About Iwama Ryu Aikido
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 to 1960. Iwama Ryu Aikido is the founder’s Aikido.
Morihiro Saito Sensei the technical heir of Aikido chose Michael Field Sensei as his representative in Australia, Mark and Ute von Meerendonk Senseis were the chosen representatives in Germany, Ethan Weisgard Sensei the chosen representative in Denmark, Daniel Toutain Sensei in France, Ulf Evenas Shihan as his representative in Northern Europe, and Paolo Corallini Shihan was the chosen representative for Southern Europe.
Iwama Ryu Aikido Australia is dedicated to teaching the Aikido developed by the Founder during the Iwama years 1945-1960. Which is Aikido with Atemi (strikes) to vital points, with Irimi (entering) and initiation of techniques by Tori (person executing the technique), not blurring the distinction between Omote and Ura. To practise the Aiki Riai of open-handed, sword and staff techniques following the Founder’s Kuden (saying of the way). “While practicing open-handed techniques think weapons”. 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 Aikido which due to the soft, casual nature of practice would be better called health or exercise systems.