Founder and Doshu's Biography

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.

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.

1921

Born on June 27th, in Ayabe as the third son of the Founder.

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.

1951

Born on April 2nd, in Tokyo as the second son of the Kisshomaru 2nd Doshu.

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.