saito Sensei will not be lowered.
All ranks previously received from bona fide Iwama Style instructors whether Aikikai, Iwama Ryu or whatever will be recognized on authentication of certificate. Other styles will need to start at the beginning of the system.
The Iwama Ryu Aikido On line Dojo is dedicated to assisting people to replicate Aikido as taught by Morihei Ueshiba, O Sensei, the founder of Aikido, to Saito Sensei at his Iwama Dojo (training place). Saito Sensei spent more time on the mat training with the founder than anyone else (23 years). This is the original traditional Aikido.
Aikido''s historian Stanley Pranin (editor of Aiki Journal) wrote "The aikido seen commonly today differs considerably to that developed by the founder during the Iwama years in the following respects. Atemi (strikes) to vital points have been de-emphasised or eliminated. The number of techniques commonly practised has been reduced. The focus on irimi (entering) and initiation of techniques by tori (person executing the technique) has been lost, and the distinction between omote and ura blurred. Practise of Aiki ken, jo, is infrequent or non-existent. Aikido, though still considered a budo by some, retains little of its historical martial effectiveness due to the soft, casual nature of practise and as such has been transformed into what could be better called a health or exercise system."
In 1992 Saito Sensei made the decision to establish Iwama Ryu Aikido to create what he called a "preservation society" (hozonkai) for the Aikido that was taught by O-Sensei in Iwama from 1945 until his death in 1969. Iwama Ryu Aikido is the founder''s Aikido.
Morihiro Saito Sensei the technical heir of Aikido choose Ulf Evenas Shihan as his representative in Northern Europe. Paolo Corallini Shihan, was the choosen representative for Southern Europe. Mark and Ute von Meerendonk, were the choosen representatives in Germany. Ethan Weisgard the choosen representative in Denmark. Daniel Toutain, in France and Michael Field in Australia.
Michael Field Sensei has been issuing Iwama Ryu Aikido Dan Ranks exclusively in Australia since 1994 when Morihiro Saito Sensei gave him the sole authority to do so.