Morihei

Morihei Ueshiba (December 14, 1868 – April 26, 1969) was a Japanese martial artist who founded the modern martial art of Aikido. Born in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, he trained in a variety of martial arts and spiritual practices from a young age. From around the 1910s he studied Daito-ryu Aiki-jūjutsu under Sokaku Takeda, and his own practice gradually integrated technique with philosophy and movement.

During the mid-20th century, Ueshiba developed a distinctive approach to martial training that emphasized harmony and blending with an opponent’s energy, redirecting force rather than meeting it directly. Techniques include throws, pins, and joint locks performed with a focus on safety in many dojos, while the underlying principle remains the redirection of energy, or ki. The art was initially called Aiki-budo or Aiki-jujutsu before being named Aikido.

After World War II, Aikido gained international attention through Ueshiba’s students. The Aikikai Foundation, centered at the Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, became the main organization for the art. Ueshiba’s son Kisshomaru Ueshiba helped formalize the curriculum and administration, and his grandson Moriteru Ueshiba later became the current Doshu. Notable early students include Koichi Tohei and Morihiro Saito, who established independent interpretations and organizations.

Known as O-Sensei (Great Teacher), Ueshiba is remembered for his synthesis of martial technique with spiritual practice drawn from Shinto and other philosophical traditions. His influence extends beyond Japan and remains central to contemporary Aikido worldwide.