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Transmission Licence Holders

In order to become Iwama Bukiwaza transmission licence holders the examinees are not simply expected to perform on the day of the test, or by submitting a series of detailed videos for review. Sensei Sargeant may personally witness the candidates presentations in addition to analysing videos made on the day or sent to him by agreement, but he will then spend many hours checking these before he can reveal if the candidates have been successful.

Once the Iwama Bukiwaza students are to the approved standard they will become licenced for that level and will be issued a certificate, in the same way that Sensei Sargeant was, to evidence this achievement. Additionally, and following the Japanese method of recording the issuing of certificates, all licences are stamped with an official ‘wari-in’ or proof seal. This is applied in the top right area of the certificate with half is printed on the certificate and the other half retained in a book of records, to show they belong to the same document.

Licence holders are offered the opportunity to present comments on this page and here are some of the recipients:

Bukiwaza Certification Licence Holders – Level One

Name: Sensei Martin Florentin, 4th Dan Licence Date: June 3rd, 2023 Dojo: Fudoshin-Dojo Country: France Comment: When I contacted Sargeant Sensei about Bukiwaza Certification, I understood he was a rigorous and meticulous teacher. But all through the process, he was available and accessible to correct all that had to be corrected. Even with the distance, he was in capacity to correct and illustrate his demands, requests and exigences. Even with all the improvement needed, I never felt lost or sinking under criticism, but just got my weakness revealed. I thanks him for all the time he is spending on my case and for the patience he has.

Name: Sensei Laurence Hobson, 3rd Dan Licence Date: April 8th, 2023 Dojo: Tonbo Aikido Country: England Comment: This is a rare and exciting opportunity, a chance to receive personal and in-depth Bukiwaza coaching from a student (UK Representative) of Saito Sensei. Through working towards certification I have been inspired to put in the hours and really examine my weapons practice in close detail. The resources (direct instruction, extensive notes, videos, photos) provide an invaluable basis to help ensure that we are on the right track. Bukiwaza is of course a lifelong practice. We must continue to train and study, hoping to gain a deeper understanding over time. The certification is a stamp of approval and provides some confidence, but it also makes us responsible for doing our bit, as teachers and students to help preserve Saito Sensei’s art. I recommend the certifications to anyone who wants a solid foundation on which to build their practice.

Name: Sensei Stuart Jeffs, 5th Dan Licence Date: April 8th, 2023 Dojo: Towcester Aikido Country: England Comment: TBA

Name: Sensei David Partington, 3rd Dan Licence Date: April 8th, 2023 Dojo: Reading Zenshin Aikido Country: England Comment: TBA

Name: Sensei Nicolas Regnier, 5th Dan Licence Date: April 8th, 2023 Dojo: Aspire Aikido London Country: England Comment: As soon as Tony Sargeant Shihan made the announcement to test and graduate dedicated Iwama Aikido practitioners committed to preserving Bukiwaza techniques taught by Morihiro Saito, I felt a strong desire to participate in the testing. Tony Sargeant Shihan’s vast experience and knowledge, gained from training with numerous instructors worldwide and dedicating 19 years to studying Iwama Aikido with Morihiro Saito Sensei, made him an ideal examiner. The examination process was exceptionally well-organized and thorough, with a focus on performing techniques slowly to allow for detailed scrutiny. This approach provided valuable feedback to each participant. I highly recommend this examination process to anyone seeking recognition for their commitment to preserving the Art of Aikido and to receive crucial feedback for personal improvement. Tony Sargeant Shihan’s keen observation skills enabled him to identify even the smallest details, staying true to the teachings of Morihiro Saito Sensei. I felt a genuine transmission of knowledge from Morihiro Saito Sensei through Tony Sargeant Shihan’s instruction. The detailed reports compiled by him after the examination will undoubtedly help me refine my Aikido practice by addressing specific points that require improvement. The entire experience was inspiring, and I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Tony Sargeant Shihan for his tremendous dedication. Evaluating each participant and spending hours reviewing our videos to create comprehensive reports is undoubtedly hard work, and I deeply appreciate his commitment to the growth and development of each practitioner.

Name: Sensei Scott Brophy, Ikkyu Licence Date: April 8th, 2023 Dojo: Tonbo Aikido Country: England Comment: TBA

Name: Sensei Subhash Jogia, Ikkyu Licence Date: July 15th, 2023 Dojo: Tonbo Aikido Country: England Comment: The single objective of the bukiwaza certification is to learn how to teach Iwama Ryu style weapons to students. It is not to demonstrate speed, power and flow though the certification may well help you in this regard. Tony Sargent Shihan emphasises precision, consistency and slow speed when performing the techniques so students can learn from seeing you then practicing themselves. It also about your ability to correct the students from ‘bad habits’. While there is ‘pressure’ during the examination, the entire process is constructive, well structured and remedial. Because of the ‘burden of responsibility’ to preserve and transmit O’ Sensei’s aikido, it is motivating to know that benchmark is high requiring serious commitment to practice rigorously. The transmission comprises of detailed feedback from the examination captured on video, still images and (usually a long) list of improvement areas to work on before the next level. Not only does the certification make you a better teacher, it also makes you a better student ! I regard the process of bukiwaza certification a valuable investment in my aikido journey, one that every serious aikidoka should consider.

Bukiwaza Certification Licence Holders – Level Two

Name: Sensei Laurence Hobson, 3rd Dan Licence Level: Nidan Bukiwaza Licence Date: July 15th, 2023 Dojo: Tonbo Aikido Country: England Comment: Working on the second certificate has emphasised how much this process isn’t about improving some forms and gaining another certificate. I’m still trying to fix many things pointed-out by Sensei during the first certification, and now have another set of issues to consider for the second. Sensei is generous with his feedback, however much is asked of him, and he somehow helps to identify useful themes, as well as more specific bad habits and strengths to build-on. I feel very much that if I’m willing to put-in the time and effort, Sensei will do the same. It’s a long, difficult journey, but I’m inspired to push forward, bit by bit, and every day.

Name: Sensei Nicolas Regnier, 5th Dan Licence Level: Nidan Bukiwaza Licence Date: July 15th, 2023 Dojo: Aspire Aikido London Country: England Comment: This examination process was again meticulously organized and thorough, emphasizing the execution of techniques at a deliberate pace for detailed scrutiny. I highly recommend this examination process to anyone seeking recognition for their commitment to preserving the Art of Aikido and aiming to receive crucial feedback for personal improvement. Tony Sargeant Shihan’s astute observation skills enabled him to identify even the minutest details, staying true to the teachings of Morihiro Saito Sensei. The detailed reports compiled by Tony Sargeant Shihan after the examination has undoubtedly assisted me in refining my Aikido practice by addressing specific points requiring improvement. I wish to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Tony Sargeant Shihan for his tremendous dedication. I deeply appreciate his commitment to the growth and development of each practitioner.

Name: Sensei Martin Florentin, 4th Dan Licence Level: Nidan Bukiwaza Licence Date: November 29th, 2023 Dojo: Fudoshin-Dojo Country: France Comment: After processing the first bukiwaza level, Sensei Tony Sargeant accepted to have a look on my second level bukiwaza certification. It was a new opportunity to interrogate the things is used to know and watch it in a new way, to go deeper and strengthen the first level’s work. Sensei always managed to be accessible, patient, and to make himself clearly understandable in his requests and corrections. I am really glad to take part of this adventure on the path of aikido’s weapons. A great thanks for Sensei to still be sharing so simply.