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Morihei Ueshiba, now called O-Sensei, meaning 'Great Teacher', founded the martial art known today as Aikido. Born in 1883 in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, he dedicated himself to becoming strong after seeing his father assaulted by political opponents. He sought out and studied under masters in many traditional martial arts, eventually becoming an expert at a number of styles of jujitsu (unarmed combat), kenjitsu (sword fighting), and sojitsu (spear fighting). Dissatisfied with mere strength and technical mastery, he also immersed himself in religious and philosophical studies. The stories of his immense physical strength and martial prowess are impressive enough, but more important is the legacy of nonviolence and human integrity he left to mankind. In early 20th century Japan, involvement in martial arts was a competitive and dangerous business. Contests, feuds and rivalries often resulted in injuries and even deaths. The formulation of Aikido dates from an incident that occurred in 1925. In the course of a discussion about martial arts, a disagreement arose between O-Sensei and a naval officer who was a fencing instructor. The officer challenged O-Sensei to a match, and attacked with a wooden sword. O-Sensei faced the officer unarmed, and won the match by evading blows until his attacker dropped from exhaustion. He later recalled that he could see his opponent's moves before they were executed, and that this was the beginning of his enlightenment. He had defeated an armed attacker without hurting him - without even touching him. O-Sensei continued to practice and teach Aikido into his old age. Observers would marvel at his martial abilites, vitality, and good humor; he was still giving public demonstrations of Aikido at age 86, four months before his death. After he passed away on April 26th, 1969, the Japanese government posthumously declared Morihei Ueshiba a Sacred National Treasure of Japan. O-Sensei's son, Kisshomaru Ueshiba, then inherited the title of Doshu or 'Leader of the Way', becoming the second person to hold the title. For many years, the second Doshu regularly taught and practised Aikido at Aikido World Headquarters, called Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, overseeing the eventual spread of Aikido around the world, through the many demonstrations and seminars that he led across the globe. Kisshomaru Ueshiba passed away on January 4th, 1999, and his son Moriteru Ueshiba, O-Sensei's grandson, became the third Doshu. He continues the work of his father and grandfather. Aikido was derived from the art of Aiki-jutsu (Samurai training) and therefore provides a system of empty hand against weapon defence. Aikido is therefore a fusion of empty hand fighting arts and the weapon arts of spear, staff and swordship. It differs from other martial arts in that it is related directly to defence against an unprovoked attack and emphasises defeating the attacker by blending or harmonising with them. Aikido is a unique martial art that uses an attackers own energy and momentum against themselves and therefore does not need strength. Aikido is therefore a martial art that can be practised by young and old alike and is particularly useful for women as a total self defence system. The practice of Aikido generally involves two partners, known as uke (the attacker) and nage or tori (the defender), working together. Aikido is non-competitive, so at no time are both attacking each other simultaneously. Both are challenging each other's practice and must harmonise with each other. It is this development of harmony which often spills over into other areas of an aikidoka's life with beneficial effect. |
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To contact us: |
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Phone: 01564 822 093 Or |
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Morihei Ueshiba ‘O’ Sensei (Founder) |
