Morihiro Saito (斉藤 守弘 Saitō Morihiro, March 31, 1928–May 13, 2002)
Saito’s focus upon katai-keiko (固い稽古), or vigorous practice without holding back, which Ueshiba taught and Saito demonstrated in his methods of teaching and practice. Apparently, this rigorous training with Saito, which Ueshiba would often observe, also included intense conditioning exercises, as well as general farmwork that students at the Iwama dojo were expected to assist with.
Students of Saito attest to his commitment to carry on Ueshiba’s legacy, and to follow and preserve Ueshiba’s teachings as Saito had learned them.[7] Saito believed that striking techniques (atemi) are a “vital element” of aikido, and also that the principles of swordsmanship formed the basis of aikido techniques. He also advocated training to cope with the attacks of other martial arts, such as the kicks practiced in karate