Dear Aikido Journal Community,

It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the passing of Motomichi Anno Sensei. Below is a short reflection on Anno Sensei from Linda Holiday, Aikido of Santa Cruz. 

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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

Photos and Tributes

For those who wish to learn more about Anno Sensei’s life and view a collection of photos honoring his journey, please visit the memorial page on the Aikido of Santa Cruz website.

View the Motomichi Anno Sensei Memorial Page