Sugano’s influence

After 15 years in Australia, Sugano Shihan left to teach aikido in Europe . It was while in Belgium that Sugano sensei met Pennewaert sensei, who became Sugano sensei’s otomo (attendant to the instructor). Pennewaert Sensei had originally followed Tamura sensei but after several encounters with Sugano Shihan, it was by divine intervention that Pennewaert sensei realized after (receiving approval from Tamura sensei) that he was to follow Sugano Shihan for the rest of his life. In 1988, Sugano Shihan went to New York to help teach alongside Yamada Yoshimitsu, 8th dan, Shihan and President of the US Aikido Federation. During this time, Pennewaert sensei served as uchi deshi to Sugano and Yamada, and he was privileged to teach at the New York Aikikai on several occassions.

When Pennewaert sensei opened his school in Southern California, Sugano sensei named “Shin Do Kan” (House where you practice the way of the heart) – the same name bestowed on the first dojo opened by Pennewaert in Belgium in 1987 – and presented the new school with the customary “ai-ki-do” scroll which he created by his own hand. Sugano Shihan’s “ai-ki-do” scroll is now permanently displayed as part of our dojo’s kamisa (front of the training area).

Sugano Shihan conducted aikido workshops all over the world, but always maintained regular contact with the Shin Do Kan dojo, which included an annual weekend seminar. For many people, all over the world, Sugano Shihan was an embodiment of the aikido philosophy that we are all connected in ways we may never fully understand.