Morehei Ueshiba, O'sensei - Founder of Aikido

The Founder of Aikido was Master Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). He became known as O-Sensei (Great Teacher). From an early age O-Sensei applied himself to the discipline of Japan's martial arts (budo), becoming an accomplished master in many styles. It was this thoroughly expert foundation in the ways of the fighting arts that led him to develop Aikido. Mirroring his appetite for martial knowledge was the depth of his spiritual explorations. In developing these aspects he saw that budo should follow the laws of nature, be in harmony with them and serve to protect them. O-Sensei believed in universal harmony, that Aikido was a means of attaining that goal, and that violence and aggression could be turned aside by harmony of spirit.