International Influence: Morihei Ueshiba and Aikido Spreading Around the World

Morihei Ueshiba (December 14, 1883 – April 26, 1969) was a great figure in the history of Japan's martial arts and is widely known as the founder of Aikido, a martial art practiced around the world today. When talking about modern martial arts, his presence is indispensable.

Martial arts giant, Morihei Ueshiba

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Morihei Ueshiba's life was a series of physical and mental trials, and in the midst of this, he built his own philosophy and continued to pursue a universal martial arts aesthetic, which was truly full of ups and downs and innovations. In this article, we will unravel in detail his upbringing, the founding of Aikido, its ideological background, and the trajectory of Aikido's international spread, with new perspectives.

Chapter 1 ~ Morihei Ueshiba's upbringing and physical overcoming

Morihei Ueshiba was born in Nishinoya Village (present-day Tanabe City) in Wakayama Prefecture, where abundant nature is still alive today. As a child, Morihei was born with a weak body and was considered to have less than human strength.

Even from the perspective of those around him, he would not have seemed to be a child with excellent athletic ability. However, it was this physical handicap that would become a turning point that would greatly shape Morihei's later life.

Akane

flower

He faced his own weaknesses and in order to overcome them, he poured his heart and soul into physical training at the time, such as sumo wrestling and swimming. Daily training trained not only his body but also his mind at the same time, cultivating the importance of fortitude and self-overcoming in his boyhood.

His efforts during this period became the starting point for his later teachings through martial arts, such as the idea that "the soft conquers the strong" and the "way of overcoming" in which he continued to challenge his own limitations.

Naomi

Pont

He was able to accept his weaknesses and in the process of overcoming them, he was able to acquire two important qualities at the same time: flexibility and perseverance.

It can be said that this experience laid the foundation for the idea of "not opposing force with force" and "using the power of the opponent" that is the basis of Aikido.

Cathy

Donbei

As a boy, Morihei learned firsthand what true strength is and how to obtain it by overcoming his own physical weaknesses.

Chapter 2 ~ Martial Arts Quest and the Background of the Birth of Aikido

After reaching adolescence, Morihei begins his journey of exploring his own martial arts in earnest. He was actively exposed to the various martial arts of the time, such as jujutsu, swordsmanship, and judo, and learned their techniques and philosophies.

In particular, Yagyu Shingan-ryu Jujutsu and Daito-ryu Aiki Jitsu are known as schools that had a profound influence on Morihei's view of martial arts.

Based on the techniques and ideas he absorbed from these traditional martial arts, he experimented with his own martial arts theories and practices, and by the 1920s, the foundations of Aikido were gradually formed. Then, in 1922, Morihei named his martial art "Aiki Bujutsu" and set out to create a new martial art.

It is worth noting here that Morihei's aikido is not limited to the framework of mere martial arts, but encompasses deep philosophical ideas and ethics. He placed "ki" as the fundamental concept of Aikido and emphasized harmony between the human mind, nature, and the universe.

We believe that the ultimate purpose of the technique is to achieve harmony that goes beyond mere victory and defeat, and this philosophy has been passed down to today's Aikido. Aikido developed as a practical path to look deeply within oneself, to harmonize with others, to build better relationships, and to promote self-growth, rather than simply learning the technique of subduing one's opponents.

The fact that it has not only a martial aspect but also a philosophical aspect is a major feature that sets Aikido apart from other martial arts.

Chapter 3 ~ Spiritual Growth and the Influence of Religion

Religious experience is a very important factor in the formation of Morihei Ueshiba's thought. He was deeply involved in the "Daihonkyo" as a faith and spent a lot of time in its doctrines. Omotokyo is one of the new religions in Japan, and it is believed that the teachings that preached world peace and love of humanity had a great influence on Morihei's thought.

The ideals of Omotokyo, such as "universal protection" and "unity with the universe," came to fruition as important elements at the core of Morihei's martial arts philosophy, through Morihei's own interpretations.

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Midori

Later, after World War II, this martial art was systematized in the 1940s under the name "Aikido", and it went beyond the framework of mere martial arts and sublimated into a philosophy that proposed peaceful solutions and mental stability.

Witnessing the tragic reality of war, Morihei must have been convinced that the original purpose of martial arts was not simply to improve killing techniques, but to contribute to the realization of a peaceful society and the happiness of mankind. His ideas were deeply connected to the social situation of the time, and gave many people sympathy and inspiration.

Jesse

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Even in the chaotic period after the end of the war, Morihei's activities did not stop, and he established the "Aikikai" to promote aikido both Japan and abroad. His dedication has been passed on to many of his disciples and has led to the development of Aikido worldwide today.

Morihei's achievement in combining religious teachings with his own martial arts experience and building his own philosophy transcended the martial art of aikido and had a great influence on the spiritual culture of mankind.

