ABOUT US
Legacy
of
Aikido
Here we present the profiles of the most influential masters who have left a profound mark on our organization. Meet the senseis whose dedication and teaching have shaped and enriched the journey of many Aikido practitioners. Here you will find their life stories, achievements, and the lasting impact these masters have had on the Aikido community.
Yoshimitsu Yamada
8° Dan Shihan
February 17, 1938 - January 15, 2023
Born on February 17, 1938, in Tokyo, Yoshimitsu Yamada was influenced early by his cousin Tadashi Abe, an aikido practitioner. After moving to Korea during WWII and returning to Japan, Yamada joined the Hombu Dojo at 18, despite never having trained in martial arts before.
Yamada trained under Morihei Ueshiba and other prominent instructors, enduring rigorous conditions and a demanding schedule. His training forged strong bonds with fellow uchi-deshi like Nabuyoshi Tamura and Sadateru Arikawa.
In 1964, Yamada was sent to New York to promote aikido. He faced significant challenges, including financial hardships and visa issues. Despite these obstacles, he founded the New York Aikikai and played a crucial role in spreading aikido across the Eastern Seaboard. His dedication led to the establishment of the United States Aikido Federation in 1968.
Yamada’s commitment to aikido took him worldwide, teaching and promoting the art. In 1992, he invited Seichi Sugano to join him at the New York Aikikai, making it unique for having two direct students of O-Sensei as instructors.
Yoshimitsu Yamada passed away on January 15, 2023. His legacy endures through the countless students he inspired and the profound impact he had on the aikido community worldwide.
Kazuo Chiba
8° Dan Shihan
February 5, 1940 - June 5, 2015
Born in 1940, Chiba Sensei became an uchi-deshi at Hombu Dojo in 1958.
He moved to Great Britain in 1966 and was instrumental in the development of aikido in Britain and Europe. He returned to Japan in 1975, where he served as Secretary of the International Department of Hombu Dojo and became Assistant General Secretary of the International Aikido Federation.
In 1981, he relocated to the United States as the chief instructor of San Diego Aikikai. He was the President of the Teaching Committee of Birankai International, Technical Director of United Kingdom Aikikai, and Technical Director of the Tessokai Iaido Institute.
Chiba Sensei passed away on June 5, 2015.
Kazuo Chiba
8° Dan Shihan
February 5, 1940 - June 5, 2015
Born in 1940, Chiba Sensei became an uchi-deshi at Hombu Dojo in 1958.
He moved to Great Britain in 1966 and was instrumental in the development of aikido in Britain and Europe. He returned to Japan in 1975, where he served as Secretary of the International Department of Hombu Dojo and became Assistant General Secretary of the International Aikido Federation.
In 1981, he relocated to the United States as the chief instructor of San Diego Aikikai. He was the President of the Teaching Committee of Birankai International, Technical Director of United Kingdom Aikikai, and Technical Director of the Tessokai Iaido Institute.
Chiba Sensei passed away on June 5, 2015.
Mitsunari Kanai
8° Dan Shihan
April 15, 1939 - March 28, 2004
Chief Instructor of New England Aikikai (1966-2004)
Born in 1938, Kanai Sensei joined Aikikai in 1958 as an uchi-deshi at Hombu Dojo.
He arrived in the United States in 1966 and went on to found New England Aikikai. He played a crucial role in the early development of aikido in the United States and Canada, conducting seminars across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Latin America.
He was a founding member and Technical Director of both the USAF and the CAF.
Kanai Sensei passed away on March 28, 2004.
Seiichi Sugano
8° Dan Shihan
December 17, 1939 - August 29, 2010
Chief Instructor – New York Aikikai; Technical Director – Australia and Belgium
Born in 1939, Sugano Sensei joined Aikikai around 1957 and became an uchi-deshi approximately a year later.
He moved to Australia in 1965 to teach aikido, pioneering its spread in both Australia and New Zealand before relocating to Belgium in 1979 to teach in Europe.
In the 1990s, he was invited by Yamada Sensei to teach at New York Aikikai, residing in the United States and contributing to the unique dojo where two direct students of the founder taught simultaneously. He continued to conduct aikido seminars worldwide and guided aikido organizations in Australia and Belgium until his passing in 2010.
Seiichi Sugano
8° Dan Shihan
December 17, 1939 - August 29, 2010
Chief Instructor – New York Aikikai; Technical Director – Australia and Belgium
Born in 1939, Sugano Sensei joined Aikikai around 1957 and became an uchi-deshi approximately a year later.
He moved to Australia in 1965 to teach aikido, pioneering its spread in both Australia and New Zealand before relocating to Belgium in 1979 to teach in Europe.
In the 1990s, he was invited by Yamada Sensei to teach at New York Aikikai, residing in the United States and contributing to the unique dojo where two direct students of the founder taught simultaneously. He continued to conduct aikido seminars worldwide and guided aikido organizations in Australia and Belgium until his passing in 2010.
Nobuyoshi Tamura
8° Dan Shihan
March 2, 1933 - July 9, 2010
Director of the French Federation of Aikido and Budo
Born in 1933, Tamura Sensei became an uchi-deshi at Aikikai in 1953. He was O-Sensei’s favorite uke and accompanied the Founder on numerous demonstrations, including his only visit to the United States, in Hawaii, in 1961.
He moved to Marseille, France, in 1964 as the official representative of Aikikai. He played a significant role in the tremendous growth of aikido in both Western and Eastern Europe.
He was Technical Director of aikido in numerous European countries and federations and an original member of the IAF’s High Council. He continued to lead seminars around the world until his passing in 2010.
