History of Aikido

The history of Aikido is rich and complex, having roots as far back as the feudal period in Japan when the Tokugawa clan was in power. Under their domination, the production and use of guns was prohibited.

From approximately 1600 to 1850, under the control of the Samurai, fighting methods that did not rely on the use of guns continued to evolve. Techniques were handed down from generation to generation along clan lines, and were generally kept secret. Hand-to-hand fighting techniques with and without swords, staffs, and other weapons, were cultivated.

Aikido was first established in the early part of the twentieth century by O-Sensei (Venerable Teacher). O-Sensei was born Morihei Ueshiba (1883 – 1969) on December 14, 1883 in Japan, and is credited with laying the foundation of present day Aikido.

As a child he witnessed his father suffer beatings at the hands of political thugs, and decided to make himself strong in order to extract revenge. He worked very hard for many years developing his physical skills, and mastering several styles of martial arts including jujitsu, fencing, and spear fighting. But he still felt dissatisfied.

His dissatisfaction led him to explore the spiritual and religious aspects of life, and to deeply examine the mysteries of life. He actively pursued one of Japan’s “new religions’ at the time - Omotokyo. Omotokyo is still active today, and is part neo-shintoism, part socio-political idealism. The unification of humanity in a single “heavenly kingdom on earth” is one goal of Omotokyo.

There is no single unifying philosophy in Aikido, but there are many religious, ethical, and metaphysical beliefs.

Several examples include

“Aikido is not a way to fight with or defeat enemies; it is a way to reconcile the world and make all human beings one family”
“The essence of Aikido is the cultivation of ki (a vital force, life force, spiritual or mental energy)”
“The secret of Aikido is to become one with the universe”
“Aikido is a way to achieve physical and psychological self-mastery”

Two main precepts common to all forms of Aikido include the idea of peaceful resolution to conflict - to neutralize rather than damage or destroy an opponent, and striving to better ones self through a deep sense of spirituality.

Perhaps O-Sensei’s famous motto sums it up best – “Masakatsu Agatsu”, which summarizes the spirit of Aikido, "True victory is victory over the self”.

O-Sensei’s far reaching vision for a unified humanity opened up the discipline and pathway of Aikido to anyone who was sincere in their desire to learn. Under his guidance Aikido spread from Japan, to Europe, and then the Americas, transcending cultural, and national boundaries.

When O-Sensei died on April 26th, 1969, at the age of 86. His son, Kisshomaru Ueshiba Nidai Doshu (second “master of the way” of Aikido), succeeded him. Under his direction the next generation of shihans (master level instructors) were trained. Aikido gained in popularity and momentum with millions of followers worldwide. Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba died on January 4th, 1999. He was 77 years old.

Shortly after Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba’s death, his son, Moriteru Ueshiba was named the Sandai (third) Doshu. Under his leadership, the number of students of Aikido is expected to grow.

Working with him is his son, Aikido Shihan Fumio Toyoda. Toyoda Shihan is a professional instructor at Aikido World Headquarters. He is actively engaged in training the next generation of shihan-level instructors and promoting Aikido instruction on the national level.

References:

http://www.aaa-aikido.com/info/history.html

http://www.aikidoshudokan.com/aikido_history.htm

http://www.aikidofaq.com/history/

http://my.ort.org.il/givatram/egiazary/history.htm

http://www.ki-aikido.de/e/what_is_aikido_2004.shtml



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*O-Sensei*	History of Aikido The history of Aikido is rich and complex, having roots as far back as the feudal period in Japan when the Tokugawa clan was in power. Under their domination, the production and use of guns was prohibited. From approximately 1600 to 1850, under the control of the Samurai, fighting methods that did not rely on the use of guns continued to evolve. Techniques were handed down from generation to generation along clan lines, and were generally kept secret. Hand-to-hand fighting techniques with and without swords, staffs, and other weapons, were cultivated. Aikido was first established in the early part of the twentieth century by O-Sensei (Venerable Teacher). O-Sensei was born Morihei Ueshiba (1883 – 1969) on December 14, 1883 in Japan, and is credited with laying the foundation of present day Aikido. As a child he witnessed his father suffer beatings at the hands of political thugs, and decided to make himself strong in order to extract revenge. He worked very hard for many years developing his physical skills, and mastering several styles of martial arts including jujitsu, fencing, and spear fighting. But he still felt dissatisfied. His dissatisfaction led him to explore the spiritual and religious aspects of life, and to deeply examine the mysteries of life. He actively pursued one of Japan’s “new religions’ at the time - Omotokyo. Omotokyo is still active today, and is part neo-shintoism, part socio-political idealism. The unification of humanity in a single “heavenly kingdom on earth” is one goal of Omotokyo. There is no single unifying philosophy in Aikido, but there are many religious, ethical, and metaphysical beliefs. Several examples include “Aikido is not a way to fight with or defeat enemies; it is a way to reconcile the world and make all human beings one family” “The essence of Aikido is the cultivation of ki (a vital force, life force, spiritual or mental energy)” “The secret of Aikido is to become one with the universe” “Aikido is a way to achieve physical and psychological self-mastery” Two main precepts common to all forms of Aikido include the idea of peaceful resolution to conflict - to neutralize rather than damage or destroy an opponent, and striving to better ones self through a deep sense of spirituality. Perhaps O-Sensei’s famous motto sums it up best – “Masakatsu Agatsu”, which summarizes the spirit of Aikido, "True victory is victory over the self”. O-Sensei’s far reaching vision for a unified humanity opened up the discipline and pathway of Aikido to anyone who was sincere in their desire to learn. Under his guidance Aikido spread from Japan, to Europe, and then the Americas, transcending cultural, and national boundaries. When O-Sensei died on April 26th, 1969, at the age of 86. His son, Kisshomaru Ueshiba Nidai Doshu (second “master of the way” of Aikido), succeeded him. Under his direction the next generation of shihans (master level instructors) were trained. Aikido gained in popularity and momentum with millions of followers worldwide. Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba died on January 4th, 1999. He was 77 years old. Shortly after Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba’s death, his son, Moriteru Ueshiba was named the Sandai (third) Doshu. Under his leadership, the number of students of Aikido is expected to grow. Working with him is his son, Aikido Shihan Fumio Toyoda. Toyoda Shihan is a professional instructor at Aikido World Headquarters. He is actively engaged in training the next generation of shihan-level instructors and promoting Aikido instruction on the national level. References: http://www.aaa-aikido.com/info/history.html http://www.aikidoshudokan.com/aikido_history.htm http://www.aikidofaq.com/history/ http://my.ort.org.il/givatram/egiazary/history.htm http://www.ki-aikido.de/e/what_is_aikido_2004.shtml