1994. Saito Sensei applying the “Ai-Ki” brand to new bokken.
Photo: Aviv Goldsmith
Branding
Tag: Iwama
At the Jinja
1990s. Sensei walking in the Aiki Jinja grounds with his staff. Peace pole in the background. This wizardly staff is a bit of a mystery. Apparently, it was given to him by Peter, from the UK, an uchi deshi over 1986-87. Does anyone have more information?
Photo: Carlos Nogueira
Aiki-Yakisoba
1990. Hitohiro and Saito Sensei prepare a Springtime Aiki-Yakisoba with Miles Kessler (left), Derek Minus (center) and on the right is Stephan Koeck from Germany.
Photo: Mic Marelli
Yakisoba
Fall of 1984. Bruce Klickstein, Teija Bell, John Thorton (sp?) and Saito Sensei. Yakisoba at the Iwama dojo.
Photo: Bruce Klickstein
New Heavy Bokken
Fall of 1984. Iwama. Bruce Klickstein was only there for one week with Teja Bell. Jason Yim was staying for 6 months. Saito Sensei had received a small stack of “Japanese Red Oak” from a friend and asked if they wanted to learn how to make a Bokken in the traditional way. He had them construct a paneling stand with 2″ x 4″. They were just making regular bokkens, not “Heavy Bokken”. But due to the length of the wood they were able to make bokkens of 42″ length. Only the plane and sandpaper were used.
Photo: Bruce Klickstein
Aikido Journal Photo Shoot
1980. Jason Yim ukeing for Saito Sensei at the Iwama dojo. This photo was part of a technical series for the Aikido Journal magazine.
Photo: Jason Yim
Danny Russell’s Wedding
1980’s Danny Russell’s wedding, Iwama. The Saitos in formal kimono.
Photo: Bruce Klickstein
In the snow
1980’s. Iwama. In the snow. This photo also hung in the Iwama dojo genkan. Saito Sensei took advantage of the overnight spectacular snowfall to stage these photographs, reminiscent of the much loved Japanese television period dramas.
Photo: Miles Kessler
Preparing Soba
1978. Iwama. Preparing the soba in the shokudo
Photo: Bruce Klickstein
With the Grandkids
1976. With the grandkids before the dojo door. Sensei holds baby Kazanari. Okusan has Masaki on her back. Masaki is the son of Harumi and Umezawa-san. As an adult he worked at the new town hall.
Photo: Bruce Klickstein