Takemusu Aikido Society

On the 2nd of May we had our very first demonstrations at the 14th Annual May Day Parade in Ringsend & Irishtown Community Centre. Unfortunately, we got extremely short notice, and have no time for the proper preparation. But thank you to the diligence of our members, demonstrations went as smooth as possible under these circumstances.

Today I participated in the ceremony of unveiling of the monument in the memory of Morihiro Saito shihan. It was held in the family dojo of his son Hitohira. Unfortunately, without the city officials and Aikikai representatives attending, this event looked very local, and I strongly felt that was wrong. The legacy of O-Sensei and Morihiro Saito sensei has no boundaries and belongs to the world despite all political contradictions. Construction of Saito sensei's monument could be a great point to heal the old wounds and start the dialogue between two great teachers, but I am afraid without speaking to each other, it may become a cause of conflict escalation. Nevertheless, I am proud to be among those who helped make truth the idea of commemorating Saito sensei in stone.

Construction of the Morihiro Saito Shihan memorial is completed in Iwama, Japan. Takemusu Aikido Fingal, being one of the donators, was officially invited to attend the unveiling ceremony of the monument to honour the memory of Morihiro Saito Shihan. The ceremony will be held at Iwama Shinshin Aikishurekai Tanrenkan dojo and will be transmitted worldwide via Zoom.