Shizuo Imaizumi Sensei, 7th Dan, is the founder of Shin-Budo Kai Aikido. He began his Aikido career in April of 1959 while attending Waseda University in Tokyo, Japan. He trained at the headquarters ( Aikikai Hombu Dojo) of Aikido in Tokyo, Japan and founded an Aikido club at Waseda University.

In 1965, with the rank of Sandan (3rd dan), became an apprentice to the teaching staff and his career as a professional Aikido instructor began. During this period he frequently took ukemi (receive techniques) from O’Sensei during the early morning classes when O’Sensei would demonstrate and teach. After O’Sensei’s death in April of 1969, Imaizumi Sensei was chosen to accompany Waka Sensei (the son of O’Sensei) and his wife to enshrine the remains of O’Sensei at the Ueshiba family graveyard in Tanabe, Japan.

Koichi Tohei Sensei, 10th Dan, was the Chief Instructor at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo until he created his own organization, Ki-no-Kenkyukai (Ki Society) in 1974. Imaizumi Sensei followed Tohei Sensei in this new organization. Imaizmumi Sensei came to New York in 1975 to establish the New York Ki Society. He was also Chief Instructor in the United States for Ki Society. Imaizumi Sensei resigned from Ki Society in September of 1987.

Shin-Budo Kai was founded in October of 1988. Imaizumi Sensei continues to follow the teachings that he received from O’Sensei and other top instructors during his formative training years in Japan, while developing and offering his own perspectives on techniques, form and philosophy of Aikido. His weapons instruction draws from a variety of traditions, including the Itto Ryu and Shinkage Ryu, Aiki kenpo and Nihon Kendo styles of swordsmanship, and the Muso Ryu and Aiki Joho style of Jo (wooden staff) training.

Imaizumi Sensei continues to teach weekday evening classes at the New York City dojo (Shin-Budo Kai Hombu Dojo). Shin Budo Kai has affiliate dojos in Albuquerque, New Mexico, Austin, Texas, Bedford Hills, New York, Cornwall Bridge, Connecticut, and Durango, Colorado.