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Old 11-12-2003, 12:16 PM   #1
AikiWeb System
Join Date: Apr 2001
Posts: 1,320
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12/31/1969 4:59pm [from Allan]
Website: http://www.ocaikido.com

Orange County Aikikai will be hosting a series of seminars throughout 2004 to commemorate the 40th Anniversary of Aikido in Orange County. Orange County Aikikai was founded by Harry Kiyoshi Ishisaka Sensei in 1964. Born on December 28, 1928, he began martial arts as a child, practicing sumo, kendo, judo & boxing. After graduating highschool, he joined the U.S. Army where his tour of duty took him to Japan.
In 1953, Koichi Tohei introduced Aikido to the United States. Ishisaka was impressed by the spirituality and effectiveness of aikido so he began his formal training. In 1964, with Tohei Sensei's encouragement, Ishisaka Sensei founded the Westminster Aikido School. Soon it expanded and moved to Garden Grove, where it became Orange County Aikikai.
Before Ishisaka Sensei's passing in 1978, he held the rank of godan (5th dan). His love for the art and the people around him taught his students the importance of fellowship, skill and innovation. This spirit still lives in our dojo. Please check the seminar listings for more information and join us in celebrating 40 years of Aikido in Orange County.
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