^{Takeda Yoshinobu Shihan, (8th dan) began his study of aikido more than 40 years ago at Aikikai Honbu Dojo in Tokyo. His teacher was the late Yamaguchi Seigo Shihan, 9th dan, a direct student of O-Sensei, aikido's founder. Takeda Shihan was recognised as one of Yamaguchi Sensei’s most gifted and dedicated students.}

In the late 1960’s Takeda Shihan was directed by Yamaguchi Shihan to establish a dojo in the Yokohama area. Today he is regarded as one of the greatest living masters of aikido. Takeda Sensei’s aikido is incredibly beautiful, dynamic and powerful, yet overwhelmingly soft and effortless. In training, his consistent direction is: "Gather your partner! Simply move together!" Takeda Shihan's unique combination of qualities has attracted and inspired students from all over the world.

Photo courtesy of Takeda Satoshi Sensei

Photo courtesy of Takeda Satoshi Sensei

Takeda Shihan has a long-held, intense interest in holistic healing, not only of the individual's mind and body, but in the healing of society and humankind: "Our Aikido is just one of the countless methods to cultivate our inner world which resonates with the nature's breathing. Aikido is my favorite way though!"

Takeda Shihan is currently the director of Aikido Kenkyukai International and of the Shonan Aikido Renmei in Kamakura, Japan, where he teaches. He is also a member of the Aikikai Board of Directors at Honbu Dojo in Tokyo.

(Excerpts thanks to Berin MacKenzie Sensei, AKI Sydney

The human spirit has the wondrous capacity to extend a hundred million light years, beyond the limits of space. Let us try to purify our minds in practice. If you can focus clearly only for an instant, in that moment you will know yourself with the mind of the Universe."

Takeda Yoshinobu Shihan

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(Photos by Steve unless noted)