Return to Iwama

Hello all,

I heard an interesting story today at a seminar of Prof.Peter Goldsbury about the possibility of a move of Honbu headquarters back to Iwama. There was talk of concerns about future earthquake threats to Tokyo, the availability of aikikai owned land in the old home grounds and the 'return to the roots' idea that might be a popular strategy. Another student present told me he had heard confirming stories from another Japanese shihan later last year. Sound exciting, anyone else heard anything in this line ?

Smon

I haven't heard anything, but if Prof. Goldsbury is your source, he's certainly a reliable one. But remember that people think about things all the time. It doesn't mean that it will, in fact, happen.

All what I know is that the aikikai has been trying to get back Iwama from Saito sensei for ages as it officially belongs to the Ueshiba family. After Saito sensei's passing away, I believe they are making more serious (and legal) attempts. Wether they will succeed or not remains to be seen.

Edward Karaa wrote: All what I know is that the aikikai has been trying to get back Iwama from Saito sensei for ages as it officially belongs to the Ueshiba family. After Saito sensei's passing away, I believe they are making more serious (and legal) attempts. Wether they will succeed or not remains to be seen.

How do you mean "get back Iwama"? The dojo and Aiki Shrine have always been owned by the Ueshiba family. When Saito died they simply took over the care and maintenance of both.

Hitohiro Saito seems to be doing well in Iwama, and perhaps the Aikikai may feel somewhat threatened about competition in one of aikido's historical heritage sites, but the Saitos were in Iwama long before Ueshiba Morihei. So the Aikikai "trying to get back Iwama from Saito sensei" makes about as much sense as the Aikikai trying to get back Osaka from Tanaka Bansen.

Hehehe, of course I meant Iwama dojo, what did you think? Getting back Iwama prefecture or something?

Edward Karaa wrote: Hehehe, of course I meant Iwama dojo, what did you think? Getting back Iwama prefecture or something?

Well, that's why I asked.

The Aikikai have the Iwama dojo already. They've had it since shortly after Saito Morihiro died (and really they never "lost" it). Saito Hitohiro operates out of a different dojo in the area.

Thanks Josh for correcting my info, which is obviously outdated and quite inaccurate

There's still that big major earthquake in Japan that's a decade overdue. Could happen any minute now...I'd try to get as much practice in as I could before then!!! So forget moving headquarters...

Roman Kremianski wrote: There's still that big major earthquake in Japan that's a decade overdue. Could happen any minute now...I'd try to get as much practice in as I could before then!!! So forget moving headquarters...

Perhaps headquarters will move itself...

Maybe it wouldn't be a bad idea after all, especially if they add some kind of hotel-serviced apartments for the oversea visitors. I underdstand it is quite difficult to find a decent place to stay around the current Hombu without spending a fortune.

Clark Bateman wrote: [earthquake threat] ... Perhaps headquarters will move itself...

Now, THAT would some some truly impressive ukemi ...