GRANDMASTERS

AKIMOTO SENSEI

Grandmaster Akimoto Fumio Sensei was born on 30 November 1894 in Asuka-Mura, Takachi-Gun, Nara-Ken.

He was 5 years younger than Grandmaster Takamatsu Toshitsugu Sensei and was his highest ranking and leading pupil.

He died on 20 July 1962. He was especially good at Taijutsu and Bikenjutsu. Grandmaster Takamatsu Toshitsugu Sensei once said: "I have to be on guard seriously when I teach him or have training with him in Ken!"

Grandmaster Akimoto Fumio Sensei held Menkyo Kaiden (Grandmastership) in Gikan Ryu Koppo-Jutsu and Shoken Ryu Daken-Taijutsu.

Unfortunately, he passed away before he had next generation made up, so Grandmaster Takamatsu Toshitsugu Sensei decided to make next generation Grandmaster in Gikan Ryu Koppo-Jutsu Grandmaster Sato Kinbei Sensei.

He won a match against the famous Judoka Mr. Mifune Kyuzo and later he entered the Kodokan where he became 5th Dan (the highest grading in that time). He was married to Mrs. Mitsu Abe.

Their son, Dr. Koki Akimoto has a good relationship with Grandmaster Tanemura Tsunehisa Shoto Sensei.