The 1964 cover featuring Aikido pioneer Mariye Takahashi was groundbreaking as she was the first woman ever featured on Black Belt Magazine. Takahashi began her training in 1960 as a young woman at the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo. She studied under Aikido's Founder Ueshiba Morihei O Sensei. She was deeply influenced philosophically and spiritually by Ueshiba’s teachings. Mariye Takahashi gradually became a confidant of the Ueshiba family. The cover story featured a article about Aikido and practical application for self-defense for women.
Note: Her name is listed in the article as Mariye Kazuyo Yano.