Portrait of Sato Sensei in 2007
March 8 - The American Embassy community lost a dear teacher and friend when Shizuya Sato, Chief Instructor of the American Embassy Judo club, passed away recently.
Sato Sensei, second from left, and members of the American Embassy Judo Club present a commemorative plaque to Ambassador Douglas MacArthur II, as the club's first honorary president, in 1959.
A founding member of the International Martial Arts Federation (IMAF), Sato Sensei strove to promote interest in Japanese martial arts among the foreign community in Japan.
He founded our Embassy Judo Club in 1957, and every Saturday morning he taught American Embassy staff and their children about the importance of developing their minds and bodies.
Sato Sensei demonstrates some judo moves.
We will miss Sato Sensei but will not forget his spirit of friendship and his love of children. Although he has departed this earth, numerous Embassy employees and their families will continue to recall Sato Sensei's devotion to Japanese martial arts.
We are forever grateful for his patience and kindness in teaching us so much about Japanese traditions and values. He truly enriched our lives.
Until next time,
Jim
My family extends condolences to Sato Sensei's family and friends. We attended several of the IMAF seminars in the USA and had the distinct honor of meeting and training with Sato Sensei. He signed a copy of his book for my son, Roman, then 10 years old. Roman is now 14 and a junior Black Belt, thanks to the dedication and fine example Sato Sensei exemplified and imparted onto all he met and trained. May his soul and all the souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace. Amen.
