12 Facts About Morihiro Saito

Morihiro Saito was a teacher of the Japanese martial art of aikido, with many students around the world.

Morihiro Saito was born in Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, on 31 March 1928.

Much credit is given to the fortuitous work schedule Morihiro Saito had with the Japanese National Railways, where Morihiro Saito worked 24 hours on, 24 hours off.

From 1946 until Ueshiba's passing in 1969, Morihiro Saito served as Ueshiba's assistant in a variety of ways at Iwama while his wife served Mrs Ueshiba.

Chiba emphasized Morihiro Saito's focus upon katai-keiko, or vigorous practice without holding back, which Ueshiba taught and Morihiro Saito demonstrated in his methods of teaching and practice.

Morihiro Saito believed that striking techniques are a "vital element" of aikido, and that the principles of swordsmanship formed the basis of aikido techniques.

Morihiro Saito advocated training to cope with the attacks of other martial arts, such as the kicks practiced in karate.

Morihiro Saito believed that once the correct posture was mastered, the next step was to develop a proper kiai.

The kind of aikido that Morihiro Saito's students do is often referred to as Iwama aikido or Iwama style.

Morihiro Saito awarded teaching certifications for Aiki-weapons internationally.

Morihiro Saito Sensei inspired many around the world to establish dojo that focus on Iwama Style Aikido.

Some dojo, like Aikido in Fredericksburg, have full-time uchideshi programs based on what Morihiro Saito Sensei developed at the Iwama Dojo.