Aikido

http://www.dojoearthquakerelief.org/ Shihan (top level expert) Saito demonstrates Aikido swordsmanship in this older footage. Saito Sensei, along with Gaku Homma Sensei (now often referred to as Homma Kancho) were the last students of the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba O Sensei, and were the last people to see him alive. Saito passed away in 2002. Homma Kancho continues to teach at his Nippon-Kan Dojo in Denver, Colorado, USA. This was almost definitely recorded at the Iwama dojo, where modern Aikido was developed. That and several other historic dojo were damaged in the 2011 mega-earthquake and subsequent tsunami that rocked the East coast of Japan. If you would be interested in helping repair these vital pieces of Japanese heritage, please visit the following link and donate: http://www.dojoearthquakerelief.org A letter from Takemusu Aikido Association President, Bill Witt Shihan: The recent earthquake in Japan was truly devastating in the northern Honshu area. The town of Iwama, which is now part of Kasama City, is located about 200 miles from the epicenter of the earthquake. The quake was so violent that there was some damage to structures in Ibaraki Prefecture and in Iwama. The Ibaraki Shibu Dojo (Iwama Dojo) was seriously damaged by the tremors and is unusable at the present time. Part of the roof has collapsed. Doshu has visited and determined that it is possible to rebuild and is developing plans to do so with the emphasis on making both the roof and foundation of the building significantly stronger. The Iwama Dojo is an important part of our aikido heritage. O-Sensei moved to Iwama in 1943 and developed his post-war version of aikido there which we learn today. Saito Sensei was an important influence in passing O-Sensei's aikido to us and maintaining the traditions of the dojo. It was Saito Sensei's open acceptance of foreign students that so many of us were afforded the unique opportunity to train and study in such an important spiritual center of aikido. Having the Iwama Dojo, O-Sensei's house, and Aiki Shrine standing in their original configurations will provide the connective experience to the Founder for future students who wish to train there. We would like to offer our help in the rebuilding effort. We are requesting your donation to aid in this project. Your participation is greatly appreciated. Respectfully yours, Bill Witt President Takemusu Aikido Association, Inc.