Miyako Fujitani is a respected Japanese aikido master, teacher, and writer. Many people also know her as the first wife of Steven Seagal, the Hollywood action star. Her life mixes strength, culture, martial arts, and family history. She grew up in Japan, trained in aikido from childhood, and later became an important figure in Seagal’s early life and career. This guide explores her background, marriage, children, and legacy.
Quick Bio of Miyako Fujitani
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Miyako Fujitani |
| Birth Year | 1952 |
| Age | Early 70s |
| Birthplace | Osaka, Japan |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Profession | Aikido Master, Writer |
| Aikido Rank | 7th-Dan Black Belt |
| Known For | First wife of Steven Seagal |
| Famous Dojo | Tenshin Dojo, Osaka |
| Children | Kentaro Seagal, Ayako Fujitani |
| Notable Work | Aikido training & autobiography |
| Marital Status | Divorced (from Steven Seagal) |
| Current Residence | Osaka, Japan |
Early Life and Family Background
Miyako Fujitani was born in Osaka, Japan, in 1952. She came from a family deeply connected to aikido. Her father was a respected instructor, and her mother owned the dojo building. Because of this, she grew up inside a world of martial arts, discipline, and tradition. From a young age she learned how to move, focus, and use aikido techniques with calm energy.
She started training when she was still a girl. Her teachers included top aikido masters, and she earned her shodan rank from the founder of aikido himself, Morihei Ueshiba. Few women in that time received such honor. Her dedication and early training shaped her into a powerful and respected aikido figure.
How Old Is Miyako Fujitani?
Many people ask, “How old is Miyako Fujitani?” Based on the most accepted date, she was born in February 1952. That means she is in her early seventies today. Even at this age, she remains active in teaching and guiding new students. Her long life in martial arts shows her discipline and strong commitment.
Her age also reflects how long she has shaped aikido. Over 50 years of practice has allowed her to help many students learn confidence and technique. This is why she is often called a “second-generation aikido master.”
The Path to Becoming an Aikido Master
From childhood to adulthood, Miyako Fujitani kept perfecting her art. She learned how to train both the mind and body, which is the core of aikido. She later reached the impressive rank of 7th-dan, making her one of the few women in the world with such a level.
Her training focused on timing, balance, and flow rather than muscle strength. She became known for showing that women could master aikido just as well as men. Her teaching style helped small or less strong students become confident and skilled.
Today her dojo still follows her methods. Many international aikido practitioners respect her work and view her as a major influence in modern aikido training.
How Miyako Fujitani Met Steven Seagal
The story of Steven Seagal and Miyako Fujitani began in the 1970s. Seagal was a young American martial artist who traveled to Japan to learn traditional aikido. He visited her family dojo in Osaka, where her father was teaching. Through their shared love for aikido, they formed a strong connection.
Some stories say they met in Los Angeles airport before reconnecting in Japan. Others say the meeting happened directly at the dojo. But all stories agree on one point: aikido brought them together. They spent long hours training, learning techniques, and helping with classes.
Their friendship soon became a relationship. Their shared passion for martial arts helped create a bond that led them to marriage.
Marriage: Steven Seagal and Miyako Fujitani
Miyako Fujitani married Steven Seagal in the mid-1970s, around 1974. Their wedding took place in Japan, surrounded by her family and martial arts community. At that time, Seagal was still unknown to Hollywood. He focused on training, teaching, and helping in the dojo.
Together they worked at Tenshin Dojo, her family’s school. Seagal became the first foreigner allowed to run a traditional aikido dojo in Japan. This was possible because of Miyako’s family support and guidance. Many students from that time still remember their teamwork and strong leadership.
Their marriage lasted more than a decade. They shared responsibilities, taught many students, and raised their young children in a strict but loving environment.
The Children of Miyako Fujitani
During their marriage, Miyako Fujitani and Steven Seagal had two children. Both grew up between Japanese and American culture, with strong influence from their mother’s discipline.
Kentaro Seagal
Born in 1975, Kentaro Seagal became an actor and aikido teacher. He trained under his mother and followed the family tradition. He also opened a Tenshin Dojo branch in Los Angeles, showing how her teaching spread internationally. Kentaro is known for movies like “Death Trance” and “Seamless: Kidz Rule.”
Ayako Fujitani
Born in 1979, Ayako Fujitani grew into a talented actress and writer. Her works include films such as “Shiki-Jitsu”, “Tokyo!”, and “Gamera: Guardian of the Universe.” She is also known for her books, essays, and artistic projects. Her mother’s influence gave her strong discipline and creativity.
