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What is Aikido?
Aikido was developed in Japan at the turn of the century. Its origins are steeped in martial
traditions dating back hundreds of years.
The founding figure of Aikido was Morihei Ueshiba (known as O’Sensei). After mastering many
forms of martial arts, he created aikido – his “way of harmony” that allowed force to be used
against those who would use force. By all accounts he was invincible in combat, an artist among
martial artists. But he was more than physically supreme. He was a creative, spiritual man who
took elements from other martial arts, created new ones, and developed a martial art as
devasting as any, but as elegant as ballet.
Ueshiba’s way was not easy, physically or otherwise. When a master of the sword asked how
long it would take to master Aikido, Ueshiba answered, “10 years.” When the man asked how
long it would take if he worked day and night and did nothing else, Ueshiba answered, “30 years.”
Aikido was developed in Japan at the turn of the century. Its origins are steeped in martial
traditions dating back hundreds of years.
The founding figure of Aikido was Morihei Ueshiba (known as O’Sensei). After mastering many
forms of martial arts, he created aikido – his “way of harmony” that allowed force to be used
against those who would use force. By all accounts he was invincible in combat, an artist among
martial artists. But he was more than physically supreme. He was a creative, spiritual man who
took elements from other martial arts, created new ones, and developed a martial art as
devasting as any, but as elegant as ballet.
Ueshiba’s way was not easy, physically or otherwise. When a master of the sword asked how
long it would take to master Aikido, Ueshiba answered, “10 years.” When the man asked how
long it would take if he worked day and night and did nothing else, Ueshiba answered, “30 years.”
The Organization
Aikido of Evanston is affiliated with the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU), a national organization connected to the Akikai
Federation of Japanese Aikido established by the founder Morihei Ueshiba. ASU was established in the United States by
Mitsugi Saotome, a direct student of the founder, in the 1970’s.
Aikido of Evanston is affiliated with the Aikido Schools of Ueshiba (ASU), a national organization connected to the Akikai
Federation of Japanese Aikido established by the founder Morihei Ueshiba. ASU was established in the United States by
Mitsugi Saotome, a direct student of the founder, in the 1970’s.
| Morihei Ueshiba Founder of Aikido |
