A great deal of emphasis is placed on a stable hanmi or stance in Iwama-style aikido. Every class in an Iwama-style dojo begins with the techniques and and ends with . Several Iwama-style dojos around the world, such as Aikido in Fredericksburg, offer live-in apprentice programs ("uchi-deshi programs") modeled after Saito's program in Iwama. Progression Saito believed in a progression from static techniques to the spontaneous takemusu aiki. Many Iwama-style practitioners practice in stages, most often divided into: (basic/foundational) or (static) practice or (soft, flowing movement) (lit. the flow of ki) Technical characteristics In certain stances, a slight tilt of the hips is characteristic of the style. The feet are kept on a line, but the front foot points forward rather than turned out (in contrast to the Yoshinkan) causing the hips to be slightly rotated. In work, the posture of , or standing with a dramatically minimized profile facing the opponent, is another unique characteristic of Iwama aikido. Many techniques, especially techniques that begin from , start with nage (thrower or initiator) initiating a strike to uke (receiver) in the basic form of the technique. This is common in Yoshinkan, Manseikan, and Michio Hikitsuchi's basic practices and the founder's instruction in budo, but opposite of how many other styles of Aikido teach the techniques. Even when is striking, it is emphasized that tori initiates the encounter. Saito referred to this as the "way of the mountain echo" (yamabiko no michi), presumably after a poem by the founder. In keeping with the above, most grabs in Iwama aikido are formalized as a response to a threat from unlike in most aikido styles that start attacks with a grab. As a result, Iwama-style grabs are firm and static without pushing or pulling and with the intention of immobilizing the body. Suwari-waza in Iwama style is started completely in seiza. This is in contrast to some other styles where the practitioners often start already on their toes (kiza). Iwama stylists employ kiai and atemi with great consistency. in Iwama-style aikido is always performed with the hips perpendicular to the and the hips acting as a fulcrum. In ukemi (responding) Iwama practitioners will usually attempt to parry the being thrown by , which may or may not be encouraged in other styles of aikido. Rolls are usually performed with the rear leg tucked. (weapons technique) Focus on and (the relationship between weapons and