Morihei Ueshiba is widely known as one of the great's in the martial arts world due to his creation of the martial art form Aikido, "the union of spirit, mind, and body" formally known as Aiki-Budo.
Morihei Ueshiba was born in Western Japan in 1883. At age seven, he began studying at a private school of the Shingon Sect of Buddhism. At this time he showed a strong interest in meditation, incantations, and prayers. Following the advice of his father he began swimming and wrestling to strengthen and discipline himself.
In 1901 he relocated to Tokyo. Possessing a strong interest in Budo, he took up the study of Jujitsu (unarmed combat) and Kenjutsu (techniques of the sword). At age forty-two he devoted himself to mastering katas of the spear. He trained endlessly using his own matchless skills of physical endurance and spiritual guidance. As he progressed his skills became legendary. During the closing of a time of rigorous training a life changing event occurred. While practising purification and meditation the spirit of the Universe surrounded his body, giving off a glowing golden light. At that moment he unearthed the divine essence of the ki (universal life force) and understood the process of the universe itself. He realized the source of Budo is the spirit of protection for all things. Ueshiba stated,
"Budo is not defeating the opponent by force nor is it a tool to lead the world into destruction with arms. To follow true Budo is to except the spirit of the universe, keep the peace of the world, and correctly produce, protect, and cultivate all beings in nature."
O'Sensei then devoted himself to establishing
this new method of Budo based on five
principles which quickly spread throughout
the Budo circles of Japan. He began traveling the country teaching
Aikido to people from all walks of life.
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