About Aikido
Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba (1887 – 1969) in the early half of the 20th century. As the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba is referred to as Ō-sensei (great teacher). Morihei Ueshiba was an expert in several old jūjutsu styles including Daitoryu Aikijujutsu. Through his knowledge of the martial arts he conceived of an empty handed system now known as Aikido. The Japanese characters for Aikido translate literally to "the way of harmony with Ki". Morihei Ueshiba later perfected this art as a way of love, as he was troubled with the effects of the Second World War on Japan.
Morihei Ueshiba was succeeded by his son, Kisshomaru Ueshiba who became the second Doshu (leader of the way), and then his grandson Moriteru Ueshiba who is currently the third Doshu, . The third Doshu’s son, Mitsuteru Ueshiba also trains at Aikikai Hombu dojo (world headquarters) in Tokyo under the third Doshu and is respected as Waka sensei (young teacher). These respective Doshus are continually spreading and teaching the art of Aikido across the globe.
Morihei Ueshiba was succeeded by his son, Kisshomaru Ueshiba who became the second Doshu (leader of the way), and then his grandson Moriteru Ueshiba who is currently the third Doshu, . The third Doshu’s son, Mitsuteru Ueshiba also trains at Aikikai Hombu dojo (world headquarters) in Tokyo under the third Doshu and is respected as Waka sensei (young teacher). These respective Doshus are continually spreading and teaching the art of Aikido across the globe.
Aikido founder, Morihei Ueshiba Kisshomaru Ueshiba Moriteru Ueshiba
Waka sensei, Mitsuteru Ueshiba
Aikido appeals to many different kinds of people, both as a form of exercise and as a form of self-defense. It does not require physical strength or an aggressive spirit. So, regardless of your age, your physical size or your state of fitness, you will soon learn how to immobilize, pin down or throw an opponent with relative ease.
Based on full and natural body movement, Aikido exercises the whole body. It teaches and develops flexibility, co-ordination, balance and reactions. Because Aikido is essentially a method of practical self-defense, you will eventually acquire a sound basis of spontaneous reaction and effective movement, which will prove useful if you should ever find yourself in a threatening situation. However as Aikido is a budo (martial way) the root of its teachings is the same for all other budo; to win against yourself and your ego first and foremost. “True victory is self-victory, right now!” (“Masakatsu agatsu, katsuhayabi”) – Morihei Ueshiba.
Based on full and natural body movement, Aikido exercises the whole body. It teaches and develops flexibility, co-ordination, balance and reactions. Because Aikido is essentially a method of practical self-defense, you will eventually acquire a sound basis of spontaneous reaction and effective movement, which will prove useful if you should ever find yourself in a threatening situation. However as Aikido is a budo (martial way) the root of its teachings is the same for all other budo; to win against yourself and your ego first and foremost. “True victory is self-victory, right now!” (“Masakatsu agatsu, katsuhayabi”) – Morihei Ueshiba.
