pamelonian

The Head Instructor of our dojo, where I practice aikido, the Head Instructor of Kansas Ki Society, passed away last night in his sleep. He had fought a long battle with stomach cancer, but it finally took him. He was 78. He was my teacher and "grandfather figure." We will all miss him terribly. He has not been his old self for months, it had been over a year since he had yelled at us. I find that I miss it. Under his teaching, I grew to the rank of sandan (3rd-degree black belt). I got to travel with him to Denver, St. Louis, Seattle, Maui, and even Japan. I never would have gone so far without him.

I don't have much else. Here are some photos.

This was Sensei just a year ago talking about reaching the age of 77.

Here he is writing some of his calligraphy on a wooden sword for a fundraiser in Denver.