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What is Aikido?
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Aikido relies on the use of techniques combined with energy
("ki") to control and redirect an opponent's force.
Aikido is a relatively modern, non-competitive martial art for the
development of mind, body and spirit. It was developed by Morihei Ueshiba
around 1930 based on his detailed knowledge of several traditional martial
arts, most notably Daito Ryu Jujutsu. Aikido is often characterised by its
fluid and dynamic movement. We practice defence against a wide variety of
strikes, punches and holds, including attacks with weapons. It is practiced by
men and women of all ages (not just the young and fit!).
There are various definitions of aikido, see the following web sites:
There is also a glossary of Aikido Terms and
Techniques and the Tetushinkan grading criteria.
Return to Tetushinkan Dojo
AIKIDO - HISTORY
Aikido was founded by Morihei
Ueshiba (know as "O Sensei" or "Great Teacher") around
1930. He formulated this new art after intense study of several other martial
arts most notably Daito Ryu Jujutsu, under Sokaku Takeda.
His first teacher was Takisaburo
Tozawa of the Kito school of Jujutsu. In 1903 Ueshiba Sensei
entered the army and fought in the Russo-Japanese war. He was
well known for his fortitude and fighting spirit. He was only 5
feet 2 inches but weighed 180lb. In 1908, at the age of 25 he
received a certificate from the Yagyu sword school after studying
with master Masakatsu Nakai. In 1916, at the age of 33, he
received a certificate from Sokaku Takeda the head of the Daito
Ryu school of Jujutsu. Daito Ryu is possibly the school to which
Ueshiba's new art bears the closest relation in it's unarmed
technique. In 1922 he studied Shinkage Ryu Jujutsu and from 1924-5
Sojutsu (spear).
Ueshiba was active in local politics helping to
resolve fishing and boundary disputes. In 1910 he led a group of
settlers to Hokkaido, the then sparsely populated Northern-most
island of Japan. He was later elected to the village council. He
was a devoutly religious man having studied Shingon and Zen
Buddhism from an early age. He met Onisaburo Deguchi in 1918 and
became a follower and close companion of his. In 1924 Ueshiba
Sensei travelled to Mongolia with Deguchi with the aim of
establishing a community based on the values of his Omoto Kyo
religion. The party was captured by Chinese soldiers and narrowly
escaped execution. In 1925, following a duel with a naval officer
who was an expert swordsman, Ueshiba had a mystical experience.
He described it thus: ".... a golden spirit sprang up from
the ground, veiled my body, and changed my body into a golden one....
At that moment I was enlightened: the source of Budo is god's
love - the spirit of loving protection for all things." This
incident marked a watershed in the evolution of Ueshiba's art
from a predominantly martial technique to a method with a
philosophical foundation.
In 1931, the Kobukan, a permanent dojo (training
hall) was built, on the site of the present headquarters in
Shinjuku, Tokyo. 1948 saw the founding of the Aikikai, the
organisation controlling the practice and teaching of Aikido.
During the early 50's several senior teachers were sent abroad,
Mochizuke to France, Tohei to the USA and Yamaguchi to Burma.
Since then, under the directorship of Kisshomaru Ueshiba, the
founder's son, Aikido has continued to spread and is practised in
many countries throughout the world. The present Headmaster of
The Aikikai is Moriteru Ueshiba, the grandson of Morihei Ueshiba.
Several of Ueshiba's prominent students, such as Gozo Shioda,
Koichi Tohei and Tomiki went on to found organisations of their
own.
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