O Sensei

Morehei Ueshiba is the founder of Aikido and is referred to as 'OSensei' (Great Teacher). Ueshiba was born on December 14, 1883 and as a child was sensitive and somewhat sickly. In later years, Ueshiba's father encouraged him to practice sumo and and swimming to build up his physique. When his father was attacked by hoods sent by political opponents, Ueshiba's interest turned to the study of budo. When he moved to Tokyo, Ueshiba continued his martial arts studies becoming expert in sword and jujutsu.

In 1903, Morehei Ueshiba enlisted in the army and became a bayonet instructor. After discharge, Ueshiba received a certificate in Judo after studying for years. In 1915, Ueshiba became the student of a very powerful and stern jujutsu sensei, named Takeda. Despite being a very experienced martial artist, Ueshiba was easily defeated by Takeda Sensei. Ueshiba was very impressed and dedicated himself to jujutsu study under Takeda Sensei, until he received a certificate of expertise.

On a trip to Mongolia, Ueshiba experienced some difficulties with the Chinese. During that trip, Ueshiba was exposed to gunfire. Under the stress of combat, he found he had an ability to see the path of a bullet as a stream of light that he could evade by moving toward the shooter. This had a profound effect on his martial art development.

Sometime later, Ueshiba had an argument with a Japanese naval officer, who was an expert in kendo. The officer challenged Ueshiba. During the fight, Ueshiba was overcome with the same 'bullet awareness' and was able to sense the path of his challenger's wooden sword and evade his blows. The man was unable to touch Ueshiba, he became exhausted and quit. Resting in his garden after the fight, Ueshiba had what can only be termed a mystical experience. His son, Kisshomaru Morihei Ueshiba, would relate his father's words, "At that moment I was enlightened: the source of budo is God's love the spirit of loving protection for all beings. Endless tears of joy streamed down my cheeks."

From that mystical experience, Ueshiba modified the budo that he had learned during his lifetime into a martial art that would come to be known as Aikido. In April 1931, Ueshiba opened the "Kobukan Dojo"; a full-scale dojo, including residence, in Tokyo . The dojo was in the same place where today's Aikikai world headquarters (Hombu) is located.

On April 26, 1969 OSensei passed away from liver cancer. On the anniversary of this date, Aikido dojos around the world hold special training on that day, referred to as Taisei Day.