Sensei (Teacher)

Masashi Numata

USAF Shihan 7th Dan

“Do one’s best, and the Path widens”

Numata Sensei passed away peacefully on May 3, 2023. Rest in Peace, Sensei.

Born in Himeji, Japan, and raised in a Buddhist temple, Mr. Numata had over 50 years of teaching experience in Aikido classes and seminars. For 20 years, he served as one of the Head Teachers of the Kyoto Aikido Committee.  He also spent 25 years studying under Master Tanaka Bansen Sensei of Osaka Aikikai.

Marie Mockers Numata

USAF Shidoin 6th Dan

“There are many paths that lead to the top of the mountain where the same stars can be seen.”

Born in France and raised in America, Mrs. Numata spent 14 years living in Kyoto, Japan, studying Aikido and developing a deeper understanding of the Japanese culture and its essence.  She is a K-12 science school teacher and has over 30 years of experience teaching Aikido.   She has attended various national and international Aikido seminars and demonstrations led by both successors to O-Sensei and refined masters of Aikido (Kisshomaru Ueshiba Sensei, Moriteru Ueshiba Sensei, Tanaka Bansen Sensei, Saito Sensei).  She started her Aikido training in 1983 under Mr. Eugene Waddell at the Richard Stockton University in New Jersey.  Well–traveled internationally, she speaks English, French, and Japanese.