A History Of Aikido

Many people think that the art of Aikido is new but the fact remains that it has it origins the early 20th century. This Japanese martial art was first used in Tokyo and gradually; the world recognized its importance and value. Read on to know in-depth history of Aikido, its development and present stage.

Founder And Foundation
Aikido was founded by Morihei Ueshiba in the early 20th century. Later, Morihei came to be known as O Sensei or the Great Teacher. Morihei envisioned Aikido has both a synthesis of his martial training as well as an expression of his own personal philosophy of the universal peace and reconciliation.

• * Morihei founded Aikido in Tokyo.
• * The main training hall of Aikido (Aikidai Hombu Dojo) is located at the Aikido World Headquarters.
• * Koichi Tohei Sensei started teaching Aikido in America from Hawaii.
• * In Europe, Aikido entered from France before impressing the rest of the continent.
• * Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba, son of O Sensei was behind the successful spreading of Aikido in the rest of the world.

Initial Development

The credit for the initial development of Aikido also goes undoubtedly to Morihei Ueshiba. Morihei derived Aikido from Daito ryu aiki jujutsu, which he studied directly with Takeda Sokaku. The whole initial development of Aikido went through the 1920 and 1930s. Much of the development of Aikido was done after Morihei studied Tenjin Shinyo ryu with Tozawa Tokusaburo in Tokyo.

• * Technical influence on Aikido was derived from the art of Daito ryu and the art of swordsmandship.
• * Morihei also incorporated use of joint-locking and empty-handed throwing techniques.
• * Morihei also added the use of weapons like spear, short staff and bayonet in Aikido.
• * Morihei first referred this marial art as Aiki Budo in 1937 and he finally, began calling it Aikido in 1942.
• * In 1942, Aikido was engaged in a government sponsored reorganization and centrailization of Japanese martial arts by the Greater Japan Martial Virtue Society.

Teachings Of O Sensei

Needless to mention, but it was O Sensei who was the first teacher of Aikido, who was approached by many students. It was on the urge of the students that O Sensei was encouraged to make this discipline a true universal martial art. O Sensei wanted to make his students better than himself in Aikido. He was known to be very generous in his ideas and taught this martial art and gave the world many new instructors.

Doshu Ueshiba

After Morihei Ueshiba, his son Doshu Ueshiba devoted his life in spreading Aikido. Gradually, this martial art was recognized and practices everywhere in the world. Doshu was also recognized and was awarded with a medal to appreciate his efforts in spreading Aikido in the year 1995 by the Japanese emperor. Later, Doshu also became the president of the International Aikido Federations as well as of the All-Japan Aikido Federation.

Now, since you have read about the fascinating history of Aikido, we assume that you are most likely to learn this martial art for your own benefits.