General News: Michio Hikitsuchi Sensei Passes Away

2/03/2004 10:14am [from Jun Akiyama]

I have just received a report that Michio Hikitsuchi sensei, 10th dan, of Shingu in Japan has passed away on February 2nd. The notice that I received read, in part, "Hikitsuchi Sensei was the Chief Instructor of Aikido Kumano Juku in Shingu, Japan, a dojo that was important to Osensei, and the dojo where Anno Sensei has trained and taught for the last 50 years. Hikitsuchi Sensei was a close and devoted student of Osensei, and has been a teacher of profound influence for Aikidoists in Japan and numerous other countries. His passing will reverberate throughout the Aikido world. One by one the first generation of Aikido teachers is leaving, and entrusting the future of Aikido to us." If I receive any further news, I will be sure to post them. My condolences to all of his students, family, and loved ones.

tears and inspiration... thank you sensei

Although I never got a chance to train with his students, I greatly enjoyed Hikitsuchi sensei's tapes. It is a sad day for the aikido world. His legacy will endure through his top students such as Anno sensei and Clint George sensei. My condolences to those close to him