Message of The Founder
by Morihei Ueshiba, O-Sensei
Editor's Note: this was first published in the "Aikido", No. 4, 1981.
When we view it from the Truth of the Universe, Aikido has to be an ideal road of the natural. The "Ri" (principle) must be the base which gives coherence and reason to all things. If we were to analyze or breakdown the Ri as a scientist might, we can call the things that we find manifested on the physical surface ( omote ) "Ho”, [that is to say, a rule or method or law].
Aikido is one such Ho . It is one of the subtle laws of the heaven-sent truth of Takemusu Aiki (bu -generating Aiki). We can also call it the "Way of Accord between Heaven, Earth and Man," and therefore it can be described as the Way of reconciling the myriad essences and their multiple manifestations.
You must know that Aikido techniques are a Way of Misogi, [that is, of "ritual purification”] of the body and the spirit/mind ( kokoro) and a way of training. That fact is what makes us aware of the laws of the universe and that same fact is the core truth of the workings of the Universal
For these reasons once you have mastered this Aikido you will understand the Universal Rational and also come to a good understanding of your own self. For example, if you move a sword you put into that action your entire self and unite with the whole universe for that movement. In Aikido there is a subtle and mysteriously clever way of swordsmanship. In this Way of the Sword, if you can not completely perfect the fundamental morality your art will surely become that of the “Perverted Sword of Injustice and Wickedness" (ja-ken) . But just what is this fundamental morality of humanity?
It is keeping to the virtues of fidelity, honesty and exemplary behavior, charity of heart and faithfulness. It is to make truth, joy and beauty the foundation by which you protect and preserve them. Then, by making one's very best effort, to bring forth virtue. We must strive in the direction of becoming more and more wise and sharp of sensitivity. It is necessary to have an absolute and all encompassing sincerity in all things. In short we have to proceed toward the “Way of Accord” in the spirit of Love congealed of Love
In order to attain this sincere mind and foster it, we must start by overcoming ourselves!
Aikido History
Aikido's founder, Morihei Ueshiba, was born in Japan on December 14, 1883. As a boy, he often saw local thugs beat up his father for political reasons. He set out to make himself strong so that he could take revenge. He devoted himself to hard physical conditioning and eventually to the practice of martial arts, receiving certificates of mastery in several styles of jujitsu, fencing, and spear fighting. In spite of his impressive physical and martial capabilities, however, he felt very dissatisfied. He began delving into religions in hopes of finding a deeper significance to life, all the while continuing to pursue his studies of budo, or the martial arts. By combining his martial training with his religious and political ideologies, he created the modern martial art of Aikido. Ueshiba decided on the name "Aikido" in 1942 (before that he called his martial art "aikibudo" and "aikinomichi").
On the technical side, Aikido is rooted in several styles of jujitsu (from which modern judo is also derived), in particular daitoryu-(aiki)jujitsu, as well as sword and spear fighting arts. Oversimplifying somewhat, we may say that Aikido takes the joint locks and throws from jujitsu and combines them with the body movements of sword and spear fighting. However, we must also realize that many Aikido techniques are the result of Master Ueshiba's own innovation.
What is Aikido?
Aikido is a Japanese martial art developed by Morihei Ueshiba O' Sensei. Aikido focuses not on punching or kicking opponents, but rather on using their own energy to gain control of them or to throw them away from you. Aikido is derived from three (3) Japanese words ai, ki and do. Ai means harmony and coordination and synonymous to love, Ki refers to spirit or energy and Do means the way. Aikido therefore is defined as "The Way of Harmony Through Energy".
