Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) is the founder of the modern martial art of Aikido. Ueshiba sensei was born and grew up in rural Japan. He gained experience with various forms of jujutsu before meeting his principal teacher, Takeda sensei, on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido. Ueshiba was so impressed with Takeda sensei’s ability that he immediately began an intensive study of Daito Ryu. He continued to study regularly with Takeda sensei over a number of years and eventually became a top student in Daito Ryu.
Ueshiba sensei moved to Tokyo in the 1920s and set up the Kobukan Dojo. His growing fame in martial arts circles led to teaching appointments in military academies and to instruction of members of the Japanese imperial household. During World War Two, Ueshiba sensei moved to the farming community of Iwama where he continued to develop his art and refine the technical and spiritual bases of Aikido. Ueshiba sensei passed away in 1969. Throughout his life Ueshiba sensei had a number of dedicated and talented students; including, Gozo Shioda, the founder of the Yoshinkan style of Aikido.
