Makotokan Aikido

In Memory of Bill Tanikie

Bill was one of those rare people that you could not help but like. Always had a huge smile and devoted his life to making others happy. That smile of his was truly infectious!

Bill was a talented and fiercely competitive Tomiki kai aikidoka, he really believed he was unbeatable and I believe him!

Bill quit his career to bring Martial Arts to the general public. His dream was, that through the positive values of the martial ways, that he could change the world for the better. He was immensely successful, first with his “Dojo in the Park” and latterly with the “Sleeping Storm Dojo” where I was honoured to teach for a short time. Bill trained hundreds of people in karate, aikido and ju-jitsu. His way with children was just wonderful to watch. He was like a father to all of them and they loved him to bits.

Bills life sadly came to a premature end in 2004, a tragedy for the many people that loved him. His sparkling personality and single minded commitment to teaching Budo are still sadly missed.

In these few lines I pay my respects to a good friend and an excellent teacher.

Osu!

Tony