Aikido of Minnesota is a World Aikido Aikikai Inc. (WAAI) dojo. WAAI was founded by Rev. Zenko N. Okimura, 7th Dan Shihan. The acronym WAAI forms two Japanese words that translates to “embracing peace.”
Okimura shihan was born in Iwakuni, Japan. He began his Aikido study in 1963, and received his 1st Dan in 1968 from the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba. Doshu, Moriteru Ueshiba, grandson of the Founder, and Okimura Shihan studied under Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba, son of the Founder, at Aikido World Headquarters in Tokyo.
Okimura Shihan was also a Shingon Buddhist priest. He made his home in Delaware from 1993 until his passing in 2022. Although we will not be able to see him physically any longer, his enormous compassion, love and care will live within us and so many people that he cared dearly for.
