We have just been notified of the passing of Nobuyoshi Tamura Sensei in France on July 9. Tamura Sensei was one of the giants of the aikido world, and one of the last of the early postwar generation of Hombu Dojo instructors. In his youth, he was one of the leading uchideshi at Aikikai Hombu Dojo under Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba. Tamura Sensei was a favored uke of the founder and can often be seen in the old aikido films of the 50s and 60s.
Tamura Sensei lived and taught in France starting in 1964 and became one of the leading figures in European aikido in both the technical and organizational sense. He authored several books on the art and was frequently featured in the media. Tamura Sensei traveled far and wide during much of his career and his influence was widespread.
Our sincere condolences go out to his family and students on this sad occasion.
Further information in the French language is available here.
There may well be very few students of Ueshiba Aikido that merit the accolade of faithful representative of the Founder’s art, vision and passion for Aiki.
Nobuyoshi Tamura Shihan was certainly one of them.
Gookuroo sama deshita, Sensei.
May you rest in eternal peace.
A huge chunk of Aikido foundation has broken away. Gratitude for Tamura Sensei’s contributions, and condolences to his family and students.
In Remembrance…
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=TAMURA%2C+NOBUYOSHI&aq=f
Gassho Sensei.
Regarding Tamura Sensei’s passing
I’m saddened by the passing of Tamura Sensei. Over the years I always enjoyed his classes, had the opportunity to take ukemi a few times, and had a few opportunities to visit off the mat. He seemed always kindhearted to me and always the gentleman. I even enjoyed the habit he had of performing a technique and then scratching behind his ear before the next one, as if to say “Well, let’s see what’s next.”
As another personal anecdote, it impressed me that several years back he purposely came over to several of my students and I at a banquet just to hang out, talk and joke. He was even the one who initiated we take photos of our smiling faces. Those photos always remind me of his kindness and the good feelings with him on that night.
His good humor, combined with his intensity and technical mastery will be missed by those who had the opportunity to be with him on the mat. He has left a legacy to be honored and he will, most certainly, be missed with respect, admiration and fondness.
Greg O’Connor
Dojo Cho, Aikido Centers of New Jersey
Regarding Tamura Sensei’s passing,
We are all saddened by the passing of Tamura Sensei, we send our condolences to his Family and students at this sad times he will be missed We have lost a great man and teacher of the Arts.
Rest in peace Sensei,
From all the Instructors and student’s
Ipswich Budo Kai Club
&
Aikibudo Fraternity England.
Tamura Sensei is my favourite Aikido Sensei in the world. I will never forget when I met him in San Pablo, Brasil in 1997. I always remeber his classes, he was a really master.
Tamura, I will miss you
(
Love,
Melina, Buenos Aires, Argentina
Tamura sensei was a great Aikidoka.
In the past he traveled to Holland a couple of times a year for Aikido seminars and I have been very lucky to train under Sensei Tamura on several occasions.
A fun loving man and a great eye for detail.
My condoleances to his family and his circle of friends.
John Piket
Plymouth
England
I am very sad to hear of the passing this absolutely fantastic man. I will never forget his visit to Australia to our Summer School in the year 2000. His beautiful flowing style will stay with me forever. I send my sincere condolences to his family at this sad time. The Aikido world has lost a great sensei.
Yours Sincerely
Norman Rowe
Aikido Bendigo,
Victoria, Australia
Tamura Shihan,
Agreat teacher and gentleman. He always had time for everyone on and off the tatami. His memory (and smile) will live in my heart forever.
Rest in peace Sensei.
Mike Williams
Treorchy Aiki Ryu
Wales, UK
My first influence in Aikido……. My condolences to his Family, may he rest in peace