Shihan Hidetaka Aso, founder of Submission Arts Wrestling, passed away on October 29th.
As the Daihyo Shihan of SAW and the president of International Submission Arts Wrestling Federation, I apologise for the delay in making this message.
Out of consideration for the feelings of the bereaved family and as a way of mourning, I refrained from immediately publicising his passing on social media based solely on my own feelings.
However, perhaps the main reason was that I was so confused by the loss of my Sensei who gave the greatest influence in my life and didn’t know what to do.
I felt that delaying this message any further would cause confusion among SAW students, so I decided to do so here.
Shihan Aso passed away on October 29th, his 75th birthday, as if relieved that the SAW Japan Tournament, which resumed on October 19th, had gone smoothly.
The impact that Shihan Aso had on the martial arts world, not only in Japan but around the world, is immeasurable.
All of us students are deeply saddened by this loss, but we believe that all we can do is continue to pursue and perfect Submission Arts Wrestling, the wonderful martial art that Sensei created.
Knowing that Sensei is watching from somewhere, let’s continue to deepen the bonds between our dojos, work hard together and strive to develop Submission Arts Wrestling, grow as people, and become martial artists that Sensei would be proud of.
I believe that is what Sensei would want for us.
