About Aikido
History of Aikido
From Founder Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei) to the global expansion under the Doshu lineage.
Aikido Founder — Morihei Ueshiba
O-Sensei (1883 – 1969)
Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei, the Aikido Kaiso (founder), was born in 1883 in Tanabe, Japan. From youth, he studied various martial arts including sumo, swordsmanship, spear technique, staff technique, and various styles of jujutsu, particularly Daito-ryu Aiki-jujutsu.
During a era of conflict in the 20th century, O-Sensei founded Aikido and declared it a way of joining the peoples of the world together in peace. His famous motto 'Masakatsu Agatsu' contains the essence of Aikido: 'True victory is victory over oneself.'
“True victory is victory over oneself.” — Morihei Ueshiba (O-Sensei)
Late Doshu — Kisshomaru Ueshiba
Nidai Doshu (1922 – 1999)
Kisshomaru Ueshiba, son of Morihei Ueshiba, preserved the original Tokyo dojo through WWII. Following the war, he organized the Zaidan Hojin Aikikai and led the global expansion of Aikido, establishing international organizations and publishing standard instructional texts.
“One becomes vulnerable when one stops to think about winning, losing, taking advantage, or impressing the opponent.” — K. Ueshiba Doshu
Aikido Doshu — Moriteru Ueshiba
Sandai Doshu (Current Head)
Moriteru Ueshiba, grandson of O-Sensei, currently leads the Aikikai organization worldwide from the Hombu Dojo in Tokyo, continuing his family's legacy and preserving O-Sensei's vision for future generations.
Official Aikikai Lineage in Bahrain
Bahrain Aikido Academy under Shihan Sensei Sufyan maintains strict adherence to the international Aikikai lineage originating from the Hombu Dojo in Tokyo.