Iwama Uchideshi Program

From Hitohiro Saito Sensei, Aiki Shurenkai Dojo-cho

July 07, 2002

Anyone who wishes to study the techniques of the Founder and Morihiro Sensei, please come to Iwama.

The prices of things in Japan are high and it costs a lot of money to stay, but please come to Iwama and you will certainly have an experience you will value your whole life. We welcome you.

In the dojo, commercial, religious and political activities are not permitted. Keeping these things well in mind, please also study Japanese customs.

We welcome all of you who dream of coming to Japan.

The Iwama Dojo is located adjacent to the site of the Aiki Shrine in Ibaragi Prefecture, Japan. The dojo is the original country school of Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba and was later overseen by Morihiro Saito Shihan until the latter's passing on May 13, 2002.

Basic Guidelines

The Iwama Dojo has hosted literally thousands of aikido students from all over the world for the last 30 years. Iwama Aikido offers a balanced training system with an equal emphasis on taijutsu (empty-handed techniques) and weapons practice. Many of the former Iwama uchideshi have gone on to open their own schools on returning to their countries and continue to spread the Iwama approach to aikido on a professional basis. The present instructor is Hitohiro Saito Sensei, 6th dan, son and successor of Saito Sensei.

Fee & Expenses

Long stay, per month: ¥75,000

(Please inquire for rates for shorter stays)

This fee covers training , lodging, and basic food supplies. The food provided consists of bread, margarine, peanut butter, and jam. It is the responsibility of uchideshi to buy and prepare all other food.

There is also a required registration fee for entrance into the Ibaragi Dojo that all first-time uchideshi pay of ¥3,000.

In addition to the above amounts, uchideshi pay a fee of ¥300 per day for miscellaneous expenses. During the winter there is an extra fee of ¥100 per day for heating costs.

Additional requirements

Uchideshi candidates should have a minimun of one-year training experience in a dojo teaching Iwama Aikido and obtain a letter of recommendation from their instructor.

Prospective uchideshi must further obtain a health insurance policy valid in Japan in the event they require medical treatment during their stay in Japan.

Finally, they should acquire a familiarity with Japanese customs and etiquette and approach their stay in Iwama with a volunteer spirit.

For further information, please contact the dojo at:
Tel: +81(0)299-45-3788
Fax: +81(0)299-45-6056

Hitohiro Saito
Aiki Shurenkai Dojo-cho
Yoshioka 26
Iwama-machi, Nishi Ibaragi-gun
Ibaragi-ken, Japan
+81-2994-5-2224