March 8th-9th, 2014
Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba and Maruyama Sensei in Japan (before moving to the U.S.)
Anniversary celebration seminar
On March 8th-9th, 2014, I traveled to Princeton on the East coast to attend the “45th Anniversary of Bringing Aikido to Philadelphia” Celebration for Shudo (formerly Shuji) Maruyama Sensei. Maruyama Sensei was my first Aikido instructor when I was young in Japan. Originally Maruyama Sensei was an instructor for Aikikai Hombu founded by Founder Morihei Ueshiba. As an Aikikai Headquarters’ instructor, he was sent by Kishomaru Ueshiba to the US where he, currently at the age of 76, has been teaching for over 45 years. Maruyama Sensei has taught Aikido at the University of Pennsylvania, Temple University and Princeton University and has many students who are now teaching Aikido all over the United States.
Maruyama Sensei and Homma Kancho
at the celebration
Students gather in Maruyama Sensei’s honor
As the Founder of Kokikai Aikido, Maruyama Sensei teaches all over the world. At this celebration over 300 of his students gathered to honor this special milestone. Maruyama Sensei also received many letters of congratulations including ones from President Obama and other influential politicians.
Reported by
Gaku Homma, Nippon Kan Kancho
Nippon Kan General Headquarters, AHAN Nippon Kan Founder