Morihei Ueshiba (1883 – 1969), also known as O-Sensei (Great Teacher), developed Aikido from established battlefield techniques during the 1920’s. He was a dedicated martial artist who early in his life achieved mastery in grappling, sword, staff, and spear and earned widespread acclaim. He was not satisfied with victory over others and a deep conviction drove him to reconcile the violent aspects of martial arts with his search for harmony and internal peace. In his awakening he realized that martial training was futile when it relied on victory over others and began to develop a different type of martial path.
We do no seek resolution to conflict through achieving victory or avoiding defeat. Rather we approach conflict as a given and view it as vehicle for transformation. Aikido is the only martial art that cultivates harmony for the sake of harmony.