Josh Gold(b. 1917). 8th dan Shinshin Toitsu Aikido (1993). Retired police officer and aikido pioneer in Hawaii. B. Waikapu, Maui, Hawaii. Early background in judo. First taught aikido by Koichi TOHEI in 1953. Became chief instructor of Maui Aikido Club. Spent three months training at AIKIKAI HOMBU DOJO in 1959 at invitation of Tohei. Retired from Maui Police Department in 1972 followed by 15 months of training in Japan under Tohei. Became Head of Foreign Affairs for the KI NO KENKYUKAI. Has traveled extensively teaching in the USA, Europe, Brazil, New Zealand and Japan. Chief instructor of the Maui Ki Society. [Christopher Curtis collaborated on this entry]
Are you looking to add entries to your encyclopedia? I began my study of aikido in Hawaii and trained under several different senseis and feel that some of them deserve an entry in your encyclopedia. My first sensei was Gene Naipo Sensei. When Osensei visited Hawaii, Naipo Sensei acted as his chaffeur and drove Osensei around. I did an interview with Naipo Sensei in which he talked about Osensei’s visit. I also trained with Ralph Glanstein Sensei who moved to Hawaii from New York. Glanstein Sensei helped start the New York Aikikai. I also did an interview with Glanstein Sensei (It was published in Aikido Today Magazine in a heavily edited version). If possible I’d be glad to submit the entire interview to you if you wish to include it on your site. I also trained with Harry Ito Sensei who continued to practice into his nineties, even after triple by pass surgery. Ito and Naipo Sensei went with Tohei Sensei at the split. Glanstein Sensei went with Hombu. Anyway, if you’re interested in having entries done for these Senseis or would like me to submit my interview with Glanstein Sensei let me know. I’d like to contribute in this way if I can.
Bob Wilders
Hey Bob, Jeff Glanstein here. I would appreciate if you could send me the un-edited version of the article. I probably heard all of the stories but after 20 years it would be nice to hear them again. My father and my brother Steve were at the meeting when the split happened. My father had his reasons for staying with the establishment of Hombu Dojo. I personally think that Tohei Sensei’s way was more to my liking. Removing Ki from Aikido only leaves Ai-do. My father never left out Ki, but he kept his allegiance with Hombu Dojo. I am still bothered by the split. All the best, Jeff Glanstein