Harry Setsuo Eto was a modest man who taught his students the importance of internal energy to lead a peaceful existence, says Warren Imada. HARRY ETO / 1906-2001
Aikido teacher taught
importance of peaceSee Also: Obituaries
By Rosemarie Bernardo
rbernardo@starbulletin.com"He always wanted a peaceful resolution," said Imada about his father-in-law.
Eto, an 8th Dan Aikido instructor, died June 26 at Kuakini Medical Center. He was 94.
Eto has been recognized as the oldest active aikido instructor in the Hawaii Ki Society and one of the highest-ranking martial arts instructors in Hawaii.
Until last year, Eto taught the principles of aikido twice a week at the YMCA's Central Branch on Atkinson Drive. Although he reached high ranking in martial arts, Imada said Eto deflected praise from others. "He would always give credit to the training than himself," Imada said.
Eto grew up in Lihue. He was born on Aug. 9, 1906, to immigrants from Japan's Kumamoto Prefecture. After he completed eighth grade at Hanamaulu School, he began working in the cane fields earning a dollar a day to help with his family's expenses.
Eto later became a carpenter's apprentice at the Lihue Plantation and was paid 75 cents a day. He advanced his knowledge of carpentry when he moved to Honolulu and took night courses in drafting and math while he worked as a carpenter during the day.
Because Eto never received a higher education, he worked diligently to support his four daughters in college, said Dorothy Imada, Eto's youngest daughter. He was a generous and loving father, she said.
Eto worked for Pan Pacific Construction Inc. as a superintendent and a safety inspector before he retired at the age of 87.
In 1953, Eto became interested in aikido when he attended a demonstration at Kawananakoa Intermediate School. At 47 years old, he began taking aikido classes. In 1998, he was promoted to 8th degree black belt.
Eto stressed to his students the importance of ki (internal energy) and keeping the mind and body in sync.
Among family, friends and students, Eto would be most remembered for his quiet dignity, Warren said. "He was always a dignified man."
Eto is also survived by daughters Nancy Kan, Helen Fuchigami, and Jeanette Yamanaka; 11 grandchildren; and 10 great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held Friday at 6 p.m. at Honpa Hongwanji Hawaii Betsuin on 1727 Pali Highway. A cremation will follow. Casual attire and no flowers are requested.