Francis Takahashi Sensei - Promoted to 7th Dan
 

F. Takahashi Sensei has been promoted. All I can say is It's About Time. He was there to add to the welcome of O-Sensei when he stepped off the plane in Hawaii. One of the finest human beings I have ever met and trained with.

Re: Takahashi Sensei
 

This Takahashi Sensei?
http://www.aikidoacademyusa.com/inst....html?0414ace0
That is great news. My son and I trained with Takahashi Sensei on Mt Baldy at a weekend retreat. I am in complete agreement with Mr. Hooker. A giant of a man with a heart and spirit to match. Congratulations Takahashi Sensei!:cool:

Re: Takahashi Sensei
 

Wow, I JUST got back from the dojo where Takahashi Sensei shared the good news with us and here it is already on Aikiweb. Information age indeed. :-)

It goes without saying that everyone at the Alhambra Aikido Academy is proud of his lifelong accomplishments as one of the original pioneers of aikido in America, and grateful to have him as a teacher and an inspiration.

Re: Takahashi Sensei
 

Congratulations are certainly in order for a promotion both well-deserved and well overdue.

Re: Takahashi Sensei
 

Francis Takahashi Shihan
Francis Takahashi, 7th Dan, Founder and Chief instructor of the Aikido Academy, is truly one of the pioneers of Aikido in the United States. He began training in 1953 in Hawaii and moved to Los Angeles in 1961 where he practiced under the tutelage of his stepfather, Isao Takahashi, at L.A. Aikikai. The army took him to Chicago in 1963, and while there he became head instructor at the Illinois Aikido Club. Upon his return to California in 1965, he assumed leadership of the Rafu Dojo in East Los Angeles. In the early 1970's he formed Alhambra Aikikai, and the name was eventually changed to the Aikido Academy. Many fine senseis around the country can call Francis Takahashi their first teacher.

Re: Takahashi Sensei
 

Great news. Very deserved.

I have trained and talked with Takahashi Sensei many times. Always a delight.

My very best to him.

Re: Takahashi Sensei
 

Congrats to Sensei! I have not seen him since the Aiki-Expo and I hope to soon. He is a great human being...:)

William Hazen

Re: Takahashi Sensei
 

what a small world, i just saw Takahashi Sensei a couble of weeks a ago at the aikido bridge seminar in san diego

Re: Francis Takahashi Sensei - Promoted to 7th Dan
 

My congratulations go out to Takahashi sensei. I've always enjoyed the times I've had with him in training and talking. I even like some of his jokes!

-- Jun

Re: Francis Takahashi Sensei - Promoted to 7th Dan
 

If you like his jokes you will surely like his "yard sale" gifts.:D

Re: Francis Takahashi Sensei - Promoted to 7th Dan
 

Ah, yes. He gave me one the last time I saw him, in fact!

-- Jun