Sensei, Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido

Aikido, a traditional Japanese martial art, was developed in the early part of this century by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), now known as O-Sensei (venerable teacher).

Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei, the Aikido Kaiso (founder), was born in 1883 in Tanabe, a coastal town in southern Japan. From the time of his youth, he studied various martial arts, eventually including sumo, swordsmanship, spear technique, staff technique, and various styles of jujutsu, particularly the Yagyu and Daito styles.

From youth, Ueshiba also appears to have been a deeply sensitive and spiritual person. Eventually influenced by the charismatic spiritual leader and artist Onisaburo Deguchi, he came to view his martial training as a means of personal purification and spiritual training.

The time of O-Sensei’s life saw Japan involved in some of the most violent conflicts of the 20th century, culminating in the Pacific war. However, it was during this time that he founded Aikido and declared it to be a way of joining the peoples of the world together in peace. In this way, Aikido is truly Budo - a martial Way - rather than simply a bujutsu (martial technique) or bugei (martial art). When martial training is undertaken not simply as a means to conquer others, but as a means to refine and perfect the self, this can be said to be Budo. The famous motto of O-Sensei, “Masakatsu Agatsu”, contains the essence of the spirit of Aikido: “True victory is victory over the self.”

The Kaiso’s incredible technical expertise and charisma brought him tremendous support from high-ranking military officers, government personnel, and the Imperial family during his life. Following his death in 1969, he was posthumously awarded an Imperial medal for his unique contributions. However, recognitions and honors aside, it was the universality of his insights, and his vision of the martial Way being open to all sincere persons internationally, which have led to the phenomenal growth of Aikido. The noblest philosophies and intentions of the samurai have become a part of world culture, and give spiritual sustenance to millions of persons of all eculturs; this is largely due to the groundbreaking influence of Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei.

Aikido has been translated as "the Way of harmony with the laws of nature." An Aikido practitioner's strength comes from natural movements, sincerity of spirit, and a connection with the universe.
Aikido has its origins in prewar Japan, where it was synthesized by Morehei Ueshiba O-Sensei (teacher of teachers) from several styles of aiki-jujitsu (unarmed grappling), sword- and spear-fighting. These martial disciplines were forged into a science of controlling attackers' strength, momentum, and balance. Aikido practice is usually characterized by smooth, flowing movements that often end with a pin, throw, or joint lock.

Traditional Aikido is also distinguished by:

• A focus on multiple attackers
• Effective techniques not based on strength, size, speed or youth
• No competitions, contests or trophies
• Practice with and against training weapons such as bokken (wooden sword), jo (staff), and tanto (knife).
• A constructive training environment with very few injuries
• The ability to effectively end conflicts without violence, but the strength to use controlled force if necessary
• "Real" techniques that can be practiced at full speed (no "killing" techniques that cannot be practiced)
• A focus on strategy and movement that is complementary to other martial styles and previous martial art experience.
  
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