Gilbert James

Gilbert James, 7th dan, was the Chief Instructor of the Midwest Yoshinkan Aikido Association(MYAA) and IS responsible for all the dojos in the association. James Sensei was also one of the founders of The MYAA.

Born in Chicago in 1934, James Sensei began his study of the traditional martial arts in 1959, and continued in his teaching and training until the time of his passing.

During his many years of training, he achieved black belt ranking in: Jujitsu, 3rd dan; Judo , 2 dan; Kobujitsu, 2nd dan; Karate, 1st dan; Aikido Yoshinkan, 7th dan. He has also spent alot of time studying kendo. James Sensei recieved instruction from some of the greatest teachers of our time.

His teaching career began in 1961; first for the Chicago Park District, and on to various universites, YMCA's, as well as commercial martial arts schools in Chicago and other cities. James Sensei has been fortunate to train with instructors of the Yoshinkan Honbu Dojo in Tokyo, Japan.

He also experience some training with the Riot Control Squad of the Tokyo Metropolitan Police. Many law enforcement groups have benefited from his instruction. James Sensei was also the head instructor of the Seigokan Dojo.

On Tuesday, February 26, Sensei Gilbert James passed away. Sensei James, who had been battling cancer, had dedicated the past 40 years of his life to Yoshinkan Aikido