Aikikai Foundation
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Founder and Doshu's Biography
Aikido is a modern Martial Art that has been pioneered by Morihei Ueshiba.
After the Founder's passing, his son Kisshomaru Ueshiba was inaugurated as Aikido Doshu.
At present, Moriteru Ueshiba (the Founder's grandson), has succeeded his father as Aikido Doshu.
Morihei Ueshiba
1883-1969
| 1883 | The Founder, Morihei Ueshiba, was born on December 14th in Nishinotani Town, Nishimuro District, Wakayama Prefecture (present day Tanabe City, Wakayama Prefecture) as the first son of Yoroku Ueshiba. |
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| 1908 | The Founder receives a license in Goto Ha-Yagyu Ryu Jujutsu from Mr. Masanosuke Tsuboi. |
| 1911 | The Founder applies for invitation from the government to become a pioneer to Hokkaido. Leads a group of 54 families in migrating to Shirataki (now known as Engaru-cho), Monbetsu-gun, Hokkaido Prefecture.
The Founder meets Mr. Sokaku Takeda, the originator of Daito-ryu Jujutsu, at the Hisada Ryokan (inn) in Engaru, and asks for instruction. |
| 1918 | Selected to be a member of Kamiyubetsu village council. |
| 1919 | On his return home because of his father's critical condition, while in Ayabe (Kyoto Prefecture), the Founder makes the acquaintance of Mr. Onisaburo Deguchi, of the Omoto religious sect and devotes himself to ascetic spiritual training.
The Founder's father, Mr. Yoroku Ueshiba, passes away. The Founder opens a training dojo called "Ueshiba-juku" at the foot of Hongu, Ayabe. |
| 1922 | The Founder addresses "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 of Japan. |
| 1943 | Erected Aiki Shrine in Iwama, Ibaraki prefecture. Daily training of the outdoor dojo commences. |
| 1955 | The Founder starts to promote the development of Aikido in Japan and abroad. |
| 1960 | The Founder receives the Medal with Purple Ribbon of Honor from the Japanese Government. |
| 1964 | The Founder receives the award of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette. |
| 1969 | The Founder passes away on April 26th at the age of 86. He receives the award of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, and the rank of Sho-Goi (fifth rank in the imperial court) posthumously. |
Kisshomaru Ueshiba
1921-1999
| 1921 | Born on June 27th, in Ayabe as the third son of the Founder. |
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| 1946 | Graduates from Waseda University, Faculty of Economics and Political Science. |
| 1948 | Appointed the Director of Hombu Dojo. |
| 1949 | Begins a daily schedule of practice at Aikido Hombu Dojo. |
| 1961 | Inaugurated as the President of All-Japan Aikido University Federation. |
| 1967 | Appointed the Chairman of Aikikai Foundation. |
| 1969 | With the passing of the Founder, Kisshomaru Ueshiba assumes the title of Doshu. |
| 1976 | Inaugurated as the President of IAF (International Aikido Federation). |
| 1986 | In recognition of his contributions to the public good through the development and growth of Aikido, receives the Medal with Blue Ribbon of Honor from the Japanese Government. |
| 1990 | In recognition of his distinguished services and contributions to cultural exchange between France and Japan, received a gold medal Sports Merit award from the French government. This is the first time a Japanese citizen has received this medal. |
| 1992 | Given an honorary doctorate by Polytechnic University of Valencia, Spain. |
| 1994 | Given a Certification of Appreciation by the Nippon Budokan Fundation in recognition of his contributions to the development and growth of martial arts. |
| 1995 | Receives the Third Order of the Sacred Treasure Award from Japanese Government. |
| 1996 | Served as a director of Nippon Budokan and many other important positions. |
| 1999 | Passes away on January 4th, at the age of 77. Receives the Court Rank of Fifth Grade Senior posthumously from Japanese Government. |
Moriteru Ueshiba
1951-
| 1951 | Born on April 2nd, in Tokyo as the second son of the Kisshomaru 2nd Doshu. |
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| 1976 | Graduates from Meiji Gakuin University, Faculty of Economics. |
| 1985 | Appointed the Executive Director of Aikikai Foundation. |
| 1996 | Becomes the Chairman of Aikikai Foundation. |
| 1999 | Assumes the title of Aikido Doshu. Inaugurated as the President of IAF (International Aikido Federation). Inaugurated as the President of All-Japan Aikido University Federation. |
| 2004 | Appointed as a special lecturer at Tohoku University. (Retired in 2016) |
| 2006 | Awarded the Anshetta Medal of Sao Paulo, Brazil. Appointed Honorary Associate Professor of International Budo University. |
| 2009 | Awarded the Order of Friendship from the President of Russia. |
| 2010 | Appointed Professor of special invitation by Kogakkan University. (Retired in 2017) |
| 2012 | Through a transition from a general incorporated foundation to a public interest incorporated foundation, becomes an anew Chairman of the Aikikai Foundation. Awarded the Gold Medal of Valencia Polytechnic University in Spain. |
| 2013 | Receives the Medal with Blue Ribbon of Honor from the Emperor of Japan. |
Aikikai Foundation, Aikido World Headquarters
17-18 Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 162-0056 Japan
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TEL : 03-3203-9236
FAX : 03-3204-8145
Email : aikido@aikikai.or.jp
