Steven Seagal's Martial Arts History
Steven Seagal is the first foreigner ever to own and operate an Aikido dojo in Japan. Known as 'Master Take Shigemichi', he was the chief instructor at the Aikido Tenshin Dojo in the city of Osaka. The well-known actor uses his Japanese name, Take, Shigemichi, in the Aikido world. 'Take' is the family name of his first wife and parents-in-law.
Steven Seagal currently holds a 7th Dan granted by the Aikikai.
Seagal Sensei began training in karate under Fumio Demura, and later began practise of aikido in the late 1960s or early 1970s at the Orange County Aikikai in California under Harry Ishisaka.
Seagal Sensei received his 1st Dan from koichi Tohei in Orange County in the summer of 1974 and traveled to Japan shortly thereafter. Seagal separated from Tohei's organization and assumed direction of the AIKIKAI-HOMBU affiliated Tenshin Aikido Dojo in Osaka which was owned by his Japanese wife's parents.
He was rapidly promoted to 5th Dan in consideration of his position as chief instructor of the dojo and was eventually awarded 6th Dan.
Steven currently trains out of his home with his senior students, who in turn operate the dojos in Los Angeles and Taos.
Seagal Sensei is a priest of the Omoto-Kyo sect, as was O-Sensei.
Seagal Sensei's name in Aikido circles is Take Shigemichi, meaning pathway to Prosperity.