The picture gallery

The gallery as the original site kept it, newest additions first. The last entries were added in November 2002.

Saito Sensei’s Memorial Service July, 2002

Almost one thousand people attended the public service for Saito Sensei, and the high regard in which he was held is evident here by the extent of the wreaths placed around the funerary shrine. Photo courtesy of Steffen Miller.

Saito Sensei’s garden, at Iwama Dojo, 2002

Saito Sensei loved gardening, and his skill at it is certainly evident here. Photo courtesy of Steffen Miller.

O-Sensei with University group at Aiki Shrine, Iwama, 1967

O-Sensei posing with students from the Ibaraki University Dojo, at Gasshuku in early 1967. Takemusu Aiki Association Chief Instructor Saburo Takayasu Sensei pictured standing 3rd from left. On a visit to Japan in 1997, Takayasu Sensei returned to the Ibaraki Uni. dojo for the first time in more than 25 years, where he was presented with this photo by one of his Sempai.

Early public demonstration, Sutherland 1983

Derek Minus Sensei at an early public demonstration (seated Victor Leow, Phil Jackson, unknown, Tony Snow,)

Early public demonstration, Queen Victoria Building, c. 1990

Derek Minus Sensei and the Takemusu Aiki Association members demonstrating at the Japan Week Festival, (StandingL-R: Derek Minus (nage), Cam Seeto (uke0, Daniel Falero, seated: unknown, Lyle Solomon, Jason Wotherspoon)

A martial arts store in Suiedobashi, Tokyo

A toyshop for the Martial Artist! I wish we had something like this in Australia!

Saito Sensei’s impeccable Tai-no-henko

A fine example of proper form for the most basic but nonetheless important of Aikido techniques (uke: Mic Marelli Sensei)

Action shot of Koshi-nage by Takayasu Sensei

A nice view of the ceiling just before I crash into the mat… (uke: Jason Wotherspoon)

Takayasu Sensei’s Irimi Nage

Another great photo of Takayasu Sensei in the middle of technique, and one of my many meetings with the mat! (uke: Jason Wotherspoon, seated John Reekie, Simon Kjelgaard.

Sydney Town Hall Demonstration, early 1980’s

A great photo of Takayasu Sensei in the middle of a kokyu nage. You can even see the expressions of the audience in the background.

Grading Day, c. 1992

Gradings are conducted in march and September each year, and take up most of the afternoons. Sensei on the left presiding.

The Aiki Shrine at Iwama showing the recent refurbishment. The Takemusu Aiki Association made a small donation to help with the work, and these photos were sent to us by Saito Sensei as a thank you and to show us the results of the repairs.

The Aikido Shrine at Iwama. This building is the Ceremonial Hall, completed in 1962. The actual shrine which houses the deities lies in the rear courtyard.

Inside the Ceremonial Hall. During special events, Aikido demonstrations are held here on the tatami.

The kamisama from inside the Hall. The wall of the kamisama is open to allow a view of the Central Shrine enclosure.

Back of the Shrine, northern side.

Back of the Shrine, view from south.

Back of the Shrine, southern side.

View of the rear courtyard, northern side.

The original outdoor shrine, built by O-Sensei in 1944.

View of rear courtyard, southern side.

With Yamada Sensei, Tokyo Aiki-kai, c. 1991

Another old pic, showing Yamada Sensei (first name???) from Tokyo Aiki-kai, with Takayasu Sensei, 1991. I believe he is no relation to Yoshimitsu Yamada Sensei of New York Aiki-kai…

After Grading Day, c. 1992

Another bunch of happy faces. I can’t believe this is almost 10 years ago… Sydney Takemusu Aiki group after an afternoon of gradings, looking forward to the party!

Derek Minus Sensei with Shodan certificate in Iwama

Derek Minus Sensei, 4th Dan, and instructor of Turramurra dojo, standing before the kami-sama in Iwama Dojo, Japan, after being presented his Shodan(1st Dan) certificate, January 1981.

Derek Minus receiving Certificate from 2nd Doshu, Iwama

Kisshomaru Ueshiba Sensei, the 2nd Doshu, presenting Derek Minus Sensei his Shodan certificate in Iwama, 1981. Morihiro Saito Sensei on right.

