Aikikai Foundation

About Aikido

Aikido is a Japanese Martial Art created during the 1920s by Morihei Ueshiba (1883~1969), an expert who reached the highest level of mastery in the classical Japanese Martial Arts. Aikido is performed by blending with the motion of the attacker and redirecting the force of the attack rather than opposing it head-on. Aikido has not competition. The goal of Aikido training is not perfection of a step or skill, but rather improving one's character according to the rules of nature.

Features of Aikido

Aikido training is intended to promote physical and mental training, according to the proficiency level of each skill and repeatedly practice so anyone can practice. Aikido training is not only good for health, but also develops self-confidence naturally for daily life. The dojo is a ideal place to deepen the understanding of the human eye, to meet people regardless of age, sex and occupation.

Aikido Worldwide

Sixty years have passed since the spread of Aikido overseas began. During this time, Aikido has become established in 140 countries. Aikido has taken root all over the world because it is recognized as a way to train the mind and body, and as such, its value extends beyond race and border. As a result of overseas promotion activities, in 1976, the International Aikido Federation (IAF) was established, the General Assembly of the Federation has been held every four years. In 1984, the International Aikido Federation became official member of the General Association of International Sports Federations (GAISF). Voluntary activities by international organizations and leaders dispatched by Japan Government Foundation, Leaders dispatched by Senior Overseas Cooperation Volunteers and Youth of Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has also become active. Aikido is expected internationally now as a new culture of humanity in the 21st century.

Aikido History

1883	Aikido Founder, Morihei Ueshiba, is born on December 14th in the present-day city of Tanabe in Wakayama Prefecture.
1897	The Founder begins to study several traditional styles of Martial Arts.
1912	The Founder applies for invitation from the government to become a pioneer to Hokkaido. Leads a group of pioneers in migrating to Shirataki (now known as Engaru-cho), Monbetsu-gun, Hokkaido.
1919	On his return home, While in Ayabe, Kyoto, the Founder makes the acquaintance of Mr. Onisaburo Deguchi, of the Omoto religious sect, and devotes himself to ascetic spiritual training.
1920	The Founder opens a training dojo called "Ueshiba-juku" at the foot of Hongu-cho, Ayabe in Kyoto Prefecture.
1921	Kisshomura Ueshiba (the second Doshu) is born in Ayabe, Kyoto Prefecture on June 27th.
1922	The Founder adresses "Aiki" as the essence of the Martial Arts due to his development of the mind coupled with spiritual practices.
1927	The Founder comes to Tokyo with his family and begins teaching Martial Arts in Shirogane-Sarumachi, Shiba. His main activities move to Tokyo.
1931	The Kobukan Dojo is established in present-day Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku.
1940	The Kobukai Foundation, With Mr. Isamu Takeshita as its first president, is officially recognized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare.
1941	Plans to build an out door dojo in Iwama, Ibaraki Prefecture are created.
1942	The name "Aikido" is adopted. Kisshomaru Ueshiba is named the director of the headquarters.
1943	The Aiki Shrine is erected in Iwama, Ibaraki Prefecture.
1945	The Ibaraki Dojo is constructed in Iwama, Ibaraki Prefecture, as an adjunct facility of the Aiki Shrine.(Renamed as the Ibaraki Branch Dojo in 2004.)
1948	The Aikikai Foundation is officially recognized by the Ministry of Heath and Welfare (February 9th). Mr. Kenji Tomita becomes the Chairman of the Aikikai Foundation.
1949	Under the leadership of Kisshomaru Ueshiba, head of Hombu Dojo, a daily schedule of practice is begun.
1951	Moriteru Ueshiba (the current Doshu) is born in Tokyo on April 2nd.
1955	The first public Aikido demonstration is held on the roof of Takashiyama department store in Nihonbashi, Tokyo.
1957	Kisshomaru Ueshiba releases his first book, Aikido.
1959	The first issue of the Aikido Newspaper (previously called Aiki) is published.
1960	The Founder receives the Medal with Purple Ribbon of Honor from the Japanese Government.
1961	The All-Japan Aikido University Federation is established (October).
1964	The Founder receives the award of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rossette.
1967	Kisshomaru Ueshiba becomes the Chairman of Aikikai Foundation.
1968	The newly built Aikido Hombu Dojo is completed (January). The Aikido Academy is approved by the Tokyo city government (July).
1969	The Founder passes away on April 26th at the age of 86. With the passing of the Founder, Kissshomaru Ueshiba assumes the title of Doshu.
1976	The All-Japan Aikido Federation is established (May). The first IAF congress is held at the Keio Plaza Hotel in Tokyo. It is attended by 400 delegates from 28 countries (October).
1977	The 15th Annual All-Japan Aikido Demonstration is held at the Nippon Budokan, with over 1000 participants (May 21). The Demonstration has been held at the Nippon Budokan every year since.
1986	Moriteru Ueshiba is named the head of Hombu Dojo. The IAF becomes an official member of the General Association of International Sports Federation (GAISF), (October). Kisshomaru Doshu receives the Medal of the Blue Ribbon of Honor from the Japanese Government (November).
1995	In recognition of his lifelong social contributions of spreading Aikido both domestically and internationally, Kisshomau Doshu receives the Third Order of the Sacred Treasure Award from the Japanese Government (April).
1996	Kisshomaru Doshu becomes the President of the Aikikai Foundation and Moriteru Ueshiba becames its Chairman (July 21st).
1999	Second Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba passes away on January 4th, at the age of 77. With the passing of Kisshomaru Doshu, Moriteru Ueshiba assumes the title of Doshu (January 18th).
2002	The All-Japan High School Aikido Federation is established (May 25th) and the All-Japan High School Aikido Demonstration is held at the Tokyo Budokan (August).
2012	The Aikikai Foundation registers as a Public Interest Incorporated Foundation (April).
2013	Moriteru Ueshiba Doshu receives the Medal with Blue Ribbon of Honor from the Emperor of Japan (November).