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Old dojo in Iwama |
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Old dojo in Iwama inside |
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Айки-jinja shrane Aikido in Iwama |
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Morihiro Saito Shihan demonstate technique near the shrane in Iwama |
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Aikido
is considered a "modern" martial art, with its name officially
recognized by the Japanese government in 1940. As a martial art,
it is a true and complete "Budo". The physical techniques of this
art derive from various "old style" ju-jitsu, most notably those
of the Daito-ryu.
In addition to the taijutsu of these ryu, O'Sensei incorporated
many principles, philosophies and body mechanics from various
weapons arts, especially those of the sword and spear.
After retiring to Iwama, O'Sensei spent many years engaged in
farming and intense practice. It is while in Iwama that O'Sensei
developed the art form that we today, recognize as Aikido. The
movements of taijutsu and weapons were synthesized into a physical
art form which emphasizes the practitioners own personal development,
i.e. physical, mental and spiritual, rather than emphasizing the
physical destruction of an attacker.
The Iwama Dojo is a member of the Aikido World headquarters, Tokyo,
Japan. Under the direction of Morihiro Saito Shihan, 9th dan and
Hitohiro Saito Shihan, 6th dan, the technical curriculum of this
style remains preserved, as originally taught by the Founder. The
weapons techniques of this "Budo", (Aiki-ken and Aiki-jo), form
its basis. Saito Sensei has, over the years, arranged the
techniques of the Founder into unique training forms, utilizing
them to give his students a more effective understanding of the art.
The Iwama Style is easily discernable from other styles of Aikido.
Its students are deeply "rooted" in the basics of the art.
Techniques are practiced in a very clean, sound and precise manner.
Training is structured, beginning with slow, deliberate movements,
progressing over time in both skill and efficiency, resulting in
techniques that are fluid and extremely powerful.
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