Party Time in Iwama, 1981

Derek Minus Sensei, and Micheal Field Sensei (Field Aikido Centre Melbourne) with Saito Sensei’s nephew Koichi-san, visiting home from Australia. Saito Sensei obscured in the background.

3rd Doshu, Moriteru Ueshiba Sensei, at Iwama, 1981

Taken at the Aiki Jinja (shrine) on a visit by he and his father, the 2nd Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba Sensei, sometime in 1981.

Derek Minus Sensei with Saito Sensei, Iwama 1981

Derek writes: “When I was leaving a Sayonara party was held at the hotspa on Otago-san. It was the tradition in those days that everyone would write a goodbye message on your keikogi - sort of like a goodbye card. This is me and Saito Sensei at the end of the party and a severe double nikkyo.”

Historic Sydney photo with Saito Sensei, 1983

In 1983 Saito Sensei made his first visit to Australia, on a return journey from New Zealand. As it was a surprise visit, there wasn’t much time to organise a seminar, and only a few local Aikidoka managed to attend, at the University of NSW. Back row from left: unknown (UNSW Aikido Tomiki?),unknown (UNSW Aikido), Derek Minus Sensei (Sydney Takemusu Aiki), Michael Field Sensei (Melbourne - Field Aikido Centre), Saito Sensei, unknown (Sydney Takemusu Aiki), Saburo Takayasu Sensei, (Sydney Takemusu Aiki), unknown (UNSW Aikido), Andre (Iwama uchi-deshi), unknown (Aik-Kai), Brian Dibbley (Aik-Kai). Front row from left: unknown (UNSW Aikido), unknown (UNSW Aikido), Tom (Sydney Takemusu Aiki), Phillip Jackson (Sydney Takemusu Aiki), Robyn Williams (Sydney Takemusu Aiki), Michael Marelli Sensei (Sydney Takemusu Aiki), unknown (Aik-Kai), unknown (Aik-Kai). Click to enlarge.

Celebrating Takayasu Sensei’s 25th Anniversary

Some of the Association yudansha with Takayasu Sensei at the dinner celebrating his 25th Anniversary of Aikido in Australia. I-R: Ian Thomson (Camperdown), Jason Wotherspoon (Ipswich), Takayasu Sensei, Daniel Falero (Eastern Suburbs), Mic Marelli (North Syd.), Elvia Cacciotti, Derek Minus (Turramurra), and Peter Bolt.

Partying with Saito Sensei

A side of Saito Sensei that perhaps not many have seen…

Inside the Aiki Shrine at Iwama

Kurama Mountain and Shrine

In the 1920’s, O-Sensei was known to retreat to the Kurama Mountains and undergo austere training. The Kurama mountains are famous for their legends of the “Tengu”, mythical beasts that supposedly taught martial arts to the “yamabushi”, or mountain warriors; people who retreated to the mountains to practice by themselves. Shown here is the Kurama Jinja (shrine) and Nachi Falls, under which ascetics would sit in “misogi” or purification training. Apparently, visitors can now visit the shrine by joining a walking tour, that involves a rather strenuous walk through the mountians to arrive at the shrine.

Protective Shinto rock talisman at Aiki Shrine, Iwama

One of 4 special rocks laid during the Shinto “ground-breaking” ceremony to consecrate the site of the Aiki Shrine at Iwama. The rocks are placed at the 4 corners of the site to protect it from bad spirits and negative influences that may be around the local area. Notice the interesting ancient characters engraved on the surface (see enlargement) Sadly, a souvenir hunter has taken one of the rocks, thus upsetting their protective energy.

Cartoon #1 by Mark Wybrow

Students new to Aikido are constantly amazed how the instructor seems to be able to throw people around. Mark saw the humour in it, and produced a few well drawn cartoons. (Series of 4)

Cartoon #2 by Mark Wybrow

Cartoon #3 by Mark Wybrow

Cartoon #4 by Mark Wybrow

The Late Toshitsugu Takamatsu Sensei, 33rd Grandmaster of Togakure Ryu Ninjitsu

Takamatsu Sensei, known as the Mongolian Tiger, led a life very similar to that of his contemporary, O-Sensei. He appeared at the same martial arts demonstration as O-Sensei, in Mongolia, in the late 1920s? or early 30s. It is possible that O-Sensei’s jo techniques have some historical connection with Kukishin Ryu, one of the Nine Tradtitions of Togakure Ryu.

