The Japanese Cultural Centers

Chicago Reporter, The, July, 2001

* Fumio Toyoda, 53, the man who popularized Aikido nationwide, died July 4. Toyoda founded two international Aikido organizations and the Japanese Cultural Centers in the Chicago area. Through Aikido, a flowing form of martial arts, Toyoda helped bring a better understanding of Japanese culture, overcoming stereotypes by teaching Americans about the non-aggressive martial arts, said Elisabeth Menning, one of his students.

He is survived by his wife, Patricia, and two sons.