Talk:Jon Mamoru Takagi

Joe Shuri (talk) 22:51, 29 January 2014 (UTC) Comments added after article submitted for deletion: - I am currently actively researching this individual and will add more information as I can substantiate it. However, since he died quite a while before the Internet, it is difficult to track down true original sources. This is an ongoing process, and the "start-class" wikipedia page has already attracted attention and led me to new sources.
 * So far, "Notable students" only includes students who have personally credited Jon Takagi as an instructor on their websites. Is this a good plan?
 * I'm continuing to interview student of Takagi's and dig up original source documents in order to better establish the impact he had on starting up Martial Arts in the United States (especially in the West). Even 40 years later, his name is still known among senior Aikido teachers here on the East Coast, where he rarely visited. Please contact me with any information!Joe Shuri (talk) 12:15, 1 Mar 2014 (UTC)

DGC (talk) 20:16, 28 July 2014 (UTC)===== Comments on Notability ===== Joe Shuri (talk) 22:11, 6 March 2014 (UTC)
 * 45 years ago, Takagi opened what was probably the first aikido dojo in the western United States outside of California. It was also one of the first full-time, free standing dedicated aikido dojos in the U.S. (as opposed to rented space at a gym or as a college class).
 * Takagi was known as a charismatic and exceptionally talented pioneer of aikido, and was significantly involved in spreading and advocating aikido in the U.S. He was a central figure in the founding of the current American aikido organizations: Ki Society (1974), USAF (United States Aikido Federation, 1976), AAA (Aikido Association of America, 1984), and ASU (Aikido Schools of Ueshiba). Having achieved 6th dan in 1984, Takagi was a peer (and good friend) of the current leaders of those organizations, and also the large and influential CAA (California Aikido Association).
 * When Koichi Tohei (aikido's only 10th dan) demonstrated aikido for American publications and audiences in the 1970s, he chose Takagi as his demonstration partner on a number of occasions. Takagi appears with him in several of his most famous early photos as his "uke" and demonstration assistant (see links on article page).
 * The current leaders (2014) of the main U.S. aikido organizations are 7th and 8th dan (aikido ranks seldom reach higher, as you may be accustomed to seeing in other martial arts). Had Takagi not been killed in an accident at age 41 (at 6th dan), he would possibly be one of the highest ranking aikido practitioners, and based on his actions in life, likely a leader or central figure in today's aikido. Takagi was truly a pioneer in this country, having started aikido study in 1958.
 * To summarize, Takagi's name is well known and respected 30 years after his death, particularly in West Coast aikido. This article began when other instructors pointed out that his legacy and impact may soon be forgotten, since his peers, leading the organizations he helped found, are now in their 70s. Being on the East Coast, it has been difficult to source original documentation, and much of what I have written here comes from first-hand information related to me by head instructors around the U.S. As I am able to substantiate with external sources, I will certainly add them. There is little debate as to Takagi's notability within the aikido community, however, documenting it is on ongoing project.
 * Please feel free to contact me directly for more information or to help improve this page!

Comments on Sources
The dojo started by Takagi is still in operation (as Arizona Aikido) and a number of his early students still practice with us. We have contact with several others. These people should be good sources of information. We also have early photos of Takagi; e.g., Takagi with Koichi Tohei at Phoenix College in Phoenix, AZ in 1972. You can reach us through our Web site.DGC (talk) 20:16, 28 July 2014 (UTC)

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