Memorable Keiko with Saotome Sensei
At Chiyoda-Ku Aikikai — October 2023
There are moments when the journey leads us back — not merely to a place, but to the spirit that first set us in motion.
Saotome Sensei — Touching the Source Once More
Saotome Shihan stands as one of the direct living links to the spirit of Aikido’s founder, Morihei Ueshiba O Sensei. As an uchi-deshi, he trained daily under O Sensei’s personal guidance, absorbing not just techniques, but the living breath of Aiki itself.
After decades devoted to spreading Aikido across the United States, Saotome Sensei’s return to Tokyo in October 2023 was more than a visit — it was a quiet homecoming to the roots from which his lifelong journey began.
Throughout his teaching, Saotome Sensei has remained deeply committed to honoring the traditions and etiquette passed down from O Sensei. His keiko reflects strict discipline, sincere respect, and a sharp attention to detail.
Yet beyond the formality, Sensei’s warmth and humor shine through — reminding us that true mastery balances strength with kindness, and precision with humanity.
Lessons from Saotome Sensei’s Keiko
During the keiko at Chiyoda-ku Aikikai, Saotome Sensei brought us back to the heart of Aikido — a living spirit grounded in Aiki.
Aiki is not merely a technical method; it is the principle of harmony that breathes life into every movement. It calls us to blend, to connect, to transcend opposition without force. Through the practice of Musubi — the subtle art of joining and unifying — Aiki finds its natural expression.
At the heart of Sensei’s message was a simple but essential question:
Why do we practice Aikido?
Without a clear purpose, Aikido loses its meaning — it becomes empty movement, disconnected from spirit.
It’s not enough to train techniques. Without understanding why we practice, the Way becomes shallow.
Sensei reminded us plainly: Aikido is not a sport, nor just a way to socialize. It is a martial art — a Way grounded in sincerity, awareness, and profound responsibility.
Our task is not merely to master techniques or preserve outward forms. It is to carry forward the invisible current of Aiki — the living breath that O Sensei entrusted to us — and to keep it alive through every keiko, every encounter, and every step along the Way.
And for those who teach, this responsibility becomes even greater. A teacher does not simply pass down techniques; a true teacher carries the spirit of Aikido — ensuring that what is passed forward is not just skill, but heart.
Through his teaching, Sensei called us to safeguard Aikido as a living Way:
Aiki must not only be practiced — it must be lived.
Amidst the discipline and deep respect for tradition, Saotome Sensei’s warmth and humor shone through, reminding us that the Way is not walked with strength alone — but also with kindness, humility, and an open heart.
Returning to the Beginning
Through Saotome Sensei’s movements and words, the living breath of O Sensei’s teachings echoed once more — not as something fixed in the past, but as a spirit that moves forward with every sincere practice.
In stepping onto the tatami at Chiyoda-ku Aikikai, we were not simply retracing old steps. We were reminded that returning to the source means carrying its light into each new day — with clarity, sincerity, and care.
The path of Aikido is not about reaching an end. It is about continually returning — again and again — to the heart of why we began. And in doing so, we keep the spirit alive.
