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In Memory of Peter Tamagni Shihan, Vineland Aikikai
May 2, 2016 by Laura Pavlick
Peter Tamagni 1946 – 2016
On March 21st, 2016, the members of Vineland Aikikai announced with a heavy heart the passing of their Founder, Teacher and Mentor Shihan Peter Tamagni.
Peter was a graduate of St. Augustine Preparatory School. After receiving his BA degree from LaSalle University, he joined the US Navy. He began his career in public service as a teacher in the Vineland Public School System. He continued serving the public on the Vineland Police Department, retiring as a lieutenant. Later in life, he returned to his alma mater, St. Augustine Prep as a member of the faculty.
Peter had practiced in the martial arts of Judo, Jiu-jitsu and Aikido for over 50 years. For over 30 years, Peter was a student of USAF Chief Instructor Yoshimitsu Yamada, Shihan, participating in many seminars and workshops. Peter was the founder and chief instructor of the Vineland Aikikai, which marked its 30th anniversary in USAF in 2016. Recently, Peter was granted the distinguished title of Shihan.
In his early martial arts career Peter studied with such notable instructors as Mamoru Noguchi, Takahiko Ishikawa, and Gene Waddell.
Peter also was a certified scuba diver and a licensed airplane pilot. For several years he had his own plane.
Peter was an active member of several organizations, including his local Church, the Fraternal Order of Police, Knights of Columbus, US Judo Federation and the US Aikido Federation.
Pete's warm, kind and generous spirit will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him.
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