 He officially became an uchideshi in 1967 after graduating from university.On 19 April 1970, shortly after the death of Morihei Ueshiba, Suganuma was sent to Fukuoka by Kisshomaru Ueshiba as the Aikikai's representative for the Kyūshū district.He is the founder and dojocho of Aikido Shoheijuku Dojo, which today encompasses about 70 dojo and 4000 students.