Passing of the Great Lady Sata Saito – Tristão Da Cunha

We are saddened to announce the passing of the Great Lady Sata Saito, aged 89.

Mrs. Saito, wife of Morihiro Saito and mother of our present Soke, was the one who took daily care of O-Sensei and his wife.

For decades, along with her husband, welcomed thousands of uchideshi, sotodeshi and visitors caressing them with her smile, teaching them, instructing them. Tireless worker, endured untold hardships during her life, always with a rare inner strength in any human being.

If today there is aikido, especially Iwama Aikido, it was thanks to the work of this great lady, who never gave up and always served, from morning to night, O’Sensei and his wife.

Although she suffered part of her life due to Aikido, always connected with her husband and the founder, we have a calligraphy of hers saying, “Profound Gratitude for Aikido. »

We bow deeply before this lady, absolutely unparalleled and extraordinary.

Our most sincere condolences to the Saito family, especially the children and our Soke, for this loss so great.
Our thoughts and feelings are also with all those who knew well Okusama.

May God bless her soul and protect her family.

Wake：14th Oct（Friday）　6:30pm
Funeral：15th Oct（Saturday）　12pm（noon）
Place：Kasama Kouiki Saijou Yasuragi no Mori
Address：4669 Kasama, Kasama-shi, Ibaraki-ken

Stanley Pranin Sincerest condolences from Aikido Journal and Stanley Pranin. Oku-san was a wonderful person and I talked with her often over the years. About certain subjects concerning the Ueshiba family, she was even more knowledgeable than Morihiro Saito Sensei. I miss both of them.

Stefano Di Carlo My sincerest condolences. I will always remember her taking care of the Uchi deshi and waiting in front of her house the last day of each stay in Iwama to say good by and to give me the blue Iwama towel.

Patricia Yarrow A life well lived. Will someone write up her story? Condolences to her family and gratitude for her behind the scenes support. I remember how she instructed us in folding the towels, something I maintain to this day. From Tokyo…

Mic Marelli With found memories and gratitude for all those she welcomed and looked after at the Iwama dojo, Oku-san will be sorely missed. My sympathies and thoughts are with the Saito family at this time and always.

Links

• 10.10.2016 – LA SIG.RA SATA SAITO È VENUTA A MANCARE! [aikidodentoiwamaryu.com]
• 15.10.2016 – Ode to Okusama by Patricia Hendricks [aikidojournal.com]

 

Publiched 15 octobre 2016 – Last Updated on 9 janvier 2017 by Eric Savalli / Aikido Blog .net