Shigeru Kawabe Shihan, 7th Dan
November 8, 1939 – February 28th 2003

Shigeru Kawabe Shihan was born in November 1939 in Tokyo, Japan. Throughout his life, he trained in various martial arts including Judo, Karate, Jukendo (bayonet), and Aikido. At his passing he held a 7th degree black belt in Aikido (7th Dan Aikikai) acquired from the Hombu Dojo, World Headquarters.

His major influences in Aikido came from the direction of such masters as the 2nd Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba, Rinjiro Shirata, Morihiro Saito and Hiroshi Isoyama to name a few.  Shortly before his passing, he had retired from the Aikido positions of vice-president of the Northern Japan Region (Tohoku) and president of the Akita-branch. Till his death, he held a position on the board of the All Japan Aikido Federation (Aikikai), granted to only sixteen individuals within the country. Master Kawabe has taught throughout Japan as well as overseas, traveling 22 times to countries in North America, South America, Europe and Asia.  He was founder and chief-instructor of Akita Aiki Shuren Dojo (1981-2003), located in Akita City, Akita Prefecture, Japan. He also taught Aikido for Minnesota State University in Akita (Fall 1993 – Summer 2001).

(Written by Mark L. Larson)