Masatake Fujita (April 21, 1937 – May 28, 2014) – 8 Dan Aikido Aikikai. Was born in a town with the name Changchun, China. At that time territory was controlled by Japan and named Manchuria. His father was deeply in Budo and because of that Masatake’s interest was low until he personally met a founder during the student years.
He was fortunate to be a part of a great company. Hiroshi Tada, Yasuo Kobayashi, and Sadateru Arikawa were learning at Hombu Dojo when Masatake Fujita joined. He described his relationship with the Morihei Ueshiba as grandson-grandfather rather than a student-teacher.
Masatake Fujita Sensei has been working in the office of the Aikikai since he was a 5th Dan. He had the role of a secretary and also stayed very close with the O’Sensei until the passing of the last one.
Late years Sensei spent spreading the Aikido around the globe. He was teaching and creating teachers mostly in Eastern Europe. Igor Zaharevich, my teacher, had a chance to learn directly from Fujita Sensei. His article on a site contains more details about the Fujita-San. The next video was also made by Igor back in the days.
There’s a Masatake Fujita’s facebook page made by those who keep him in memory. Oh, and you should definitely read an interview with the Fujita Sensei on Aikido Sangenkai blog.