Sensei Takashi Kushida
May 2, 1935 - May 10, 2012
We are deeply saddened to report the passing of our president and head instructor, Sensei Takashi Kushida, who died on May 10, 2012 after an extended illness.
The founder of Yoshokai Aikido, Kushida-sensei was one of the first uchideshi of Gozo Shioda-sensei—an original student of Morihei Ueshiba-sensei.
AYANA activities and training at the Genyokan Dojo in Ann Arbor will continue under the direction of Kushida-sensei's son, Akira Kushida-sensei.
In accordance with Kushida-sensei’s wishes, there will not be a funeral. Memorial donations may be made to the “Kushida-sensei and Mrs.
Kushida Fund” in care of AYANA, 3796 Plaza Dr. , Suite 3, Ann Arbor, MI 48108.
Aikido is a form of Japanese Budo, a way of study including both physical and
mental training. The word Aikido can be loosely translated as "the Way (do)
of harmony (ai) with nature or universal energy (ki)." Aikido is a way of
studying harmony through physical movements. We study moving in harmony with
others to eventually strive to create harmony with nature.
Aikido - Calligraphy by Kushida-sensei
The Aikido Yoshokai Association of North America (AYANA) is a non profit
educational corporation established by
Takashi Kushida-sensei. AYANA is dedicated to
teaching Yoshokai Aikido and educating the general public about Aikido in
particular and Japanese Budo in general. Kushida-sensei teaches at the
Genyokan Dojo which is the headquarters of
AYANA.