Roy Y. Suenaka

Roy Yukio Suenaka (June 25, 1940 in Honolulu – February 8, 2020)[1] was an American martial arts practitioner, author, and founder of the Wadokai Aikido.

He began martial arts training with his father, Warren Suenaka, from an early age, learning the family styles of jiujitsu and kenjitsu.

Suenaka attended Koichi Tohei's aikido demonstrations in 1953, and at his father's behest began training primarily in that art.

At his request, he was transferred in 1961 to Tachikawa Air Base in Japan, which enabled him to study directly under Morihei Ueshiba at the Hombu dojo in Tokyo.

Effectively employed as the personal electrician of his commanding officer, Suenaka was able to subcontract most of his work to the barracks houseboy.