Chief Instructor

Our chief instructor, or dojo cho, is Scott Lim. Scott sensei began training in aikido in 1989, and counts himself fortunate to have studied under Akira Tohei sensei, Michael McVey sensei, and Pat Hendricks sensei. Scott completed his uchideshi training with Michael McVey in 1996, and he received his sandan, or third degree black belt, from Hombu Dojo in 2006 testing under Pat Hendricks sensei. He enjoys both learning and teaching aikido, and taking ukemi for his wife, Jeanne Catherine.

Our Lineage

Osensei 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 chaos of World War II, O-Sensei 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 confidante of Osensei 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 remembered for his books, his clear and structured way of teaching, and the organization of the huge number of techniques that comprise Iwama-Ryu aikido.

Hitohiro Saito sensei (2/12/1957 - )

6th dan Aikikai. B. Iwama, Ibaragi prefecture. Aikido instructor. Only son and successor of Morihiro Saito sensei. 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.