Founder of Aikido   Though the enemy's spears and buts are before you and behind  With their very weapons as your shield  You must cut in and gain victory. -- Morihei Ueshiba(1883-1969)

Morihei Ueshiba  The Founder of Aikido, was born on December 14th 1883 and later known as "O Sensei". Weak and unhealthy as a child, and trained in a variety of martial arts to gain health and strength.  Martial Arts Experiences  Ueshiba's first master was Tozawa Tokusaburo, who taught him jujitsu from the age of 13. By the age of 20 Ueshiba was already a recognised expert in the use of the sword and the spear.  Spiritual and Religious Influences  He trained in Daito Ryu Aikijitsu under Sokaku Takeda where much of Aikido originates. He was religious and followed Bishop Deguchi and the Omotokyo sect, and he regarded Aikido as a way of achieving enlightenment.  During his life he had many students, most of whom went on to form their own schools of Aikido. As he got older the spiritual side of Aikido and his life became more important, so that those students who left earlier taught a 'harder' style, such as Yoshinkan, while those who left towards the end of his life teach a 'softer' style, such as Aikikai whose head is Kisshomaru Ueshiba, the son of Morihei Ueshiba.

Aikido is a throwing, locking, and controlling art that emphasizes the ability to control an opponent without coming into close contact with him. It inherits from its Jujutsu roots a concentration on mental focus and decisive, precise movements. Its tactical theory is based upon the idea of a sphere of influence at a certain distance from the practitioner's center of mass, and a set of movements that enable the practitioner to intercept the opponent at just the right place on that sphere to take control of his balance with minimal risk to the Aikidoka.

Aikido movements are notably smooth, fluid, and circular. The accomplished practitioner is outstandingly well balanced and stable while remaining nimble. Aikido techniques convert momentum efficiently enough that the practitioner can appear to hurl opponents through the air with almost no movement.

"KI" is the heart of Aikido and thus it's development is cultivated during constant pratice.