Abbe Sensei
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Ivan V Vasilev <ivan@MINDSPRING.COM> writes:
--------------------------------------------
          Anyhow, back to the issue at hand. It striked me as
  rather interesting the fact that Kenneth Williams was close
  to Abe Sensei and had his connections to Aikikai Hombu
  through him (when he had them). It reminded me of the fact
  that somebody recently mentioned to me that S. Seagal was
  promoted to 7th dan by Aikikai Hombu also through Abe Sensei
  (or was recomended by him, whatever the case).  So, it does
  look like Abe Sensei attracts some interesting /
  controvercial characters. I wonder about if someone knows
  something more about Abe Sensei. I'd be interested to know.


From: Kevin Jones <kdj@RAMBUS.COM>
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Ah, more confusion. Different Abbe/Abe-senseis.

Sensei Williams teacher was Kenshiro Abbe: pre-war graduate of
O-sensei's "hell dojo", 8th Dan Kodokan, founder of the International
Butokukai and the first person to introduce Aikido into the UK. He
returned to Japan to coach the Olympic Judo team in 1964. He brought
Tadashi Abe (just to add to the confusion) and other teachers such as
Tada and Nokozuna over to the UK to spread a more "modern" form of
Aikido. He died in about '84.

Seagal's teacher is Seiseki Abe. Aikiaki shihan, official listed as
8th Dan, awarded 10th Dan verbally. Was O-sensei's calligraphy
teacher. Is still alive and teaches in LA every now and again.

Other than a similar name, being born in 1915 and having studied with
Aikido's founder, I don't know what they have in common :-).

From: Jeff Frane <jfrane@TELEPORT.COM>
--------------------------------------
Kevin is straightening up confusion:

>
>Sensei Williams teacher was Kenshiro Abbe: pre-war graduate of
>O-sensei's "hell dojo", 8th Dan Kodokan, founder of the International
>Butokukai and the first person to introduce Aikido into the UK. He
>returned to Japan to coach the Olympic Judo team in 1964. He brought
>Tadashi Abe (just to add to the confusion) and other teachers such as
>Tada and Nokozuna over to the UK to spread a more "modern" form of
          ^^^^^^^^
>Aikido. He died in about '84.

Unless I'm confused even more, that is Nakazona Sensei (recently deceased),
of France, New Mexico and Mexico fame who Abbe Sensei brought to
England.  As I remember, he played a significant role in Chiba Sensei's
experiences in England (and elsewhere, of course!).

From: Kevin Jones <kdj@RAMBUS.COM>
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Almost true :-) - I meant Mutsuro Nakazon*o* (verified this time!)
formally of France and New Mexico. I abase myself in abject apology
for the sloppy connection between my brain and my keyboard ...