Saito Sensei's weapons certification system

The weapons certification system is a scheme developed by Saito Sensei to preserve the legacy of weapons techniques left him by the founder, O-Sensei. Contrary to popular belief, the sword and stick system of Iwama Aikido is not “Saito-style” as some detractors have argued, but at Saito Sensei’s insistence, it is “O-Sensei style” As Saito Sensei has often said, the Aikido he teaches is “O-Sensei style”, and that it is the combination of sword, stick and body technique training that makes up Aikido. Saito Sensei was the only student of the founder permitted to teach weapons during his lifetime, and at the behest of O-Sensei, ran a Sunday weapons class at Tokyo Hombu dojo for many years commencing in 1959. Despite becoming very popular, the classes were eventually cut from the program, however, Saito Sensei has continued to teach weapons at many seminars around the world, and to those who come and train with him in Iwama.

Certification in Level I and II is open to any Yudansha (Black Belts) from any organisation, while certification for Level III and IV is available only to Nidans (2nd dan) and above. Level V is only available for Yondans (4th Dan) and above. Certification is awarded in the form of scrolls, specially prepared by Saito Sensei, and allows instructors to teach Aikido weapons, as well as establish the credentials of the origin of their weapons techniques.