Thamby Rajah

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Thamby Rajah is a Malaysian aikido teacher and is often called 'the father of Malaysian aikido'. He was the founder of Shudokan Aikido.

Early in his career he had trained jujutsu, of which he gained black belt in 1952, and karate. His judo training took him to Japan where he studied at the Kodokan with Kyuzo Mifune, who was the only active 10th Dan at the time. Thamby Rajah was the first Malaysian to gain a black belt in judo.

While staying in Japan Thamby Rajah was introduced to Gozo Shioda of the Yoshinkan Aikido. He started training with Shioda and was awarded black belt before returning to Malaysia. He was also the first Malaysian to achieve a dan grade in aikido.

After returning home Thamby Rajah opened the new Shudokan dojo (name given by Gozo Shioda, which means 'a house to study the way') in Seremban.

His students include the founder of European Shudokan Edwin Stratton and the head of Australian Shudokan dojo Joe Thambu.