O-Sensei demonstrating sword posture, Iwama

Some famous pics of O-Sensei, 1 of 3.

O-Sensei demonstrating sword posture, Iwama

Some famous pics of O-Sensei, 2 of 3.

O-Sensei demonstrating sword posture, Iwama

Some famous pics of O-Sensei, 3 of 3.

O-Sensei demonstrating sword posture, pre-war

Another famous photo of O-Sensei, late-1930’s. Note footwork.

O-Sensei demonstrating sword posture, Iwama

Another famous photo of O-Sensei, 1960’s.

O-Sensei teaching sword in Iwama, with Saito Sensei, 1950’s

Some people believe O-Sensei didn’t teach weapons in Iwama, and that the Iwama weapon system is the creation of Saito Sensei. Not only has Saito Sensei himself stated on many times that O-Sensei did teach weapons, this series of 8 photos shows a variety of occasions where O-Sensei appears to be doing just that.

O-Sensei teaching sword in Iwama, with Saito Sensei, 1960’s

Tanren uchi, or striking practice, 1960’s.

O-Sensei teaching sword in Iwama, with Saito Sensei, 1960’s

O-Sensei teaching sword in Iwama, with Saito Sensei, 1950’s

O-Sensei teaching sword in Iwama, with Saito Sensei, 1960’s

O-Sensei teaching sword in Iwama, with Saito Sensei, 1950’s

O-Sensei teaching sword in Iwama, with Saito Sensei, 1950’s

This photo appears to be taken from inside the Aiki Shrine, which means it was probably a special demonstration during a particular ceremony.

O-Sensei teaching sword in Iwama, with Saito Sensei, 1950’s

As can be seen in the background, there are a couple of jo’s leaning against the tree. It’s pretty obvious that lessons are taking place…

Saito Sensei with black belts, Iwama 1984

Uchi deshi pose with Saito Sensei, showing certificates of their recent grading. Standing, 4th from left: Mic Marelli of Sydney Takemusu Aiki.

Saito Sensei seminar in Switzerland

Saito Sensei on one of his many teaching tours, 1980’s. Uke: Mic Marelli, Sydney Takemusu Aiki.

Saito Sensei instructing at Sydney 2000, Easter Gasshuku

More than 200 students attended the seminar of Saito Sensei’s 7th visit to Australia, in Sydney, held for the 3rd time at the Wiloughby Leisure Centre. Saito Sensei concentrated on techniques from the 1938 training manual of O-Sensei, titled “Budo”. Standing, left: Saburo Takayasu Sensei, kneeling, left: Sano-san, visiting uke, Uke for Saito Sensei: Mic Marelli.

Participants of the Ulf Evanas Sensei seminar in Melbourne, June 1999

Ulf Evanas, 6th dan Shihan, of Sweden gave a three day seminar in Melbourne over the June long weekend. A few of us from Sydney came down to train with our Aiki brothers of Mick Field Sensei’s dojo.

Group photo after black belt session with Ulf Evanas Sensei seminar in Melbourne, June 1999

Ulf Evanas Sensei gave an interesting black belt session at the Melbourne seminar.

Archery at Takayasu Sensei’s Farm Retreat

In October 1998 Takayasu Sensei hosted a weekend seminar at his country farm retreat, and we had the opportunity for some extra-curricular activities, such as archery.

At Takayasu Sensei’s City Dojo Opening

Dojo heads and Assistant Instructors, some of the Association Black Belts with Takayasu Sensei at the opening of his City Dojo, Aug 1998 Front L-R: Ian Thomson, Derek Minus, Takayasu Sensei, Mic Marelli, Daniel Falero, Jason Wotherspoon Back L-R: Lyle Solomon, James Robertson, Mark Wilson, Damian Harrington, Grant South.

Saito Sensei with the full 1997 Easter Aikido Gasshuku attendees.

Students from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Tasmania, New Zealand, Phillipines and Japan. with styles represented Iwama, Aikikai, Yoshinkan, Tomiki Aikido, and Ju-jutsu. See the report on the 1997 Easter seminar.

