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Shihan Reishin Kawai
Reishin Kawai, 8th dan, was born on 28th February, 1931, in the town of Yasugi, Shimane, in Japan. In his youth he studied Aikido with Torataro Saito, who also taught him oriental medicine. Later, he continued his studies at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo with the Founder, O-sensei Morihei Ueshiba, together with the Founder's son, (then) Waka-Sensei Kisshomaru Ueshiba. At the same time, he graduated as an M.D. in Oriental Medicine from Tsukushoku University, under the tutelage of Mishimasa Nishizawa. Kawai Sensei proceeded to become an associate professor in the subjects of general acupunture and moxa technique at the Faculty of Oriental Medicine at Tsukushoku University - as well as assuming office as President of the Nihon Kobudo Iho Fukyukai, the Japanese Society for Martial Arts and Acupuncture Studies.
In 1963, the Founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, presented him with the Shihan diploma (the official recognition as a Master level teacher) and gave him the mission of introducing Aikido in Brazil - a mission Kawai Sensei accepted without hesitation. From 1976 to 1984 he was Vice President of The International Aikido Federation (IAF), subsequently becoming Director General of The South American Aikido Federation, and the official repesentative of Aikikai Hombu Dojo. In Brazil he married Leticia Okubo and became the father of two daughters, Cristina and Lilba Okubo Kawai, and the grandfather of two grandchildren, Lariza and Matias.
Until his untimely death, Kawai Sensei was the highest ranking Aikido practitioner in South America. He dedicated his life to promoting Aikido and training Aikido instructors. Kawai Sensei continued teaching until just before his passing on 27th January, 2010. It was impressive to feel the energy flowing through his every move, and to behold the knowledge and mastery with which he wielded the techniques of aikido - until the very end.
Kawai Sensei expressed his view of life thus:
"Illness comes from acting contrary to the rules of Nature. We must live in harmony with Nature, following the natural movements of the body without too much effort, in order to maintain good health and a long life. A martial art characterized by movements that attune you harmoniously to nature - that is Aikido.
All its movements are circular and the art lies not in attempting to control others, but yourself. When you control yourself, you will have complete mastery of yourself, and nothing will be impossible."