11/06/2003 12:26pm [from
Jun Akiyama]
Website:
http://aikido-france.net/welcome/communique/200311/
A recent
message from Hitohiro Saito sensei reveals that the Iwama dojo once presided by Morihiro Saito sensei has left the Aikikai organization. The message states, "1 - The Iwama group has decided to leave "The Aikikai Foundation", and will become independent as "Iwama Shinshin Aiki Shurenkai". 2 - Saito Sensei devoted every moment of his life to preserving the Founder's techniques. I, Hitohiro Saito, will continue to dedicate myself thoroughly to instructing people, transmitting and spreading those aikido techniques. From now, I will confer Iwama Ryu certificates to all Iwama Ryu students. 3 - The founder's Dojo in Iwama will no longer be used to practice aikido. We will pursue our daily training in the "Tanrenkan" in Iwama. 4 - The uchideshi courses will continue in Iwama.", and is signed "Hitohiro Saito, Iwama Ryu Soke, Iwama, Nov. 2003."