INSTRUCTORS
Lewis Bernaldo de Quiros, Shihan, 7th Dan
Lewis Bernaldo de Quiros Sensei trained full-time under Morihiro Saito Shihan, 9th Dan, at the Iwama Dojo in Ibaraki, Japan, from 1986 to 1993. Prior to beginning Aikido, he spent eight years studying Judo and Shotokan Karate in London under Keinosuke Enoeda Shihan, 9th Dan. During his time in Japan, he also practiced Kyudo (traditional Japanese archery) and Zen.
Since returning to Europe in 1993, he has dedicated himself fully to teaching Aikido, conducting regular seminars throughout Europe and internationally. He maintained close ties with his teacher after leaving Japan, assisting and translating at seminars until Saito Sensei’s passing in 2002.
Lewis Sensei received 5th Dan Aikikai from Saito Sensei in 1999 and was awarded 7th Dan Aikikai by Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba in 2024. He currently serves as Technical Director and Aikikai Examiner for TAE (Takemusu Aikido Europe).
Hoa Newens, Shihan, 7th Dan
Hoa Newens Sensei began his Aikido training in 1967 in Vietnam and has devoted more than five decades to the art. He studied under Dang Thong Phong, 7th Dan, Seiichi Sugano, 8th Dan, and became a direct student of Morihiro Saito Shihan, 9th Dan. In January 2020, he was appointed Shihan (master instructor) by Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba.
Newens Sensei is the former head of Aikido Institute Oakland and now directs Aikido Institute Davis. He also serves as Chief Instructor of the Takemusu Aikido Association, a non-profit dedicated to preserving and promoting Iwama Aikido worldwide. In addition to Aikido, he has trained in Wu Tai Chi and Chi Kung since 1987.
He has published two instructional Aikido DVD series (Aikido Curriculum and Aikido Essence), a Tai Chi series, and three books on Aikido, sharing the depth of his practice and insights accumulated over fifty years of training and teaching.
INTERNATIONAL AIKIDO SEMINAR
Preserving The Legacy
Join us for a special seminar with Lewis Bernaldo de Quiros and Hoa Newens, both of whom trained directly under Morihiro Saito in Iwama, Japan. This seminar offers a rare opportunity to study with teachers who have spent decades preserving and transmitting the principles, structure, and spirit of traditional Iwama Aikido.
Over three immersive days, participants will engage in focused training in both taijutsu and bukiwaza, exploring the deep relationship between empty-hand technique and the sword and jo practices that form the foundation of Takemusu Aiki. Beyond technical instruction, the seminar will emphasize the underlying principles of posture, timing, connection, centered movement, and precise basics that define the Iwama method.
Whether you are new to Aikido or have trained for many years, this seminar is designed to deepen your understanding of the roots of Iwama Aikido and strengthen your connection to its traditional forms of practice and transmission.
Why Attend This Seminar?
Train with direct students of Saito Sensei – authentic knowledge from those closest to the source. Explore the Iwama curriculum – structured, time-tested methods that integrate weapons and body arts. Learn at your level – training designed to benefit beginners and advanced practitioners alike. Be part of the legacy – connect with a community dedicated to preserving and carrying forward Iwama Aikido.
Space is limited—reserve your spot and join us in keeping the spirit of Iwama Aikido alive!