[2] Months later, Ueshiba gave Hikitsuchi a scroll inscribed with "Bojutsu Masakatsu Agatsu" (True Victory is Self-Victory).

[citation needed] Hikitsuchi taught as chief instructor of Kumano Juku Dojo in Shingu, Japan until his death in February 2, 2004 aged 80.

Hikitsuchi traveled twice to the United States, and regularly to European countries, teaching at dojos that had been started by his students.

[3]) Hikitsuchi was described by other teachers in Shingu as an "Aiki computer" because of his ability to recite virtually verbatim the speeches Ueshiba had given.

He also had extensive knowledge of Shinto Norito (chanting) and the spiritual teachings of the Kojiki—areas of personal emphasis by his teacher, the founder of aikido.