Aikido Schools of Ueshiba

St. Louis Aikikai is affiliated with Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU), under Mitsugi Saotome Shihan (8th dan), a personal disciple of O'Sensei for fifteen years. Saotome Shihan has been instrumental in spreading Aikido throughout the U.S. since he left Japan in 1975. Saotome Shihan's videos and DVDs are availible through Aikido Today.

We also enjoy guidance and inspiration from Hiroshi Ikeda Shihan (7th dan), a student of Saotome Shihan in Tokyo, who followed him to the U.S., and since 1980 has been the chief instructor of Boulder Aikikai in Colorado.

Hiroshi Ikeda and the St Louis Aikikai in March 2004 at West End Aikikai.