A brief history of Aikido
Aikido is a relatively new martial art created around World War II by Morihei Ueshiba, now called O-Sensei (“Great Teacher”). Born in 1883 in Wakayama Prefecture, Japan, he dedicated himself to becoming strong after seeing his father assaulted by political opponents. He studied under masters in many traditional martial arts eventually becoming expert at a number of styles of jujitsu (unarmed combat), kenjitsu (sword fighting), and sojitsu (spear fighting).
Dissatisfied with strength and technical mastery, he immersed himself in religious and philosophical studies. He was said to have reached enlightenment after years of meditation. By combining his martial training with his religious and philosophical ideologies, he created the modern martial art of Aikido. The birthplace of Aikido structure and foundation is Iwama, Japan. The Aikido World Headquarters is located in Tokyo, Japan and its chief instructor is Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba, the founder’s grandson.
Aikido has spread around the world and has many different interpretations and presentations, it is our belief that all practitioners are sharing the Art of Peace are sharing the spirit of O-Sensei’s vision.
“Foster peace in your own life and then apply the Art to all that you encounter.” ~ O-Sensei