About Us
Origins of this Online Dojo
Field Aikido was established in 1983 by Michael Field 5th Dan Iwama Ryu, 5th Dan Aikikai, 4th Dan Iwama Ryu Ken Jo. As Soke of Iwama Ryu Aikido Australia, he was dedicated to assisting people to replicate the basic Aikido principles as taught by Morihei Ueshiba O Sensei, the founder of Aikido, to his senior students at his Iwama Dojo (training place). During his life time he looked to Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) for on the mat Aikido technique and weapons practises, as he spent more time on the mat training with the founder than anyone else (23 years).
In recognition that not all students could attend a dojo to train in person for example due to distance, Field Soke established a distance training program in 1992 which has evolved into this online dojo.
Our Goals
* To preserve Iwama Ryu Aikido as taught by the Founder to Saito Sensei
* To provide access to train in Iwama Ryu Aikido within traditional dojo’s
* To provide access to train in Iwama Ryu Aikido “where you are” via this online dojo, supported by 4th Dan teachers.
* To preserve 1011 techniques as taught to Field Sensei by Saito Sensei, including creation of an online library.
* To provide resources and supports to teachers of Iwama Ryu Aikido
* To be a not-for-profit entity where funds received are used to cover costs and where additional funds are invested to deliver the stated goals.
“The Online dojo design is based on actual distance training experience, with the novice student in mind. No previous training or specific preparation is required. All you require is an open-mind, willingness to learn, and a commitment to start the journey and see where the path will take you”.
Christopher Noller
Your Teachers
Michael Shaw Sensei
A dedicated student of Field Sensei who and assumed the role of Soke with the passing of Field Sensei in 2018.
Iwama Ryu Aikido 5th Dan Taijutsu awarded by Field Soke in 2013; 5th Dan Ken Jo awarded in 2008
Iwama Ryu Aikido Australia is committed to continuing the legacy from passed from the Founder to Saito Sensei, to Field Sensei and now to you.
Michael Shaw, Soke Iwama Ryu Aikido Australia
Christopher Noller
4th Dan Iwama Ryu Aikido; 3rd Dan Iwama Ryu Aikido Weapons; 1st Dan Aikikai.
Commencing in 1992, Noller Sensei learnt and taught as a white belt as a pioneer student of the Field Aikido Distance Training program in order to have the opportunity to learn Iwama Ryu Aikido. He brings his experience as a distance student to the design of resources within this online dojo. He understands the challenges of training by distance.
Noller Sensei – Field Sensei – Shaw Sensei
“Failure is the key to success; each mistake teaches us something”
O’Sensei Morihei Ueshiba – Founder of Aikido
“I consider it my duty to correctly transmit O-Sensei’s teaching as I was taught in Iwama”
Saito Sensei
“Mastery is in the detail”
Michael Field Sensei
