Shizuo Imaizumi 今泉鎮雄

(b. 1938). 7th dan Shinshin Toitsu Aikido. Graduate of Waseda University where he began his aikido training in May 1959. Became a full-time instructor at the AIKIKAI HOMBU DOJO in January 1965. First traveled abroad in Spring 1972 to California and Seattle, Washington to assist Roderick KOBAYASHI. Sided with Koichi TOHEI upon his separation from the Aikikai in 1974. Moved to New York City in 1975 where he taught for many years as a representative of SHINSHIN TOITSU AIKIDO. Imaizumi temporarily stopped teaching in New York in 1987 and returned to Japan. Upon his return to New York in 1988, he established the SHIN BUDO KAI, a national aikido organization independent of Shinshin Toitsu Aikido.