International influence: Ueshiba Morihei and the Aikido spreading throughout the world

- Introduction: Ueshiba Morihei, a giant in the martial arts world
- Chapter 1 - Ueshiba Morihei's upbringing and physical overcoming
- Chapter 2 - Martial Arts Exploration and the Background of Aikido's Birth
- Chapter 3: The impact of spiritual growth and religion
- Chapter 4: The Philosophy of Aikido and the core of Ueshiba Morihei's Thought
- Chapter 5: The influence of Aikido beyond the boundaries of martial arts
- Chapter 6 - The impact of philosophy and practice that continues after death
- Chapter 7 - Summary
- Chapter 1 - Ueshiba Morihei's upbringing and physical overcoming
Introduction: Ueshiba Morihei, a giant in the martial arts world
Ueshiba Morihei (December 14, 1883 – April 26, 1969) is a great figure who shines brightly in the history of Japanese martial arts, and is widely known as the founder of the martial arts "Aikido," which is practiced all over the world today. His presence is never essential when talking about modern martial arts.

Ueshiba Morihei's life was a series of physical and mental challenges, and was filled with turbulence and innovation, in which he built his own philosophy and continued to pursue a universal martial arts aesthetic. In this article, we will explore in detail his background, the founding of Aikido, his ideological background, and his trajectory from the spread of Aikido internationally, with new perspectives.

Chapter 1 - Ueshiba Morihei's upbringing and physical overcoming
Ueshiba Morihei was born in Nishinotani Village (now Tanabe City), Nishimuro County, Wakayama Prefecture, where rich nature still lingers today. When he was a child, Morihei was born with a weak body and was considered to be less than average.
From the perspective of those around him, he could never have thought he was a child with excellent athletic abilities. However, this physical handicap is the turning point that will greatly dictate Morihei's future life.


He faced his weaknesses and devoted his heart and soul to physical discipline at the time, such as sumo and swimming, in order to overcome them. Daily training not only trained his body but also his mind, cultivating the importance of fortunate spirit and self-overcoming during his childhood.
The efforts of this period became the origin of his later martial arts, which led him to preach the idea that "the soft one controls the rigidity" and the "path of self-imposed", which continues to challenge one's own limits.


While accepting his weaknesses, he was able to simultaneously possess two important qualities: "flexibility" and "patience."
This experience can be said to have laid the foundation for the underlying concept of "not fighting against power with force" and "using the power of others."


As a boy, Morihei mastered his true strength and how he could gain it by overcoming his physical weaknesses.
Chapter 2 - Martial Arts Exploration and the Background of Aikido's Birth
As Morihei enters his youth, he begins his own journey to explore martial arts in earnest. He was actively exposed to various martial arts from the time, including jiu-jitsu, swordsmanship, and judo, and learned their skills and philosophy.
In particular, Yagyu Shingenryu Jujitsu and Daito-ryu Aikijitsu are known as schools that had a deep influence on Morihei's view on martial arts.
Based on the techniques and ideas he absorbed from these traditional martial arts, he gradually formed the foundations of Aikido in the 1920s, as he tried and error his own martial arts theory and practice. Then, in 1922, Morihei named his martial arts "Aiki Martial Arts" and began to create new martial arts.
What is noteworthy here is that Morihei's Aikido is not merely a martial arts framework, but rather encompasses deep philosophical ideas and ethics. He settled "ki" as the fundamental concept of Aikido, and placed emphasis on harmony between the human mind, nature, and the universe.
The ultimate purpose of the technique is to realize harmony that goes beyond mere victory or defeat, and this idea has been passed down to today's Aikido. Rather than simply learning the skills to control others, Aikido developed as a practical path to gazing deep inside yourself, working in harmony with others, building better relationships, and promoting self-growth.
The fact that it not only has a martial arts aspect, but also a philosophical aspect, is a major feature that sets Aikido apart from other martial arts.
Chapter 3: The impact of spiritual growth and religion
Religious experiences have become a very important factor in Ueshiba Morihei's ideology formation. He was deeply involved in the "Omotokyo" as a faith and spent much of his time within that doctrine. Omotokyo is one of Japan's new religions, and it is believed that the teachings that preached world peace and love for humanity had a major influence on Morihei's ideas.
Omotokyo's philosophy, such as "all-day welfare" and "integration with the universe," has been brought to fruition as an important element that forms the core of his martial arts philosophy through repeated interpretations of Morihei's own unique interpretations.


After that, after World War II, this martial arts, which was systematized in the 1940s under the name "Aikido," went beyond the boundaries of martial arts and sublimated into a philosophy that proposed peaceful solutions and mental stability.
Having witnessed the tragic reality of war, Morihei must have been convinced that the original purpose of martial arts is not merely improving killing techniques, but to contribute to the realization of a peaceful society and the happiness of humanity. His ideas were deeply connected to the social situation at the time, and gave many people a sense of empathy and inspiration.


