Tokyo, April 15, 2025 — In a historic milestone for martial arts, Mutsuko Minegishi has become the first woman ever to receive the 8th dan ranking from the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, the global headquarters of Aikido. The promotion was officially announced during the Kagamibiraki ceremony held in January 2025 in Tokyo.
She was among the ten people who were promoted to eighth this year, including Gerard Blaize Sensei, Sawamoto Shinichi Sensei, Ikeda Hiroshi Sensei, Peter Bernath Sensei, Takase Nobuo Sensei, Ulf Evenås Sensei, Hirata Kozo Sensei, Claude Berthiaume Sensei, and Tony Smibert Sensei. The full list of individuals promoted to the ranks of fifth dan and above is then made public.
After giving a welcome message, Doshu and Hombu Dojo-cho gave their customary ono-enbu, which is always a highlight of the day.
Minegishi Sensei, has been a pioneering figure in Aikido for decades. She began her Aikido journey in 1972 at the age of 32 and overcame significant gender barriers in the male-dominated martial arts world. In 2010, she became the first woman to be certified with the 7th dan by the Aikido World Headquarters. Her contributions to Aikido extend beyond personal achievements. In 1999, she established Guam Aikikai, which has since become a hub for Aikido practice in the region. Minegishi has taught in over 45 countries, utilizing her English proficiency to effectively impart Aikido techniques and philosophy. She has also served as an honorary president of the South African Aikido Federation and as a technical advisor in several countries. Her dedication to promoting Japanese culture through Aikido has been recognized with several honors, including the "Meritorious Service Award" from the Governor of Guam in 2009 and the Foreign Minister's Commendation in 2015. In 2024, she was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays, by the Japanese government.
Even at the age of 85, Minegishi continues to actively train the next generation of Aikido practitioners, embodying the principles of harmony and continuous self-improvement that Aikido espouses. Her groundbreaking promotion to 8th dan not only marks a personal achievement but also serves as an inspiration for women in martial arts worldwide.
