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AIKIDO IN THE NEWS

Morihiro Saito, Shihan Memorial Services
by Aviv Goldsmith

A memorial altar was set up in the funeral hall, in Tomobe Japan, for Morihiro Saito, Shihan.

The Saturday services were attended by some 500 persons, while Sunday drew possibly well over 1000 mourners that paid their last respects to one of Aikido's most treasured family members. Dignitaries from around the world included Doshu, Aikikai Shihan, and Iwama Sempai, came to honor Morihiro Saito.

Hitohiro Saito, Morihiro Saito's son and inheritor of the Iwama style, and his family were deeply moved at the overwhelming multitudes of Aikidoka in attendance.

Thank you to Aviv Goldsmith for bringing to us the memorial and the picture.

Aikido Great Morihiro Saito Shihan passes
courtesy of Stanley Pranin

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Morihiro Saito Sensei in Iwama, Japan early Monday morning, May 13, 2002. Saito Sensei was truly one of the giants of modern aikido and his strong presence will be sorely missed. This editor was among the thousands of students touched
by Saito Sensei during his lifetime.

His son and successor Hitohiro Saito Shihan plans to hold a private funeral for family members shortly and a formal ceremony to be held in Japan in about one month's time. He asks that anyone planning to go to Japan to pay their respects attend the formal funeral to be announced soon.

For those interested in learning more about Saito Sensei, here are two articles available at Aikido Journal by Stanley Pranin website:

Thank you Stanley Pranin for permission in posting your announcement. We sincerely appreciate your support and friendship.

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AIKIDO EVENTS CALENDAR 2009

AIKIDO PHOTOS

Michio Hikitsuchi 10th Dan 1978
(C. Matrasko as uke)
© 1978 C. Matrasko
Submitted photos from all over the world.

Please note that the owners of photographs illustrated here have their own respected copyrights.

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