I remember the first time I saw Tamura Sensei. It was Montreal, May 1997. Sensei was teaching a seminar at Aikido de la Montagne, and to my 4th kyu eyes, it looked like magic.
I remember seeing Sensei call both Peter Bernath and Donovan Waite to demonstrate, as ukes. They each held the end of a jo, with both hands, facing him. And then…something happened. Donovan and Peter went flying.
My memory of Sensei is that of a generous teacher, someone who loved Aikido. More than that, though. He seemed to enjoy Aikido, enjoy helping others. Although I only saw Sensei in seminars, he made a lasting impression on me.
Tamura Sensei passed on July 9, 2010, after a bout with pancreatic cancer.
Rest in peace, Sensei.
Dee would tell me that Tamura Sensei was always smiling, on and off the mat.
I was lucky to see Kanai Sensei before he passed on, and am sad that I never had the opportunity to see Tamura Sensei. The stories I hear from Dee and others tell me that Tamura Sensei was a warm, friendly person.
I had read about this over the weekend.
It is a great loss. My condolences go out to his family and students.