In 1965 Sugano Sensei was sent to Australia to introduce Aikido. He did that for 15 years and made Aikido quite popular in the country. The Aiki Kai Australia organization was founded by the Sensei during this time.
While Seiichi Sugano Sensei was doing his best in Australia, Tamura Sensei became so busy in Europe that he asked for help in Belgium, Luxembourg and Netherlands. Sugano Shihan spent the next 8 years teaching in Europe.
In 1988 Sensei went to New York, USA. This time he was instructing in the New York Aikikai along with the Yoshimitsu Yamada Shihan, the President of the US Aikido Federation.
Sugano Sensei remained under the Aikikai. He kept contact with Australia where he was giving seminars twice a year and was also a usual guest in Europe and Asia. He conducted the gradings in the number of countries around the world.
Shihan was known for possessing both speed and power. His teaching emphasized timing and distance, within a fundamental study of basic technique. For many people, all over the world, he was an embodiment of O-Sensei’s philosophy of love, kindness and compassion.
In 2003, Sugano suffered a below the knee amputation, but he continued to teach and demonstrate aikido without any severe limitation. A medical fund was set up to cover his ongoing medical costs.
Sugano died in New York City on August 29, 2010. The Foundation he established in Australia prior to his death, continues to promote Sugano’s aikido legacy internationally.
Three of Sugano’s students were promoted to 7th dan on his recommendation: Tony Smibert (Tasmania), Robert Botterill (Melbourne) and Hanan Janiv (Canberra). They had also been awarded the title of Shihan.
