Morihei Ueshiba
Morihei Ueshiba: The Founder of Aikido
Full Name and Common Aliases
Morihei Ueshiba, often referred to as "O-Sensei" meaning "Great Teacher," is a name synonymous with the martial art of Aikido. His full name, Morihei Ueshiba, is revered in martial arts circles around the world, and his teachings continue to influence practitioners globally.
Birth and Death Dates
Morihei Ueshiba was born on December 14, 1883, in Tanabe, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan. He passed away on April 26, 1969, leaving behind a legacy that transformed martial arts and spiritual practice.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Morihei Ueshiba was Japanese by nationality. He was a martial artist, philosopher, and spiritual leader. As the founder of Aikido, he dedicated his life to developing and teaching this unique martial art, which emphasizes harmony and the peaceful resolution of conflict.
Early Life and Background
Morihei Ueshiba was born into a family of landowners and was the only son among four siblings. His father, Yoroku Ueshiba, was a politically active farmer, while his mother, Yuki Itokawa, was known for her gentle nature. From a young age, Morihei was exposed to the values of hard work and discipline. He was a frail child, which motivated him to pursue physical training to build his strength.
His early education included studies in Confucianism and Buddhism, which laid the foundation for his later spiritual pursuits. Ueshiba's interest in martial arts began in his youth, and he trained in various traditional Japanese martial arts, including jujutsu, kenjutsu, and sojutsu. His quest for knowledge and mastery led him to study under several renowned martial arts masters, which significantly shaped his future endeavors.
Major Accomplishments
Morihei Ueshiba's most significant accomplishment was the creation of Aikido, a martial art that he developed over several decades. Aikido, which means "the way of harmony with the spirit," is a synthesis of Ueshiba's martial arts training and his spiritual beliefs. It emphasizes blending with an opponent's movements to neutralize aggression without causing harm.
Ueshiba's dedication to Aikido was unwavering. He established the Aikikai Foundation, the central organization for Aikido, and opened the Kobukan Dojo in Tokyo in 1931, which became the headquarters for Aikido training. His teachings attracted students from all over the world, and he was known for his exceptional skill and profound understanding of martial arts and spirituality.
Notable Works or Actions
Morihei Ueshiba's notable works include the development of Aikido techniques and principles that are practiced worldwide today. His teachings were not limited to physical techniques; he also imparted philosophical and spiritual lessons that emphasized peace, harmony, and the interconnectedness of all beings.
Ueshiba's actions during World War II are particularly noteworthy. Despite the global conflict, he remained committed to promoting peace through Aikido. He believed that true victory was victory over oneself and that Aikido could be a means to achieve personal and collective harmony.
Impact and Legacy
Morihei Ueshiba's impact on martial arts and spiritual practice is profound. Aikido has grown into a global phenomenon, practiced by millions of people across different cultures and backgrounds. His teachings have transcended the boundaries of martial arts, influencing fields such as conflict resolution, personal development, and spiritual growth.
Ueshiba's legacy is preserved through the continued practice and evolution of Aikido. His students, many of whom became masters in their own right, have spread his teachings worldwide, ensuring that his vision of a peaceful and harmonious world lives on.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Morihei Ueshiba is widely quoted and remembered for his profound insights into the nature of conflict and the human spirit. His teachings emphasize the importance of harmony, compassion, and self-mastery, principles that resonate with people seeking peace and personal growth.
Quotes attributed to Ueshiba often reflect his belief in the power of love and harmony to overcome aggression and discord. His words continue to inspire martial artists, spiritual seekers, and anyone striving to live a life of balance and peace. Morihei Ueshiba's legacy as a visionary martial artist and spiritual leader endures, making him a timeless figure in the quest for harmony and understanding.
Quotes by Morihei Ueshiba
Morihei Ueshiba's insights on:
There is evil and disorder in the world because people have forgotten that all things emanate from one source. Return to that source and leave behind all self-centered thoughts, petty desires, and anger. Those who are possessed by nothing possess everything.
Do not concern yourself with the right and wrong of others. Do not be calculating or act unnaturally.
The only real sin is to be ignorant of the universal, timeless principles of existence. Such ignorance is the root of all evil and all misguided behavior. Eliminate ignorance through the Art of Peace, and even hell will be emptied of tortured souls.
This is how the universe came into being: There was no heaven, no earth, no universe – just empty space. In this vast emptiness, a single point suddenly manifested itself. From that point, steam, smoke, and mist spiraled forth in a luminous sphere and the sacred sound SU was born. As SU expanded circularly up and down, left and right, nature and breath began, clear and uncontaminated. Breath developed life, and sound appeared.
In Aikido, we train not to learn how to win; we train to learn to emerge victorious in any situation.
You cannot see or touch the divine with your gross senses. The divine is within you, not somewhere else.
Your voice is a very powerful weapon. When you are in tune with the cosmic breath of heaven and earth, your voice produces true sounds.