突然渥美修二師範の奥様からお電話が有り、ご主人が１１月１１日にお亡くなりになられたとの知らせを聞き、驚き代々木、明治神宮の近くにあるご自宅を訪ね、御霊前にお参りに行くと、丁度渥美先生の御遺体を棺桶に収める儀式に間に合い、渥美先生の神々しい安らかな寝顔を拝見する事が出来、あの世に旅発つ支度に立ち会うことが出来、深い悲しみが込上げて来ました。
最後に柔道着をお掛けし、紅白の帯を締め、おしゃれな先生の愛用の品々、赤い帽子に夏のキューバン・ハットそれに高級なメイドイン・ヨーロッパのオーデコロン等々流石に国学院大学柔道部の師範、明治神宮至誠館､四谷針灸柔道整復士学院で永年武道教授をされ御活躍、幸運にもその時に私もご指導を受け、その上“仲人”も引き受けて戴き、一方ならぬ大変お世話になり感謝致しております。そして渥美先生からは常に＂洗心“”人に誠を尽くす“と言うことを教えて戴きました。
To great surprise and sadness, I learned by speaking to his wife that Atsumi Shuji Shihan passed away on November 11th. I visited his house near Meiji Shrine in Yoyogi and was able to attend his funeral.
It was so sad to see the people gathered, and I could not say anything. I hope his soul has a peaceful journey to heaven.
His Judo-gi and red/white belt, his favorite red Cuban hat, European cologne, and other special daily goods were put into the coffin with him.
He had a great career as the Shihan of the Kokushikan University Judo club, Meiji Jingu Shiseikan, Yotsuya hari-kyu School for many years and I personally was able to gratefully learn from his teaching. In addition, he oversaw my own wedding.
I learned the word “Sen-Shin” (clean mind) from his warm and wonderful personality. I wish to utter a heartfelt “Thank You” to Atsumi Shuji Shihan.
