In the below videos Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002) provides instruction on the traditional ken suburi exercises practised by O’Sensei (the Founder of Aikido) in the immediate post-war period of his life.  These exercises help develop the necessary structural foundation and footwork for the application of numerous Aikido techniques.

Consistent with traditional training methods, at our dojo we typically train with heavy bokkens (a suburi or Musashi Oar).  For further discussion see article –  Pass me a bokken – Better make it a big one.

 

Brief Biography – Morihiro Saito Sensei (1928-2002)

Morihiro Saito Sensei’s  practice of Aikido spanned 56 years and he is one of the most important teachers in Aikido history.  Saito Sensei was a live-in student of O’sensei for more than 20 years at his home dojo in Iwama, Japan.

Saito Sensei spent his teaching life dedicated to preserving the technical style of Aikido as practised and shown to him by O’sensei in the post-war period.  Without his commitment to preserving the Aikido of the Founder and extensive efforts to record and document his teachings, much of the Aikido of O’sensei would have no doubt been lost.  The Aikido world owes him a great debt.

Ian Grant
Head Instructor
Aikido Warrior Dojo