[citation needed] However, he always awarded ranks through the Aikikai (original Aikido organization) out of respect for the Ueshiba family.
[5][failed verification] Saito also gave out mokuroku (scrolls) for his aiki-ken (sword) and aiki-jo (staff) with levels loosely modeled after the traditional license system of classical Japanese martial arts to students independent of Iwama-ryu ranks.
It continues to issue Iwama-ryu grading certificates;[4] however, many of Saito's longest students have remained affiliated with the Aikikai.
[8] Iwama style includes the combined study (riai) of traditional Japanese weapons (bukiwaza), specifically aiki-jō (staff) and aiki-ken (sword), and of empty-handed aikido (taijutsu), both accompanied by kiai.
Many Iwama-style practitioners practice in stages,[15] most often divided into: In certain stances, a slight tilt of the hips is characteristic of the style.
[16] The feet are kept on a line, but the front foot points forward rather than turned out (in contrast to the Yoshinkan) causing the hips to be slightly rotated.
In jo work, the posture of hito-emi, or standing with a dramatically minimized profile facing the opponent, is another unique characteristic of Iwama aikido.
This is common in Yoshinkan, Manseikan, and Michio Hikitsuchi's basic practices and the founder's instruction in budo, but opposite of how many other styles of Aikido teach the techniques.
As a result, Iwama-style grabs are firm and static without pushing or pulling and with the intention of immobilizing the body.
[9] In ukemi (responding) Iwama practitioners will usually attempt to parry the atemi being thrown by nage, which may or may not be encouraged in other styles of aikido.