On behalf of the entire IAF I would like to express our sympathy and condolences to Madame Tamura, Sensei's relatives and friends, the members of the FFAB, Sensei's students and all aikidoka in France and elsewhere, on the death of Tamura Nobuyoshi Shihan.

Tamura Sensei was one of the principal postwar deshi at the Aikikai Hombu. He was a longtime member of the IAF Senior Council and always attended Congresses, at which he taught, with precision, grace and good humour.

It is hardly necessary to add that Tamura Sensei's passing has left a huge gap, which cannot be filled, and that his presence at IAF events will sorely be missed.

As a Japanese, Tamura Sensei probably embraced a combination of Buddhism and Shinto, with a mixture of Christianity, the latter especially in view of the fact that he lived for much of his life in France. So, we can certainly use the hallowed Christian prayer here:

Requiescat in pace. May he rest in peace.

Peter A Goldsbury,

IAF Chairman