Founder Of Princeton Aikikai, Masashi Numata, Has Died

PRINCETON, NJ — The founder of Princeton Aikikai, Masashi Numata, died on May 3, his family said. Numata was in hospice care at the time of his death.

“The time of his death translates to 05/04/2023 in Japan which represents death, departure and renewal,” his family said in a statement.

Known as Sensei among his student, Numata was a 7th Degree Black Belt Master (SHIHAN) in the traditional Japanese Martial Art of Aikido.

Numata was born in Himeji Japan and raised in Shioanji Temple as an orphan from age 6. He began studying Aikido in his early 20s under Bansen Tanaka Sensei, the founder of Osaka Aikikai in Japan.

Numata moved to Princeton with his wife Marie Mockers Numata in 2001 to establish Princeton Aikikai under the leadership of Yamada Sensei. Princeton Aikikai opened in January 2002, teaching youth and adult classes until the COVID-19 pandemic.

Numata also worked at the Marie H. Katzenbach School for the Deaf for over 10 years.

"He has touched the lives of many Aikido practitioners through his dedication to teaching Aikido. His humble unwavering commitment to his students both in the USA and Japan has had a profound and positive impact on students’ lives,” his family said.

Numata’s final wish was for his body to be cremated and his ashes to rest under a tree. A funeral service will be held the All Saints Church in Princeton on June 3, from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

He leaves behind his wife, Marie and his three children - Taketeru Steve Numata, Kiyoka Arielle Numata and Ayaka Aurelie Numata.

His family has thanked the following people for their support during this difficult time: Rev. Fr. Stephen Sansevere, who came from St. Alphonsus Catholic Church; the staff of Holy Redeemer Health Hospice Care Team; staff at Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center; Princeton Dog Training Center; Princeton community members; Robbinsville High School staff; Princeton Aikikai students and friends and family.