Tenshin Dojo was founded by Yuriko Fujitani in 1974, mother in law to Sensei Takè Shigemichi (a.k.a. Steven Seagal in later years), who was the Chief Instructor at that time. As the first foreigner to open a dojo in Japan, Takè Sensei was blessed with great success. His popularity was further enhanced by Oomoto's endorsement. Oomoto, is a religious foundation that promotes universal peace and one of the more well-known followers was the great "O" Sensei, founder of martial art Aikido.