T. S. Okuyama

(b. 30 April 1949). 6th Dan Aikikai (2003). Aikido/iaido instructor. B. in Shizuoka, Japan. B.S. in engineering (Illinois Institute of Technology). First taught aikido by Akira TOHEI in 1972 in Chicago. Also studied Muso Shinden Iaido under T. Mitsuzuka and T. K. CHIBA receiving the rank of 5th Dan. Served as the first president of the Midwest Aikido Center in Chicago. Returned to Japan in 1976 during which time he trained at the AIKIKAI HOMBU DOJO and with Hiroshi TADA at the Gessoji Dojo in Tokyo. Relocated to the USA in 1979 and began training under T. K. Chiba in San Diego. Again returned to Japan in 1983 where he resumed training under Hiroshi Tada. Moved to Ann Arbor, Michigan in 1985 and founded the Great Lakes Aikikai in 1988. Also taught aikido at the University of Michigan. Relocated to Albuquerque, New Mexico in 2001 where he is chief instructor of the Albuquerque Aikikai.