What is Iwama Style Aikido?

Morihiro Saito began training under Ueshiba in 1946 and continued until Ueshiba's death in 1969.

It is thought that Iwama aikido as taught by Saito Sensei is more like aikido as taught by O-Sensei.  See this article by Stan Pranin.

According to Saito discussing other styles of aikido in (Takemusu Aikido Volume 1. Backgrounds and Basics. Aiki News 1994) "The art as it is practised today derives more from the interpretations of leading teachers such as Gozo Shioda, Koichi Tohei, Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Kenji Tomiki and Minoru Mochizuki - all senior disciples of Ueshiba - than the art of the founder himself."

In contrast with some aikido styles Iwama aikido places greater emphasis on first mastering basic techniques (as distinct from starting with more flowing techniques), use of atemi (strikes) to create openings to launch techniques and use of the ken (sword) jo (staff).  Equal time is spent practicing body, ken and jo techniques.

Practicing weapons is a tool to greater control and a stronger bodily structure.