Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba (1883–1969) during the 1920s. Born in what is now the city of Tanabe in Wakayama Prefecture, he achieved mastery in various classical Japanese martial arts throughout his life and passed away at the age of 86 in Iwama.

Many years later, Morihei Ueshiba formed a friendship with Onisaburo Deguchi, the co-founder of the religious Omoto-kyo sect. Particularly after the death of his father on January 2, 1920, he allowed himself to be guided by Deguchi in his search for a spiritual life. Ueshiba moved to Ayabe to be near Deguchi, who assisted him in building a dojo that would serve as the origin of the Ueshiba Academy. Initially, Ueshiba only taught followers of the Omoto-kyo sect. Over time, however, word spread that an extraordinary Budo master was teaching in Ayabe, and more people who did not belong to the sect began enrolling at the academy.

Ueshiba Morihei continued to refine his martial art until his death. Spiritual development became increasingly central, influencing his techniques—a shift largely attributed to several life-altering experiences. In the spring of 1925, after a duel during which he was able to foresee his opponent's movements, Ueshiba reportedly experienced an enlightenment. His son, Kisshomaru, described it as follows: "Suddenly, he felt as if he were bathed in golden light pouring down from heaven," and "the unity of the universe with his own self became clear to him, and he understood, one by one, the other principles on which Aikido is based." He changed the name from Aiki-Bujutsu to Aiki-Budo, as the suffix Do (the Way) points to the philosophical principles inherent in the martial art. In the late 1920s, Ueshiba held martial arts courses in Tokyo, where he maintained the Kobukan Dojo during the 1930s. With Japan's involvement in World War II, Ueshiba retreated to Iwama, where he turned to farming and opened another dojo.

Aikido as a Means of Bringing People Together

Following his final military service in Manchuria, Morihei Ueshiba evolved into a very peaceful individual—a stance that deeply influenced the philosophy of Aikido. In 1961, Ueshiba visited Hawaii at the invitation of the local community and stated that he had come to build a "silver bridge." He saw the harmony and love contained within Aikido as a means to unite the people of the world.

Morihei Ueshiba’s Succession

Kisshomaru Ueshiba (1921–1999): In 1942, he took over the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo from his father as Director and acting Doshu ("Master of the Way"). After his father’s death, he assumed full leadership of the Aikikai.

Moriteru Ueshiba (born 1951): The son of Kisshomaru and grandson of the founder, he began learning Aikido from his grandfather at the age of six.

Following Kisshomaru’s death, he succeeded him as Doshu. Before taking this position, he was the President of the Council of Directors of the Aikikai and head of the Hombu Dojo. He currently serves as the President of the Aikikai and the International Aikido Federation.

Mitsuteru Ueshiba (born 1981): Since 2012, he has served as Dojo-cho (and Waka-Sensei, "Young Master") of the Hombu Dojo. It is expected that he will succeed his father in all official capacities.

The Aikikai Foundation, established in 1940, is the official umbrella organization for the promotion, development, and dissemination of Aikido worldwide. It was founded to preserve the legacy created by Morihei Ueshiba and to promote the global opportunity to practice and develop body and mind through Aikido. Today, Aikido is established in 130 countries.