Seiichi Sugano, 8th Dan, Shihan

December 17, 1939 - August 29, 2010

The members of Florida Aikikai send our most sincere condolences to the family and friends of Seiichi Sugano Sensei. We will remember him always.

Reflections

"Sugano Sensei has passed away in New York. He challenged illness with great courage, then passed away peacefully in the arms of his family. Sensei touched and changed the lives of generations of aikido students around the world. We were privileged to know him."

from the Australian Aikikai website

There is a huge hole in the Aikido world with the passing of Sugano Sensei. His Aikido was amazing and he was an even more amazing human being. I feel blessed to have had the opportunity to train with him and to simply have known him. He was a great example and guiding light for so many of us for so many years. I remember how he showed such incredible courage and acceptance after his amputation, saying that he needed a new challenge anyway. And then teaching classes of such power and fluidity that it appeared he's never had the operation. Incredible. Just thinking about him, his character, spirituality and humanity inspires me to strive to be the best person I can be. I will miss him greatly but always appreciate the gift of knowing him.

Sincerely, Peter Bernath

Sugano Sensei was a welcome and annual feature instructor at the Florida Winter Seminar. We were very lucky to have had his influence in our Aikido training. He was a master teacher, mentor and humanist. His ideas and his teachings will be forever remembered through his students as they teach others.

Penny Bernath

We were so sad to hear of Sugano Sensei's passing. It is truly a great loss to the Aikido community. Sid & I feel a personal loss as we have known him for a long time. He was a strong determined person to keep on going inspite of his disabilites. Our prayers go out to his family for comfort in knowing he is at peace at last.

Sincerely Sid & Barbara Spencer

Please email us to share your thoughts, memories, or reflections on Sugano Sensei's passing.