'O Sensei

Morihei Ueshiba was born on December 14, 1883 in Tanabe, Japan, and his name translated means Abundant Peace. Fittingly named because of the level of spirituality that he had reached, he is known as one of the greatest martial artists to have ever walked the earth. He had a very different vision for the way of the warrior, and developed the art into an incredibly effective form of self-defense that neutralizes an attack without causing serious injury to the attacker.

Ueshiba founded Aikido in the mid-1920 s with elements of judo, jujitsu and the samurai arts, although this art goes beyond physical technique. Its principles teach one how to live, how to blend, and how to maintain constant adjustments in one s life. For many, Aikido is an unending source of self-awareness. The fluidity and freedom of movement are factors that distinguish Aikido from other martial arts, while the intent behind the movements is non-aggressive and non-violent. Some describe Aikido as a moving meditation, and each movement becomes a purification of the spirit.

As soon as you concern yourself with the 'good' and 'bad' of your fellows, you create an opening in your heart for maliciousness to enter. Testing, competing with, and criticizing others weaken and defeat you.
-Morihei Ueshiba, Founder of Aikido