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.