Aiki-Ken

Please note that the content of this book primarily consists of articles available from Wikipedia or other free sources online. Aiki-ken is the name given specifically to the set of Japanese sword techniques practiced according to the principles of aikido, taught first by Morihei Ueshiba (aikido's founder), then further developed by Morihiro Saito, one of Ueshiba's most prominent students. Currently, Iwama Shin-Shin Aiki Shuren-kai is the main proponent organization. Much of the aiki-ken syllabus was developed by Morihei Ueshiba (Ueshiba Morihei, 1883-1969) at his dojo in Iwama, Japan, at the same time he developed aikido's staff training (called aiki-j ). It is well documented that Ueshiba studied several different styles of kenjutsu (Japanese swordsmanship), but the aiki-ken techniques are predominantly based upon the teachings of the Kashima Shint -ryu. Most of the practice of aiki-ken was ultimately systematized not by Ueshiba, but by Morihiro Saito (Sait Morihiro, 1928-2002), one of Ueshiba's most dedicated students and the person who took over the Iwama dojo after Ueshiba died.