Fwd: Passing of Claude Berthiaume Shihan

[Mike Dolan Fliss]

Hello all, 

I am passing on some sad news from our organization, the United States Aikido Federation. 

Claude Berthiaume Shihan, a high ranking instructor and member of our USAF technical committee, has unexpectedly passed away. I trained with him a number of times at seminars, and I know some other members of our school did as well - including as recently as this Spring. He was a popular teacher and lineage holder of aikido through Kanai sensei, blending judo and iaido through his aikido. I have a close friend and aikidoist in Boston who has spent more with Claude; he shared that he always found him to be "no-nonsense, super powerful, and jovial." 

Our time to practice together is never certain; I am thankful for the opportunities we have.

Best wishes,

-Mike

---------- Forwarded message ---------
From: United States Aikido Federation <usaikifed...@shared1.ccsend.com>
Date: Tue, Mar 24, 2026 at 1:21 PM
Subject: Passing of Claude Berthiaume Shihan
To: <mike.dol...@gmail.com>

Dear USAF members,   We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Claude Berthiaume Shihan who was Chief Instructor of Aikido de la Montagne, Montreal, and a member of the USAF Technical Committee.   Berthiaume Sensei passed away at Saint-Eustache Hospital at 1:32 p.m. on March 23, 2026, surrounded by his loved ones.   Please join us in extending condolences to his family and loved ones.   More information will follow. In the meantime, we ask for your patience and respect while his family and loved ones grieve.   USAF Board of Directors and Technical Committee

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Mike Dolan Fliss, PhD, MPS, MSW

mike.dol...@gmail.com

UNC-CH Injury Prevention Research Center

NC DPH Injury & Violence Prevention Branch

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