Even during the chaos after the war, Morihei's activities remained unstoppable, and by establishing the Aikikai, he strived to promote Aikido both in Japan and abroad. His dedication has been passed down to many of his disciples, leading to the development of today's global Aikido.
It can be said that Morihei's achievements, combining religious teachings with his own martial arts experiences, have had a major impact on the spiritual culture of humanity, surpassing the martial arts of Aikido.

Chapter 4: The Philosophy of Aikido and the core of Ueshiba Morihei's Thought
What Ueshiba Morihei repeatedly taught throughout his life was the universal energy of human existence, "ki." By expressing this "ki" through the technique of harmony, he sublimated the philosophy of Aikido into a universal one: "fusion with nature," "avoiding conflict," and "love and harmony."
Aikido techniques do not simply push you down with your opponent, but rather aim to accept, utilize your opponent's power and lead you to harmony.


This idea can be said to provide a very important perspective not only in martial arts Aikido, but also in human relationships and social life.
Morihei also believed that the essence of martial arts is to hone the essence of humanity. Therefore, in the Aikido he founded, there is no concept of matches or victory or loss. Aikido is the main focus of training as a spiritual training.


From this perspective, mastering the skills of Aikido is a way to look deep inside yourself and hone yourself, and the very process of avoiding bumping into the opponent is considered to be a "real victory" in Aikido.
Based on this deep philosophy, Aikido, as Ueshiba Morihei said, spread to the hearts of people all over the world, not as "a path to defeating enemies and winning," but as "a path to connecting people and increasing humanity." Aikido continues to be supported and practiced by many people as a path for exploring and growing humanity beyond the boundaries of martial arts.

Chapter 5: The influence of Aikido beyond the boundaries of martial arts
Ueshiba Morihei's teachings are not limited to the martial arts of Aikido, but the universal concepts of "harmony" and "love" provide extremely important suggestions in education, psychology, and in the management of stress that modern society faces.
Morihei's words, "win with the heart," are applied in a variety of fields, such as school education and corporate training, and are increasingly being adopted as a guideline to smooth relationships with others.


Aikido training is widely known not only for physical training but also for promoting mental growth.
Research has also proven that training can help improve concentration, perseverance, self-esteem, and reduce stress. Aikido also places emphasis on the idea of using the power of others to maintain one's own balance, which is a very important perspective in human relationships in modern society.


As a result, aikido is not just a martial arts, but is highly regarded by many people as a universal learning tool for building relationships and spiritual growth.
The impact of this has spread beyond the boundaries of martial arts and is spreading across a wide range of fields, including education, welfare, and business, and it is expected that it will become increasingly important in society in the future.

Chapter 6 - The impact of philosophy and practice that continues after death
Even after Ueshiba Morihei left this world in 1969, the lights of his teachings remained unchanged, and they are certainly passed down to the next generation.
In particular, Ueshiba Kichishomaru, Morihei's son, faithfully inherited his father's ideas and techniques, and made a great contribution to the spread and development of Aikido.


With Kichishomaru's efforts, the ideas and techniques of Aikido were passed down to many of his disciples, and the establishment of the dojo and publication activities led to the spread of internationally.
Aikido is currently popular in over 90 countries, and many people around the world practice their teachings and techniques. While different styles and styles are derived from each region and culture, the philosophy of "coordinating and harmonizing" at the root of Aikido is consistent and is loved by people all over the world, across races and borders. Aikido is recognized not only as a martial arts, but also as a symbol of creating a peaceful society, and plays an important role in deepening international exchanges and mutual understanding.

Chapter 7 - Summary
The aikido created by Ueshiba Morihei has grown beyond mere physical martial arts and has grown into a cultural movement with deeper spiritual exploration and social significance.
His life can be said to be the very embodiment of the ideal human lifestyle, "training a weak body, honing your spirituality, and aiming for harmony."
Aikido not only demonstrates the deep possibilities of martial arts, but also offers solutions to the various challenges facing modern society, and has the potential to enrich our lives.
His influence remains strong today, and through the martial arts of Aikido, he continues to convey the deep possibilities of martial arts towards the future.
Ueshiba Morihei's legacy gives us many suggestions not only in Aikido but in all areas of pursuing human potential and harmony, and its influence will continue to grow in the future.
The martial arts of Aikido will continue to give courage and hope to many people, and will contribute to the realization of a peaceful world. Ueshiba Morihei's great achievements can be said to be a common asset for all of humanity, which should be passed down to future generations.