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Chapter 4 ~ The Philosophy of Aikido and the Core of Morihei Ueshiba's Thought

Throughout his life, Morihei Ueshiba repeatedly preached the universal energy of human existence called "ki." By expressing this "ki" through the technique of harmony, he sublimated the philosophy of aikido into something universal: "fusion with nature," "avoidance of conflict," and "love and harmony."

The art of Aikido is not simply about using force to subdue the opponent, but rather about accepting and using the power of the opponent and guiding them to harmony.

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Midori

It can be said that this idea provides a very important perspective not only in Aikido as a martial art, but also in relationships and social life.

Morihei also believed that refining the essence of human nature is the essence of martial arts. Therefore, in the aikido that he founded, there is no concept of a match or winning or losing. Practice as a spiritual practice forms the core of Aikido.

Jesse

brown

From this point of view, mastering the art of aikido is a means of looking deeply into one's inner self and refining oneself, and the process of avoiding confrontation with one's opponent is itself considered to be the "real victory" in aikido.

Based on this deep philosophy, Aikido spread to the hearts of people around the world as "a way to connect people and enhance humanity" rather than "a way to defeat and win by defeating enemies," as Morihei Ueshiba said. As a way to explore humanity and grow beyond the boundaries of martial arts, Aikido continues to be supported and practiced by many people.

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Chapter 5 ~ The Influence of Aikido Beyond the Boundaries of Martial Arts

Morihei Ueshiba's teachings are not limited to the martial art of aikido, but his universal concepts of "harmony" and "love" have very important implications for education, psychology, and stress management in modern society.

Morihei's phrase "win with your heart" has been applied in various fields such as school education and corporate training, and is increasingly being adopted as a guideline for facilitating human relationships.

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Midori

It is widely known that practicing aikido is not only a physical training, but also a stimulating effect on mental growth.

Studies have shown that practicing can improve concentration, perseverance, self-esteem, and reduce stress. Aikido also emphasizes the idea of using the power of the other person to maintain one's own balance, which is a very important perspective in human relationships in modern society.

Jesse

brown

As a result, Aikido is appreciated by many people as more than just a martial art, but a universal learning for relationship building and spiritual growth.

Its influence has spread beyond the framework of martial arts to a wide range of fields such as education, welfare, and business, and it is expected that its importance will increase in society in the future.

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Chapter 6 ~ The Influence of Philosophy and Practice Continuing After Death

Even after Morihei Ueshiba passed away in 1969, the spark of his teachings has not been extinguished and has been passed on to the next generation.

In particular, Morihei's son, Ueshiba Kichishomaru, faithfully inherited his father's ideas and techniques, and contributed greatly to the spread and development of Aikido.

Ken

Kazuhisa Fukutomi

Thanks to Kichijomaru's efforts, the ideas and techniques of aikido were passed on to many disciples, and through the establishment of dojos and publishing activities, they spread internationally.

Today, Aikido has spread to more than 90 countries, and many people around the world practice its teachings and techniques. Although different styles and schools are derived from each region and culture, the idea of "harmony" that underlies Aikido is consistent and is loved by people all over the world, transcending races and borders. Aikido is recognized not only as a martial art but also as a symbol of the creation of a peaceful society, and plays an important role in deepening international exchange and mutual understanding.

Chapter 7 ~ Summary

Morihei Ueshiba's creation of Aikido has grown beyond mere physical martial arts into a cultural movement with deeper spiritual exploration and social significance.

It can be said that his life is the very embodiment of the ideal way of life as a human being, "training a weak body, refining spirituality, and aiming for harmony."

Aikido not only shows the profound potential of martial arts, but also has the potential to enrich our lives by providing solutions to various issues faced by modern society.

His influence is still strong today, and through the martial art of Aikido, he continues to convey the profound possibilities of martial arts for the future.

Morihei Ueshiba's legacy has given us many suggestions, not only in Aikido, but in all areas that pursue human potential and harmony, and his influence will continue to grow.

The martial art of Aikido will continue to give courage and hope to many people and contribute to the realization of a peaceful world. Morihei Ueshiba's great achievements can be said to be a common asset of humanity that should be passed down to future generations.

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Exorcist/Radionics Technique Researcher

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Born in Aomori Prefecture in 1965 Since childhood, he has been plagued by troubles, illnesses, and injuries caused by spiritual phenomena. However, one day at the age of 20, he participated in an event, had a strange experience at the venue, and received a lightning energy from heaven that seemed to pierce his brain and his spinal cord, and his psychic abilities blossomed. After that, he started researching psychology and psychic powers, and now he has combined psychic abilities and consciousness engineering. Established "Radionics Exorcism" with his own radionics technique. Beyond exorcism, memorial services, and healing, "it is possible to cure luck"