Across Time and Space: In Memoriam

Image of Ito Sensei “looking forward,” as he named the image when sharing it.

by Connie Borden

As we celebrate our 50^th Anniversary of the founding of Shintaido of America, it is important to pause in memoriam for those who died over these years. Each contributed to Shintaido. We still practice across time and space in Aikukan, a space of love, with these unique and special people.

(If you can’t find a linked article, please note that most should open in a new tab.)

• • • Barbara Barnard, Christophe Bernard, Christina G. Cross
    • James Cumming, Juliette Farkouh, Anne-Marie Grandtner
    • H.F. Ito, Brad Larson, Bill Peterson
    • John Seaman, Russ Staples, Joe Zawielski
    • Marielle Bernier, Sarah Prince

Barbara Barnard – Barbara was introduced to Shintaido by her cousin Pam Olton. In this article in 2015, BD36_May2015, Barbara reflects on her practice of Shintaido.  Barbara died in early 2016, here are people’s memories of Barbara: BD38_May2016.

Christophe Bernard – Many memories are shared about Christophe in this 2013 edition of body dialogue – of his being an excellent French chief, of his ease at kumite, and the joy he brought others. He achieved ranks of Shintaido Graduate (1991), and 8 kyu in both Karate and Bojutsu. BD33_Sep2013

Christina G. Cross – died June 2021, She was active in the SF Bay Area in the1980s, she became a licensed acupuncturist in 1985. Christina was awarded Provisional Instructor (now call Graduate) in 1986 at Shintaido Ten. She also held a 5 kyu rank, awarded in 1985, in Bojutsu.

Christina G. Cross

James Cumming – On May 1^st, 2023, after a long struggle with Parkinson’s disease, James Cumming took the MAiD (Medical Assistance in Dying) medicine, which is legal in the state of Vermont where he lived. He passed away peacefully with his wife Evangelina “Vangie” Holvino by his side. James was a longtime Shintaido practitioner in England. He also spent time in the San Francisco Bay Area, where he stayed for a time with Bela Breslau and Ito-sensei. Read more about his life: Remembering James Cumming 

Juliette Farkouh – Shintaido Graduate and equipment manager for over 10 years, died Dec 12, 2009. In her 16 years of study, she also achieved 5 kyu in Shintaido Karate and 8 kyu in Shintaido Bojutsu. Here is an article: BD27_Jul2010

Anne-Marie Grandtner – died Dec 18, 2018. She taught Shintaido in Montreal, Canada. Read more here: Anne-Marie Grandtner

Anne-Marie Grandtner

H.F. Ito – 1942 – 2023, established Shintaido movement in USA and Canada, co-founder of Shintaido of America. Read his full bio here: H.F. Ito | Shintaido of America

Brad Larson – Shintaido Instructor and Kenjutsu Shodan, Brad Larson died unexpectedly on November 2, 2023. Here is our tribute to Brad’s teaching showing his love of nature and the Boh. Sunday 2023-07-09 Nature as Keiko Partner. Read more about Brad in this Body Dialogue article: Celebration of Life for Brad Larson

Bill Peterson – Died May 13, 1996 of AIDS while receiving Hospice by the Bay services. H.F. Ito writes of holding Bill in his arms to visualize eiko in this article: Body Dialogue # 6. In this same newsletter, Bill’s writes about a past experience of doing sensei care.

Bill Peterson

John Seaman – John, a long-time Shintaido instructor, passed away in April 2018.  John and Lee started their practice during the early days of Shintaido in Japan. Read how Tomi reflects about the impact John had on her life: How John Seaman Helped Shape My Life 

Russ Staples –  died in 1987. Joe writes in memorial for Russ here; 1987_1Winter-SOA_News and a donation was made in the name of Russ Staples: 1987_2 Spring-SOA_News.  In 2007, a gazebo to honor Russ was completed at Shintaido Farm in Deerfield, Massachusetts. The gazebo stands in a meditative spot on a hillside overlooking a wooded valley. Tall trees offer shade, privacy and beauty. There is an engraved stone that commemorates Russ. Read this article about the dedication of gazebo: BD22_Jan2008, pg 9: SHOOTING STARS

Joe Zawielski – Shintaido General Instructor, Kenjutsu Sandan, and Bojutsu Sandan, Joe Zawielski died August 1, 2018.  Gianni Rossi led a final keiko on July 21, 2018 with 50 people, including Joe. Here is an article about Joe: Joe Zawielski .  Here is what Joe wrote about his diagnosis of cancer in this Body Dialogue article: “The Joy of Life”  BD41_Oct2017.

Joe Zawielski

Marielle Bernier – Part of Ito-sensei’s original Quebecois group. Wife of Yves Hudon. Participated in many Shintaido events in Montreal, Quebec City, and at the Shintaido Farm.

Sarah Prince – longtime Shintaido Northeast (SNE) practitioner. Unofficial photographer for SNE. Took many photos at keikos and gasshukus, including the three blowups that graced the walls of the Shintaido Farm dojo Ten Shin Kan.

If you have photos you find more flattering or expressive, please send to use and we will consider placing it in the article. Send to president@shintaido.org