O-Sensei Morihei Ueshiba 12/14/1883 - 4/26/1969

After he intensively studied various swordfighting and jujutsu styles, Ueshiba became famous as one of the strongest men of Japan. In 1919, he turned towards the spiritual, pacifistic teachings of the Omoto religion and started to develop the Art of Peace. In 1942, in the midst of the chaso of World War II, O-Sensi named his new martial art Aikido, and moved to the small country town of Iwama. There he continued to practice, teach and refine Aikido until he passed away in 1969.

Morihiro Saito Sensei 3/31/1928 - 5/12/2002

9th Dan Aikikai. Being an Iwama native, Morihiro Saito started training in Aikido in 1946 and became not only a student, but a close confidant of O-Sensei for the following 23 years. After the founder's death, he was put in charge of the Iwama dojo and became the guardian of the Aiki-shrine. Today, he is also known for his books, his clear and structured way of teaching, and the organization of the huge number of techniques that comprise Iwama-Ryu Aikido.

6th dan Aikikai. B. Iwama, Ibaragi Prefecture. Aikido instructor. Only son and successor of Morihiro SAITO. Began aikido training at age seven under his father and Morihei Ueshiba. Appears prominently in Takemusu Aikido technical manual by Morihiro SAITO. Since 1986, travels frequently to Europe and the USA conducting seminars.
 

Pat Hendricks Sensei 9/25/1955 - 

6th Dan Aikikai. In 1975, Pat Hendricks started her Aikido career in Monterey, California. Since 1977, she has traveled frequently to Japan for extended periods of time to study as a live-in student under Saito Sensei in Iwama. Her own dojo, Aikido of San Leandro, attracts students from all over the world, including Japan. Pat Sensei holds the highest degree possible in Aiki Ken and Jo Certification, and is certified to test for the United States.

5th Dan Aikikai.  Michael McVey is supervised by Pat Hendricks, 6th dan (Aikido of San Leandro, California). Michael is also a Licensed Independent Chemical Dependency Counselor, a Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor and has been a licensed Special and Elementary Education Teacher.  Michael has been teaching Aikido since 1989, having started in 1984.  He completed one year as an uchi deshi (apprentice instructor) for Hendricks Sensei in 1991.  Click here for a photographic gallery of some of the high points and inspirational people of Michael's Aikido journey.