Richard Barnes has passed away

The Sugano Foundation notes with sadness the passing of Richard Koolpinyah Barnes Sensei, a proud Larakiya elder, and an original student of Sugano Sensei from the time he arrived in Australia until his passing.   Richard was a pioneer of Aikido in Australia, sempai and teacher to many other seniors including Marie and Mike Petery who, with Richard, built Aikido Northern Territory over many years, during which time Richard Sensei was the Sugano Sensei’s Area Representative in the Territory.  Following Sensei’s death, Richard retired from Aiki Kai Australia and took his own path. He nonetheless remained a highly regarded teacher, outside of and separate from Aiki Kai Australia and the International Aikikai, with his part as a pioneer of Aikido in Australia well remembered and appreciated by us all.

Tony Smibert for the Trustees.