15/07/2026
André Nocquet (July 30, 1914 – March 12, 1999)
He was the first non-Japanese uchi-deshi (live-in disciple) of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of Aikido, Nocquet served as a vital bridge that helped transplant the art from post-war Japan to Europe.
Before discovering Aikido, Nocquet practiced Jujutsu and Judo under Mikinosuke Kawaishi. During World War II, he served in the French Resistance, escaping German captivity and earning the Combatant's Cross. In 1951, demonstrations by Minoru Mochizuki and Tadashi Abe inspired him to seek out the source of Aikido in Japan.
From 1955 to 1957, Nocquet lived and trained at the Hombu Dojo in Tokyo. He endured grueling daily practice alongside future legends and formed a deep spiritual bond with O-Sensei, who famously gifted Nocquet his own personal training uniform to symbolize their shared mission.
Returning to Europe in 1958 as a 4th Dan, Nocquet dedicated the rest of his life to spreading the art across the continent. He wrote influential books, helped establish national federations, and eventually attained the rank of 8th Dan. To the end, Nocquet championed Aikido not as a combat sport, but as a profound path to non-violence, self-mastery, and peace.
#合気道 (Aikido) #植芝盛平 (Morihei Ueshiba) #大先生 (O-Sensei) #内弟子 -deshi -in disciple)
#武道
