From 1945 to 1948, he was a prisoner in Siberia, following the defeat of Japan, where he also served as an interpreter having studied Russian at the university. He was released in July 1948 and settled in Hokkaido.
Regularly, he returned from Manchuria to Tokyo and studied at Kobukan … At the time, there was Kanshu Sunadomari , Toshinobu Matsumoto, Koichi Tohei and Kisaburo Osawa who arrived in September 1940.
In 1950, Shigenobu OKUMURA moved and taught at Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo and actively participated in the development of post-war Aikido.
He was Director of the Japanese Aikido Federation.
In 1973 he wrote a book called “Aikido”
He was responsible for beginners at the Hombu Dojo for many years.
PHILIPPE GRANGE having practiced with him at Aikikai adds:
“The test of passing grades took with him a particular aspect:
– a first Sensei noted the Kyu
– another older noted the Dan
– finally, Master Okumura gave his opinion on a global level (spirit, commitment…)”
Source: Aikido/Facebook
