The First Group

1973. The first group of gaijin to train in Iwama

In front: Bruce Klickstein, Ulf Evanås(as a white belt), Mirko Takac, David Alexander, Morihiro Saito Sensei, and Bill Witt

In back: Lars Anderson, Sam Bertz, Cheryl Martinez, Hans Goto (as a white belt), Darrell Bluhm, Kathy Bates, and Mary Barlett née McDonald

Photo: David Alexander

Kazunari

1973. Iwama. “Kazunari”. Relaxing after the monthly visit of Honbu Aikikai for the “juyoka matsuri”, or “Celebration of the 14th of the month”. Mrs. Saito (okusan) shows how to keep baby Kazunari happy with “beer for tots”. Kazunari later lived in the house next door to the Saitos. Corri Geffen is in front.

Photo: David Alexander

Bukiwaza

1973. David Alexander and Saito Sensei workout with ken bukiwaza one freezing winter day in the dojo (notice that the windows are open). During this winter, there were few people training — just David and the local Iwama regulars.

Photo: David Alexander

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