RUTH
WALKER-sensei
Ruth
Walker-sensei was born (December 5, year
unknown!) and grew up on Oahu, attending Aiea Elementary School and Aiea
Intermediate School, before graduating from Waipahu High School. She then attended and graduated from the
University of Hawai`i at Manoa with a degree in education. Walker-sensei then came to the Big Island
with her husband, George, to pursue their careers in education. He later moved all the way up to the position
of Deputy District Superintendent of Schools for Hawai`i District, and she
retired after a career as teacher, vice principal, and principal. She is still remembered as principal of
Keaukaha Elementary School. The Walkers
also raised two sons, Alan and Eugene.
Today, Walker-sensei is also grandmother to two grandchildren.
Walker-sensei started training in
aikido back in 1969, some thirty-five plus years ago. Her first sensei was Richard Okano-sensei
with the old Hilo Aikido Club, which at that time was part of the worldwide
Aikikai under Ueshiba-sensei. Classes
were being held at Carvalho Park in Kaumana in those days. One covered 
pavilion served as the dojo. From there the club moved to the portion of
Seven Seas which is now occupied by some county offices. Then we finally located at the Waiakea
Recreation Center, which was renovated after Sure Save Supermarket vacated
it. Walker-sensei has all kinds of
memories of practicing in all these locations.
Walker-sensei was the
first female aikido black belt in Hilo when she was promoted to shodan in
1974. Shortly thereafter, she began
instructing the children's aikido class.
She now ranked rokudan and instructs the youth aikido class for Hilo
Seishikan Aikido, which is for students from roughly 5 to 10 years old.
Utilizing her knowledge
of aikido and her years of experience dealing with youngsters in school,
Walker-sensei has done a tremendous job and we are really proud of her. On May 9, 2008, Walker-sensei was recognized
at the Hawaii County Older American award ceremonies with the Community Service
Award (which is presented to nominees who have contributed the most in the
category of community service as a volunteer after attaining age 60). Thank you, Walker-sensei! We look forward to your continuing
association with Hilo Seishikan Aikido for many, many more years!
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HILO SEISHIKAN AIKIDO
O-Shima Ryu
Hilo, Hawai`i
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