Aikido Aikiwakai
Morihei Ueshiba
Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) was a Japanese martial artist who founded the art of Aikido. He is widely referred to by Aikido practitioners as "O-Sensei," meaning "Great Teacher."
About Morihei Ueshiba
Born in Tanabe City, Japan, Ueshiba was a sickly child in his early years but dedicated himself to physical conditioning and martial arts training as he grew older. He studied various martial arts, including jujutsu (such as Kitō-ryū and Gotō-ha Yagyū-ryū), kendo, and spear fighting. He was known for his remarkable physical strength.
A significant period of his life was spent in Hokkaido as the head of a pioneer settlement, where he met and trained with Sokaku Takeda, the grandmaster of Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu. Ueshiba’s martial arts development was also deeply intertwined with his spiritual journey. He became involved with the Ōmoto-kyō movement, a Shinto sect, and had profound spiritual experiences that influenced his understanding and practice of martial arts.
He began to develop his own unique martial art, which he initially called by various names before settling on “Aikido” in 1942. Aikido, unlike many other martial arts, emphasizes harmony and the control of an opponent’s movement rather than destructive force. Ueshiba believed that Aikido was a way to unite human beings and guide the world toward harmony, aiming to foster inner development and peace.
Ueshiba moved to Tokyo in 1927, establishing what would become the Aikikai Hombu Dojo. He continued to teach and refine Aikido throughout his life, even during World War II, when he moved to Iwama to farm and continue his practice. He passed away on April 26, 1969, at the age of 86, leaving behind a legacy that has spread Aikido globally. His contributions were recognized by the Japanese government, which posthumously declared him a Sacred National Treasure of Japan.
About Aikido
Aikido is not about fighting or aggression; it’s about blending with an attacker’s movements and redirecting their energy. Through fluid techniques, joint locks, and throws, practitioners learn to neutralize conflict without causing unnecessary harm. It’s a path of self-improvement, discipline, and mutual respect.
Our training focuses on developing strong fundamentals, proper posture, breath control, and the ability to move naturally and efficiently. Beyond physical techniques, Aikido fosters mental clarity, calmness under pressure, and a deeper understanding of oneself and others.
