Message of Greeting
Kaishu (Founder) Koretoshi Maruyama
I regret to inform you that I have decided to step down from my position as Kaishu of Aikido Yuishinkai, effective March 31, 2026.
Looking back, I founded Aikido Yuishinkai in May 1996, and this year marks its 30th anniversary. I was 60 years old at that time. This October, I will turn 90.
At the age of ninety, although the spirit remains youthful, it is no longer possible to move with the same agility and sharpness as before.
Fortunately, I have been blessed with truly outstanding students. It is difficult to compare them, as they are all excellent. However, among them, there is one individual who stands out remarkably—someone who excels in mind, technique, and body. I have decided to entrust this person with the role of second-generation Kaishu of Aikido Yuishinkai.
His name is Sachio Tazoe. He joined as a first-year student when I was instructing the Aikido Club at Keio University.
Among many talented individuals, he distinguished himself as exceptional. In his third year, he was unanimously recommended by all members to serve as captain of the club.
While he excels in mind, technique, and body, his greatest characteristic is his sincerity. He is both sincere and strongly averse to losing.
Please understand this well: there are two kinds of “dislike of losing”—a twisted, stubborn kind, and a sincere kind. The sincere kind accepts the teachings of one’s instructor and the advice of seniors with humility, and at the same time refuses to yield to one’s own inner weaknesses.
Not only in martial arts, but also in athletics, it is people of this nature who win medals at the Olympic Games.
When I established Aikido Yuishinkai, he joined immediately. For the past 30 years, he has not missed a single day, continuing to train while commuting nearly two hours each way.
He currently serves as Head of Instructors in Japan and as Assistant to the Kaishu. He is also highly proficient in languages, speaking not only English but also German and several other languages.
As of April 1, 2026, I hereby appoint Sachio Tazoe as Kaishu of Aikido Yuishinkai.
I sincerely ask all members for your continued support and guidance of him.