Quote:
Raul Rodrigo wrote:
Saotome: "When I became an uchideshi O-Sensei scolded me more than anyone else. I was an uchideshi for almost 15 years and maybe that's why he found it easier to scold me. I was the clumsy type while other uchideshi were much quicker than me to learn. I was the last to remain as an uchideshi."
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Unfortunately, the numbers don't add up - that would mean that he became an uchi-deshi in 1954 (since Ueshiba died in 1969), even though he
started Aikido at Kuwamori dojo - which didn't
open until 1955 (the first official branch dojo of the Aikikai).
It does add up if you count his time with Kisshomaru after O-Sensei passed away, but that's not the impression given, is it?
FWIW, I've heard at least two other shihan claim to be the "last" uchi-deshi.
Best,
Chris