Over the years, I trained many times under Saito Sensei; New Zealand, Australia and a long stint in Japan. He was a great teacher with a great sense of humour who was very generous with his knowledge. Iwama Ryu Aikido has practical application as a self defense tool but it gives the dedicated student so much more than that. RIP Saito Sensei.
Totally agree Saito was the best bar none. NONE,.NONE of the modern teachers come anywhere near his standard. The high ranks that are flying around now are a total disgrace. 5,6,7,8 Dan that shouldn’t be a 2nd. Big associations ,all money,no standard! For me ,Saito was No 1!
Here is a lovely quote from our Instructor Andy Hathaway: 'Don't watch it! Feel it, sense it, smell it before it happens and as it happens!' This is how deep Iwama Aikido is...
