Mark Larson

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Mark Leonard Larson (5th Dan Aikikai) lived and trained Aikido for 10 years in Japan from 1992-2002. During this tenure, he spent numerous times as uchideshi (live-in student) at the birthplace of Aikido where the Founder’s Dojo and Aikido Shrine are located in Iwama, Ibaraki Prefecture, under the tutelage of Master Morihiro Saito (1928-2002) who is the longest direct student of Aikido’s Founder, Professor Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), and former chief instructor of the Founder's Dojo from 1969-2002 and Aiki Shrine caretaker. Larson also did extended residential training in Iwama and is authorized by Master Saito with the highest weapons (Aiki-ken, Aiki-jo) certification (Menkyokaiden). Mark traveled extensively with Morihiro Saito Shihan since 1993 and from 1997-2002 served as his primary uke (teaching and demonstrating partner), otomo (personal attendant), and translator. He accompanied his Master frequently throughout Japan, North America, and Europe.

Mark participated six times in Japan’s top Aikido demonstration (Zennippon Aikido Embutaikai), performed Aikido at the 6th World Games, and earned Most Valuable Practitioner Honor at the Kashima Shimbuden Air Self-Defense Forces Aikido Gassyuku. He founded the Minnesota State University-Akita, Japan, Aiki Shuren Dojo, taught at the Akita Aiki Shuren Dojo, and has both lived and trained at the Ibaraki Aiki Shuren Dojo; Founder’s Dojo-Morihiro Saito Shihan, Akita Aiki Shuren Dojo; Shigeru Kawabe Shihan, Honjo Aiki Shuren Dojo; Tokusei Takahashi Shihan, and Shiogama Aiki Shuren Dojo; Kenichi Shibata Shihan. Mark has traveled to countries throughout the world in North America, South America, Europe, and Asia demonstrating and teaching Aikido.

Mark Larson has experience training in various martial arts including Wing Chun Kung- fu, Aikido, Shuriken-jutsu, Judo, Karatedo, Iaido (way of the sword), Jukendo (bayonet), and Taikido (a new art comprised of various Koryu arts [traditional martial arts]). He holds ranking in several of these arts with his main focus being Aikido. He is the founder and chief instructor of the Minnesota Aiki Shuren Dojo, USA, and chief technical advisor for the St. John’s/ St. Benedict’s University Aikido Dojo, Collegeville, MN.