These two children are often included in searches like “children of Miyako Fujitani”, “Miyako Fujitani children”, and “Kentaro Seagal Miyako Fujitani.”
Life After Divorce
The marriage between Miyako Fujitani and Steven Seagal ended in the 1980s. Seagal moved to the United States, where he later became a Hollywood star known for films like “Above the Law”, “Hard to Kill”, and “Under Siege.”
Miyako, however, stayed in Japan. She continued teaching aikido and supporting her children. Unlike many public figures, she chose a very private life. She avoided media attention and focused on her work at the dojo.
Even after the divorce, she kept using Seagal’s last name when needed, because many students already recognized it. But her identity remained strong on its own—as a teacher, writer, and mother.
Miyako Fujitani and Erdenetuya Seagal
People often search: “Miyako Fujitani Erdenetuya Seagal” or “Erdenetuya Seagal Miyako Fujitani.” Erdenetuya, also known as Elle, is Steven Seagal’s current wife. She is a Mongolian dancer and the mother of Kunzang Seagal.
It is important to note that Miyako Fujitani is not connected to Erdenetuya except through Steven Seagal. Their children are different, and they live separate lives. Miyako is the mother of Kentaro and Ayako, while Erdenetuya is the mother of Kunzang.
This misunderstanding appears often online, so it is worth clarifying.
Her Work at Tenshin Dojo
One of the most important parts of Miyako Fujitani’s life is her long career at Tenshin Dojo. This school was founded by her father, carried forward by her, and later supported by her children and students.
At Tenshin Dojo, she taught techniques such as throws, joint locks, breathing methods, and balance control. Students admire her calm style. She teaches that aikido is not about fighting but about harmony and awareness.
Her teaching influenced dojos outside Japan too. The Los Angeles Tenshin Dojo and the Aikido Shoubu Dojo in Arizona both follow her training concepts, spreading her philosophy worldwide.
Miyako Fujitani as a Writer and Actress
Besides aikido, Miyako Fujitani also explored writing and media. She wrote a book about her experience in aikido and her life as a woman in martial arts. The book also touches on her relationship with Steven Seagal and her role as a mother.
Her writing gives insight into Japanese culture, discipline, and personal growth. She has also appeared in documentaries, including an episode of E! True Hollywood Story, where she discussed her life with Seagal. Her calm and honest voice gave many viewers a new perspective on the famous actor’s early years.
Her Influence on Aikido Today
Even today, Miyako Fujitani continues to shape aikido. Many young teachers follow her methods of movement, timing, and balance. She is respected for her gentleness combined with strength. Her students say she teaches with patience and deep knowledge.
Her life proves that aikido is for everyone. Her success as a woman in a male-dominated field inspires many young students. Her approach shows that martial arts is not just about physical power but also about control and inner peace.
Is Miyako Fujitani Still Active?
Yes, Miyako Fujitani is still teaching aikido in Osaka. Even though she is in her seventies, she remains active. Her students say she still moves with grace and precision. She chooses a quiet lifestyle, focusing on training rather than public attention.
Her dojo welcomes new students, and her family continues supporting her legacy. Her children, especially Kentaro, help spread her teaching around the world.
Her Legacy and Impact
The legacy of Miyako Fujitani is large and meaningful. She is a martial artist, a teacher, a mother, and a cultural figure. Her life connects Japanese tradition with modern martial arts communities. Without her, the early life of Steven Seagal would have been very different. She played a key role in his development as an aikido teacher before his movie career began.
But most importantly, she created her own legacy that stands apart. She trained thousands of students, wrote about her experiences, and became a major figure in Japanese aikido.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is Miyako Fujitani?
Miyako Fujitani is a Japanese aikido master and the first wife of actor Steven Seagal.
2. How old is Miyako Fujitani?
She was born in 1952, which makes her in her early seventies.
3. What is Miyako Fujitani known for?
She is known for teaching aikido, running Tenshin Dojo, and raising her two children, Kentaro and Ayako.
4. Are Miyako Fujitani and Erdenetuya Seagal related?
No, the two women are not related. They are both former and current wives of Steven Seagal.
5. Does Miyako Fujitani still teach aikido?
Yes, she continues teaching at Tenshin Dojo in Osaka.
Conclusion
Miyako Fujitani is more than Steven Seagal’s first wife. She is a skilled aikido master, a respected teacher, and a woman with a strong sense of purpose. Her life shows dedication, cultural pride, and quiet strength. From her early childhood in a family dojo to her long career as a 7th-dan master, she continues to impact martial arts around the world.
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