Saito Sensei Aikido Demonstration (1986) Bukiwaza Aikido’s Purest Form Revealed

This rare Saito Sensei Aikido demonstration, filmed during his 1986 tour of Melbourne and Sydney, is more than archival footage—it’s a living transmission from the very heart of Aikido’s origin. Morihiro Saito Shihan, direct student of O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, trained in Iwama daily with the Founder for over 20 years. In this public demonstration—his second on Australian soil—Saito Sensei shares the essence of Takemusu Aiki: form, breath, timing, and the logic that transforms conflict into flow. As you watch, you may begin to feel the unspoken precision in each movement. Notice how power is never forced, but aligned. Every technique—whether with sword, jo, or empty hand—emerges from a centre unshaken by aggression. Organised by Barry Knight, Michael Field, and Saburo Takeyasu, and my Sensei Marelli Sensei as Uke, this demonstration was part of a greater mission: to root authentic Iwama Aikido in Australia. And it succeeded—because what was passed on here still echoes in dojos and hearts decades later. Whether you’re still on the mat or simply carrying Aikido within, this video is an anchor. It reconnects you to the source, without dilution or drift. ⏱️ Chapters – Saito Sensei Aikido Demonstration 00:00 – Aikido’s Living Legend Takes the Mat 01:00 – Trained Daily with the Founder 03:45 – Aikido: Logic, Not Raw Strength 05:20 – Fighting is the Flawed Path 06:45 – Move Only When the Opponent Moves 08:50 – The Cut That Never Clashes 11:10 – Power from Breath, Hips, and Flow 12:40 – Swordwork That Reveals Hidden Truths 14:15 – Anyone Can Train, Everyone Evolves 15:45 – Iwama Lineage Lives Through Australia 17:00 – Training Daily is the Real Secret 🌿 This demonstration reminds us: Aikido was never about domination. It was always about alignment—with energy, with breath, with truth. For more traditional Aikido knowledge, visit 🌐 https://goodaikido.com.au #aiki​​ #aikido​​ #goodaikid​o #aikidosydney #martialarts #martialartssydney #SaitoSensei #AikidoDemonstration #IwamaAikido #AikidoAustralia #MoriheiUeshiba #TakemusuAiki #GoodAikido #MartialArtsSydney #TraditionalAikido