Saito Sensei Passes Away

[shaolinboxer]

Morihiro Saito, head sensei at the original aikido dojo in Iwama Japan, passed away on May 13. Saito Sensei is known for his efforts in the preservation of aikido as a true budo, rather than a simply a system of health. His technique was both highly technical and extremely powerful. Saito Sensei is also known for his mastery and codifcation of the aiki-ken and aiki-jo (aikido weapons).

You can read about him here:

http://www.aikidojournal.com/articles/_article.asp?ArticleID=159
http://www.aikidojournal.com/articles/_article.asp?ArticleID=758

And see a clip of him giving a demo here:

http://www.aikidojournal.com/Video/friendship.asp

This guy was one heck of a martial artist, and he will be missed.

[dezhen2001]

from what little i know of him he was one of Aikidos treasures... i'm sure he will be missed by many people. I'm sure he lives on thru his legacy to Aikido though.

My condolences to those who were close to him :(

david

[Kristoffer]

He made it look so easy, throwing guys around. May he rest in peace

[Rockwood]

He was one of the last of his generation, there are fewer everyday.

He preserved the art in an untainted state and brought it to all without exception.

Two years ago in Santa Rosa he was taking Ukemi and doing sword drills with his students. He told us that is he ever stopped he would disgrace his teacher.

Saito Sensei never once failed in his duty.

Future generations can only regret that they never got to witness him in action, his like will not be seen again.

-Jess