Robert Bryner Sensei Passes Away

Posted 2012-10-20 21:29:03 by Jun Akiyama


I just received news that Robert Bryner sensei (6th dan aikido, 4th dan aikido Toho Iai, 7th dan Ryu Te) passed away today at 12:50pm (PST). According to his dojo website, he started judo at age 15 in 1957 then started aikido in 1966, receiving his shodan and nidan from Shuji Maruyama sensei, his sandan from Fumio Toyoda sensei, his yondan and godan from Mitsugi Saotome sensei, and his rokudan with Shoji Nishio sensei (with whom he studied for the past 20 years).

My condolences go out to his wife, family, friends, students, and loved ones.

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Bob often came to visit Hawaii. He was one of the founding members of ASU (the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba), and went to high school with my first teacher, Frank Hreha.

Last time that I saw him here he had just had a couple of toes amputated (a couple of weeks before, IIRC) due to complications with his diabetes, but was on the mat training.

Best,

Chris

I had the pleasure of hosting and training with Robert Bryner sensei back in 2002 as part of the Aikido-L (Mailing List) seminar. He was a wonderful gentleman with some of the fastest and most precise hands that I've ever felt. I am sorry to hear of his passing and my condolences go out to his wife, family, friends, students, and loved ones.

-- Jun

Robert Bryner Sensei was an important pioneer for martial arts in California and beyond. He stayed under the radar, focusing on the needs of his primary students in Aikido, Karate, and other related disciplines. He and his lovely bride Chikako spearheaded many functions, introducing name instructors to their students, but also to any who chose to attend regardless of affiliation or organizational identity.
His quiet but admirable leadership will be sorely missed, but have no doubts that his legacy and example will continue to shine brightly in our memories, and our hearts. Rest in Peace, Bryner Sensei.
Heartfelt condolences to his wife, children, students, and many friends and admirers for their loss.

Like Jun, I have fond memories of Bryner Sensei at our 2002 AIkido-L seminar in Palo Alto. My condolences to his family and students.

Here is a link to Bryner-sensei's obituary:

http://www.fukuimortuary.com/fh/obit...93&fh_id=10203