Saito Sensei with the Sydney Takemusu Aiki Association club, 1997 Easter Aikido Gasshuku

From L-R front: Damian Harrington, Jason Wotherspoon, Daniel Falero, Takayasu Sensei, Saito Sensei, Derek Minus, Mic Marelli, Roger Gibson, Mark Wilson, Ray Mazzone, Grant South. See the report on the 1997 Easter seminar.

Saito Sensei with North Sydney Dojo, 1997 Easter Aikido Gasshuku

Saito Sensei’s 4th Australian visit was at Easter in 1997, and the seminar was just as successful and enjoyable as the previous one. From L-R front: Roger Gibson (now in Darwin, NT), Ray Mazzone (also of Sydney Tomiki Aikido), Ian Thompson, Takayasu Sensei, Saito Sensei, Mic Marelli, Jason Wotherspoon (now in Ipswich, QLD), Mark Wilson, and James Robertson.

Saito Sensei with Sydney Takemusu Aiki Association, 1995 Easter Aikido Gasshuku

Saito Sensei returned to Australia for his 3rd Australian visit, this time in Easter 1995. Aikido is small in Australia compared to the European countries, but more than 150 attended this excellent seminar.

Restraint and Removal seminar with Susumu Chino Sensei, 5th Dan Yoshinkan, 1994

Held at the Zanshin Shotokan Karate-do Hombu Dojo in Pitt St, Sydney, this seminar saw students from Karate, Ju-jutsu, Iaido and Iwama, Tomiki and Yoshinkan stylists of Aikido join together for a Martial Arts demonstration followed by a workshop on restraint and removal techniques by Chino Sensei, (standing centre, front row)

Sydney group tour to Iwama dojo, early 1990’s.

Sydneysiders Liz, Cam Seeto, Mike O’Hare, Derek Minus and Mic Marelli on one of the many training tours that students of the Takemusu Aiki Association have an opportunity to join. Seen here in from of kamidana (god house) in the Iwama dojo.

Yamada Sensei visit, 1991

Yamada Sensei, 6th Dan Aikikai, from Tokyo visited in 1991 for an exchange training session. The Sydney students were treated to a Hombu (Tokyo) style class led by Yamada Sensei, which was followed by an Iwama style class led by Takayasu Sensei. Despite the various differences in styles, the sessions were interesting and enjoyed by all parties. Yamada Sensei (centre) is shown with 3 of his senior deshi, (seated left, right, and 2nd from right), and Takayasu Sensei (2nd from left) and senior Sydney Black Belts Sensei’s Derek Minus (left), Mike O’Hare (2nd from right) and Daniel Falero (right). New Zealnd Black Belt Dave Morrison (2nd from left) was staying on an extended “training visit”

Partying with Saito Sensei, Takayasu Sensei’s home

An important side to hard training; hard partying!!! Saito Sensei with Takayasu Sensei and senior black belts, mid 1980’s From L, Tony Snow (now in UK), Barry Knight (Melb.) Nemoto-san, Saito Sensei, Takayasu Sensei, Derek Minus, and Mic Marelli.

Saito Sensei, with Takayasu Sensei and visiting uke

Outdoor Weapons training with Saito Sensei, mid 1980’s

The first visit to Australia by Saito Sensei in 1986 was attended by only a few students, giving the lucky participants more attention than from larger, modern day seminars. Saito Sensei 3rd row, 4th from left.

Demonstrating kumitachi for the camera, early 1980’s.

Iwama style Aikido is known for it’s attention to detail, so questions are always asked about the finer points of technique. With Takayasu Sensei and Derek Minus.

Sydney Town Hall, early 1980’s

Public demonstration celebrating the Japan Week Festival, held at Sydney Town Hall. On the mat, Cam Seeto, Takayasu Sensei (throwing), Mic Marelli (thrown), Derek Minus (standng).

Sydney Opera House, very early 1980’s

Takayasu Sensei (right) and Derek Minus Sensei demonstrating kumitachi at the Japan Week Festival.

Sydney Opera House, very early 1980’s

Junior students demonstrating training method while Takayasu Sensei watches, and Derek Minus Sensei (far right) provides explanations for the audience.

Public demonstration at Sydney University, early 1980’s

Takayasu Sensei (seated, right) presiding over a public demonstration held on the grounds in front of the main building at Sydney University, promoting the opening of the new dojo based at the University.(now since closed) END.