(b. 9 Nov 1943). 6th Dan Aikikai (2004), 7th Dan Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu Bokuyokan (2002). Religious education teacher and aikido instructor. B. in Tokyo, Japan. First taught aikido by Masando SASAKI and Seijuro MASUDA in 1970. Received 5th dan Aikikai (1995) from Seigo YAMAGUCHI. Also studied Daito-ryu aikijujutsu under Katsumi YONEZAWA in 1989 receiving the rank of 7th dan Shihan. Founder and head of Aikido Shinki Rengo and the European representative for Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu Bokuyokan with branches in Germany, Hungary, Slovenia, and the USA. Also teaches Qi-Gong and Zen meditation. Shinki Rengo emphasizes both technical effectiveness and the mental search of the "Way" through aikido and Daito-ryu aikijujutsu.