Video: Michio Hikitsuchi, 10th dan, at the 1983 All-Japan Aikido Demonstration

“Michio Hikitsuchi, Aikido’s Other 10th Dan!”Michio Hikitsuchi Sensei is well-known in the aikido world as one of the art’s 10th dan. Since he was awarded this rank directly by Aikido Founder Morihei Ueshiba, the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, for many years, never officially recognized his 10th dan. Notwithstanding the controversy over his dan status, Hikitsuchi Sensei was regarded as a gifted teacher and influenced many foreign aikidoka who trained with him in Shingu, near O-Sensei’s birthplace of Tanabe. He also traveled abroad on several occasions visiting the USA and European countries.

Hikitsuchi Sensei wore his trademark white hakama while instructing. Keep in mind that he was also an ordained Shinto priest, and personally considered his oral 10th dan ranking from O-Sensei as a high honor whose authenticity was beyond question.

This video clip is representative of his flowing, dynamic approach to aikido where many of his movements are reminiscent of the Founder himself

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