1973. Narita-san (left) and Hans Goto in front of the Aiki-jinja, wearing hanten
Photo: Mary Bartlett
Narita-san and Hans Goto
Author: david_yoshinaga
In the Shokudo
1973. In the shokudo. Saito Sensei’s soba and cold beer with lunch. The best on a hot, humid day. As ever, light bulbs remain unshaded. No television either. Rules posted.
Photo: Mary Bartlett
Perfecting Soba
1973. Saito Sensei perfecting his soba making in the shokudo. If you were lucky enough to enjoy this handmade specialty made from buckwheat flour, you’ll look upon the humble soba noodle with fond memories.
Photo: Mary Bartlett
Okusan and Saito Sensei
1973. Okusan and Saito Sensei in front of the dojo
Photo: Mary Bartlett
Photo Shoot
1973. Saito Sensei resting pensively during a photo shoot
Photo: Mary Bartlett
Throw
1973. Saito Sensei throws Umezawa-san. Sugawara-san watches from the left.
Photo: Mary Bartlett, then known as Mary McDonald. She was in the first group of gaijin (international visitors).
The First Group
1973. The first group of gaijin to train in Iwama
In front: Bruce Klickstein, Ulf Evanås(as a white belt), Mirko Takac, David Alexander, Morihiro Saito Sensei, and Bill Witt
In back: Lars Anderson, Sam Bertz, Cheryl Martinez, Hans Goto (as a white belt), Darrell Bluhm, Kathy Bates, and Mary Barlett née McDonald
Photo: David Alexander
Kazunari
1973. Iwama. “Kazunari”. Relaxing after the monthly visit of Honbu Aikikai for the “juyoka matsuri”, or “Celebration of the 14th of the month”. Mrs. Saito (okusan) shows how to keep baby Kazunari happy with “beer for tots”. Kazunari later lived in the house next door to the Saitos. Corri Geffen is in front.
Photo: David Alexander
Bukiwaza
1973. David Alexander and Saito Sensei workout with ken bukiwaza one freezing winter day in the dojo (notice that the windows are open). During this winter, there were few people training — just David and the local Iwama regulars.
Photo: David Alexander
In His Garden
1973. March, Iwama, with Saito Sensei in his garden. Takako & David Alexander have just moved to Iwama.
Photo: David Alexander