03/24/2026
With deep sadness, we mark the passing of Claude Berthiaume, 8th dan Aikido Shihan.
Sensei Berthiaume was the chief instructor of Aikido de la Montagne from its founding in 1989, supported by a dedicated team of senior instructors including Robert Saad Shihan, 7th dan, along with many other high-ranking students.
A close student of Kanai Sensei, Berthiaume Sensei served on the Board of the United States Aikido Federation and was a member of its Technical Committee, a select group of Shihan who have devoted their lives to the practice and teaching of Aikido. Highly respected throughout the Aikido community, he was frequently invited to teach seminars around the world.
Deeply loyal to Kanai Sensei and to the spirit of the dojo, he devoted special care to beginners and to their training in both Aikido and Iaido.
A bright light of Aikido in North and South America, and far beyond, has gone out. He will be profoundly missed.
