(1912-6 February 1972). 7th dan Aikikai [awarded posthumously]. B. Maui, Hawaii. Lived in Japan from age five to ten. Attained high rankings in kendo and judo. Takahashi was one of the first to study aikido under Koichi TOHEI in 1953 in Honolulu and became a pioneer of the art in Hawaii. He relocated to Los Angeles in 1960 to become the chief instructor of the Los Angeles Aikikai. He later moved to Chicago to serve as chief instructor of the Illinois Aikido Club. Takahashi was a major force in the early development of aikido in the western United States. He remained active until a few months before his death due to stomach cancer.