Motomichi Anno Sensei was one of the highest-level teachers of Aikido in the world. An eighth-degree black belt since 1978, he was among the last generation of Japanese master-teachers to receive direct instruction from the founder of Aikido. Anno Sensei’s simple wisdom, humility, and depth of heart inspired thousands of students and teachers in Japan and around the world.
Anno Sensei was born in 1931 in the Kumano region of Japan, an area where many of Japan’s ancient traditions and spiritual practices have been preserved. He endured poverty and hardship during childhood in wartime Japan, yet emerged from those years with a strong determination to dedicate his life to something positive. At the age of twenty-three, he became a student of the founder of Aikido and began a lifelong devotion to Aikido as a path of peace and the cultivation of the heart.
For decades, Anno Sensei served as a senior instructor at the historic Kumano Juku Dojo in Shingu, Japan. In 1969, he founded his own dojo, Matsubara Dojo, in Kumano City. In 2004, he succeeded the late Michio Hikitsuchi Sensei as chief instructor of the Kumano Juku Dojo, a role he held for nine years. He taught for the remainder of his life at the Funada Dojo, founded by Kiichi Hine Sensei. In recognition of his lifetime dedication to teaching Aikido, Anno Sensei received the prestigious Distinguished Service Award from the Japan Martial Arts Association in 2009.
Deeply rooted in traditional Japanese culture, Anno Sensei was also a profoundly international teacher, with a rare ability to transmit the heart of Aikido across cultural boundaries. Well into his later years, he traveled extensively to teach in the United States and Europe, touching countless lives through his presence and teaching.
Anno Sensei lived with his wife on his family homestead in the countryside of western Japan. His legacy continues through his students, his teachings, and the many communities he shaped through a lifetime of devoted practice.
Message from Linda Holiday
Founder / Senior Teacher • Aikido of Santa Cruz
It is with great sadness yet profound gratitude, that I share with you the news that my teacher, Motomichi Anno Sensei, 8th dan, has passed away. He lived a long, beautiful life of dedication to Aikido practice and teaching, deeply inspired by the founder of Aikido, with whom he began to study when he was 23 years old. On the evening of January 31, at the age of 94, Anno Sensei passed peacefully at home.
I’m told that his last day on this earth was a happy one. As you know, Anno Sensei loved giving calligraphy to people, and that morning he was engaged in plans for his next pieces. In the afternoon, he worked in his garden – a rare pleasure in these recent months of declining health. Last fall there were very difficult times, including a long stay in the hospital. But when I spoke with Sensei on our many video calls, his spirit always seemed to shine brightly despite the physical challenges and pain. A few weeks ago, he shared with us that his theme for 2026 was isshokenmei: “full commitment!”
I first met Anno Sensei in 1973, when I was twenty years old and just beginning my intensive Aikido training in Kumano, Japan. Words cannot express how much he has inspired me ever since. It has been the honor of my life to be his student, to support his contribution to Aikido in every way that I could, and to share that extraordinary experience with so many of you. As I grieve his passage and face the mystery of this huge milestone in my life, I send my heartfelt gratitude to all of you, on our shared path.
Anno Sensei lived fully, shared generously with all of us, and served the path of Aikido with true dedication. May his loving heart, sincere humility, and commitment to O-Sensei’s spiritual teachings continue to inspire people around the world! May his passage remind us to look deeply, love deeply, and continue to learn and share Aikido deeply, as we live our precious lives with full commitment.
– Linda Holiday
Message from Nico Secunda
Executive Director / Chief Instructor • Aikido of Santa Cruz
Motomichi Anno Sensei touched the lives of thousands around the world through his practice and teaching of Aikido. His lifelong pursuit of learning and continued self-development will forever be an inspiration. The humility with which he approached the polishing of his own spirit is a roadmap for sustainable happiness and acts as a shining reminder for all of us to stay humble, no matter what we accomplish in this life.
Anno Sensei’s life was a journey of truth, goodness, and beauty. His love and light will forever live on in our hearts.
I am grateful to have known him, to have been guided by his teaching, and inspired by the way in which he lived his life. And I am grateful that I am not alone, but rather a part of a worldwide tapestry through which Anno Sensei has woven his vision and connected us all in the spirit of love.
Thank you Sensei…we love you.
– Nico Secunda
“I want to have a loving heart. I want to live in harmony with everyone.
I believe we all do.”
– Motomichi Anno Sensei
Memorial Events
Aikido is Love • Memorial Training
Honoring the memory of Motomichi Anno Sensei
FEB 14, 2026 / SATURDAY 10:00 am – 12:00 pm PST
Instructors: Linda Holiday + Nico Secunda
Special Aikido memorial training guided by the teachings of Motomichi Anno Sensei. Archival video of his teaching will guide our practice, as we honor his memory and vision for Aikido. There will also be time for special remarks and for everyone to share memories with each other.
Hors d'oeuvres and drinks 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
Aikido of Santa Cruz • Santa Cruz, California
Remembering Motomichi Anno Sensei
Online Celebration of Life
FEB 28, 2026 / SATURDAY 9:00 am – 10:15 am PST
Join Linda Holiday + Nico Secunda and other special guests, as we gather from around the world to honor the memory of our teacher. The event will include remarks from a selection of individuals, historical videos of Anno Sensei, traditional japanese chants, and group conversations.
Online Event hosted by Aikido of Santa Cruz
"Aikido is a way of taking off the layers that cover up what is inside. If each of us could shed those layers, we would all shine with the same light. If you keep training, you will shine."
– Motomichi Anno Sensei
Further Reading
Share Your Memories
Memory submissions will be added to this page over time.