Aikido Founder Ueshiba Morihei
Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei (“venerable teacher”), 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, including sumo, swordsmanship, spear technique, staff technique, and various styles of jiujutsu — particularly the Yagyu and Daito styles.
Over his lifetime, O-Sensei saw Japan involved in some of the most violent conflicts of the 20th century, culminating in the Pacific War. It was during this time that he founded Aikido, declaring it a way of joining the peoples of the world together in peace.
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.
Recognition and honors aside, it was the universality of his insights and his vision of the martial Way as open to all sincere students that led to the phenomenal growth of Aikido around the world. The noblest philosophies and intentions of the samurai have become a part of global culture, and give spiritual sustenance to millions of persons of all cultures; this is largely due to the groundbreaking influence of Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei.