History 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).
A disciplined student of martial arts principle and philosophy,
O-Sensei created Aikido out of his exhaustive study of armed and unarmed
methods of defense. While hailed as an extremely effective martial art,
emphasis in Aikido training is not directed towards street fighting or
the advancement of students through sporting tournaments.
Aikido training stresses the perfection of character and
the development of positive human qualities such as compassion, courage,
endurance, and inner strength. In this spirit, Aikido training is undertaken
to improve both the individual and society.
Tokyo, Japan is the site of the founding dojo (training hall)
for the Aikido World Headquarters (Aikikai Hombu Dojo). O-Sensei's son,
Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba carries on the traditions and practice of Aikido.
Before his death in 1969, O-Sensei oversaw the spread of
Aikido to Europe, beginning with France, and to the Americas, beginning
with visits to Hawaii by the well-known teacher Koichi Tohei Sensei and
then O-Sensei himself. The first shihan (master level instructors) were
direct students of O-Sensei, and whom strove to fulfill his dreams of Aikido
as a universally practiced discipline, transcending national and cultural
boundaries. In the United States, Aikido first became strong in Hawaii
and then California, later fully developing with the arrival in major cities
of shihan from Aikido World Headquarters.
Since 1969, Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba has developed new generations
of shihan, largely through the uchideshi training program at Aikido World
Headquarters.They have in turn disseminated Aikido widely in an extensive
outreach program.With Doshu's guidance, aikido has grown from a little-known
art to become a path followed by millions around the world.Doshu's many
honors include a cultural medal bestowed upon him in 1995 by the Japanese
emperor.
He was president of the International Aikido Federations
and the All-Japan Aikido Federation; he also served on the board of
directors of the Nippon Budokan.
Mr. Kisshomaru Ueshiba passed away on January 4th, 1999 at the age
of seventy-seven.