Aikido History and Background
Aikido is a modern Japanese martial arts developed by Morihei Ueshiba ("O Sensei") during 1920s. As a master in classical Japanese martial arts,
O Sensei's philosophy for Aikido is often referred to as "Way of Harmony".
Monrihei Ueshiba ("O Sensei")
O Sensei was born in 1883 and was one of history's greatest martial artists. He was often referred to as O Sensei "Great Teacher" for instrumentally developing Aikido.
O Sensei studied many classical Japanese martial arts, most notably Daito-ryu aiki-jujutsu in which he was greatly influenced. He set up Aikikai Hombu Dojo in 1926 in Tokyo and trained until he passed away in 1969. Today Aikido is practiced in over 130 countries around the world.
Kisshomaru Ueshiba (2nd Doshu)
Born in 1921 and the son of Morihei Ueshiba. He became the 2nd Doshu upon the passing of O Sensei.
2nd Doshu life's work was successfully spreading Aikido globally and appreciated by many both inside and outside Japan. It's often said, without the 2nd Doshu's massive effort, we may not know the Aikido that we know today.
2nd Doshu has published many books on Aikido and when he passed away in 1999, there were 1.2 million aikido practitioners.
Moriteru Ueshiba (Current Doshu)
Born in 1951, the Doshu is the grandson of Morihei Ueshiba, son of Kisshomaru Ueshiba. The 3rd and current Doshu of Aikikai. Doshu continues the effort of the 2nd Doshu in spreading Aikido worldwide. He travels extensively worldwide to conduct Aikido seminars and teaches the 6:30am class at Hombu dojo.
Doshu's Aikido is known as powerful, full of energy, yet effortless skills.
Doshu wrote many aikido books, the ones translated into English included, Best Aikido, The Aikido Master Course and Progressive Aikido.
Mitsuteru Ueshiba (Waka Sensei)
Born in 1981, Mitsuteru Ueshiba is the great grandson of O Sensei, grandson of 2nd Doshu and son of Doshu.
In keeping with the system, he is expected to succeed his father as Doshu.
He is referred to as "Waka Sensei", in Japanese culture the term means "successor".
Morihei Ueshiba ("O Sensei")
Kisshomaru Ueshiba
Moriteru Ueshiba
Mitsuteru Ueshiba
Aikido blends with the attacker's strike and redirect the force rather than
head on at it. There is no competition in Aikido.
According to Aikikai headquarter, "The goal of Aikido training is not perfection of a step or skill, but rather improving one's character according to the rules of nature."
Since Aikido is without competition, anyone including children, men and women can practice Aikido together. In Japan, estimated male to female practitioner ratio is split 50/50. It's not unusual, rather the norm to see both men and women of all ages practicing on the mats together.
The benefit goes beyond physical, including mental training. Aikido's philosophy runs deep and gets more interesting as one trains. Practitioner overtime also develop an increased in self confidence as well as
other skills learned for application in daily life.
At Juntenkai, we believe in continuous training of the mind and body. Development of a calm spirit upon confrontation, "having a kan eye"; avoidance of beast like behavior to protect one self and injuring another.
"Always practice Aikido in a joyful and vibrant manner."
O Sensei