The Founder of Aikido, O-Sensei (honorific title in Japan, meaning “The Great Teacher”) Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) was a charismatic figure and through his Art, he spread the spirit of Japanese Budo all over the world. He was a man of short stature and as a child he had a fragile health. However, due to his strong spirit and dedication he became a world famous martial artist.

He studied intensively the Daito-Ryu Aikijutsu and various schools of Jujutsu and Kenjutsu. His life was quite adventurous and challenging and more than once he came close to death. He fought in the Russo-Japanese War, he took part in duels and escaped the firing squad at the last moment, as a captive in Manchuria. Nevertheless, he was a deeply spiritual person and very early he realized that the way of the warrior is to preserve life, rather than to destroy.

Influenced by his teacher Sokaku Takeda and his spiritual master Onisaburo Deguchi he created Aikido, with the intention to unify the world and preserve World Peace.