Osaka 1933 · Saint-Maximin 2010

Tamura Nobuyoshi Shihan

Uchideshi of Morihei Ueshiba. 8th dan Aikikai. For nearly half a century, the teacher who carried aikido across Europe.

“Master Tamura was the favorite disciple of the late Master Ueshiba ... the revered Founder of aikido regarded him as his son.”
Doshu Ueshiba Kisshomaru, preface to Méthode nationale d’Aïkido (1975), from French

Biography

From Osaka and the Hombu Dojo to Marseille, the FFAB and the Shumeikan.

Principles & Lineage

How he practiced and saw aikido, from rei and musubi to weapons. And the students who carry it on.

Remembrance

Tributes written in 2010 and the seminars held in his memory.

“Aikido is aikido.”
Tamura Nobuyoshi, interview with Léo Tamaki, 2007 (from French: « L’Aïkido c’est l’Aïkido »).

Black-and-white photo: Tamura Shihan, in white keikogi and dark hakama, stands watching rows of students practicing in pairs on the mat at Lesneven; a portrait of O-Sensei hangs on the dojo wall behind them. — Tamura Shihan teaching at the Lesneven summer course, 2006. Photo: Christophe Dang Ngoc Chan, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0.

A biography is being written

A biography of Tamura Shihan is in preparation. It will be carefully sourced and international in scope. Did you train with him, host him or work alongside him? Your memories can help.

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