Aikido Tekkojuku Boston (ATJB) was founded to promote the practice and teaching of the Japanese martial art of Aikido, as created by O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba, in an atmosphere of mutual respect conducive to training for all, irrespective of race, ethnicity, gender, ability or age. All seven founding instructors of ATJB were long-time students of the late Mitsunari Kanai Shihan, himself an "uchi deshi" (disciple) of Aikido's founder, O'Sensei Morihei Ueshiba. Kanai Shihan, a world-renowned Aikido practitioner and instructor, passed away in March of 2004. The founding instructors decided to honor his memory and love of Aikido by opening ATJB.