“The accepted belief that Morihei Ueshiba was the major influence technically
and pedagogically in the development of modern aikido is far from the truth.”

For some aikidoka, the title of this article will surely elicit disbelief. What is being implied here? Simply that the accepted belief that Morihei Ueshiba was the major influence technically and pedagogically in the development of modern aikido is far from the truth. Am I saying that O-Sensei is not the founder of modern aikido? In a sense, yes. Morihei Ueshiba had mostly a symbolic role in the postwar activities of the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in Tokyo.

Who then were responsible for the dissemination and content of aikido as we know it today? This distinction is clearly attributable to O-Sensei’s son Kisshomaru, and Koichi Tohei who was the chief instructor of the Hombu Dojo.

I wrote a controversial article many years ago that lays out in detail the arguments for the thesis advanced here. It seemed shocking at the time, but this viewpoint has slowly gained acceptance since the evidence leading to this conclusion is so overwhelming. Numerous detailed accounts by direct participants in the events marking the postwar development of aikido have been recorded and published. This includes interviews with both Kisshomaru and Tohei. Even among the testimonies of those who would suggest that Morihei Ueshiba was the central figure at the Hombu Dojo are statements that confirm the prominent roles of Kisshomaru and Tohei thus unknowingly refuting their premise.

Shouldn’t you be aware of the documentable history of the art in order to understand the origins of aikido and the tendencies that prevail today? To get up to speed on this fascinating subject, start here. If you have evidence to rebut the arguments presented in my essay, by all means, contribute to the public discussion by offering your views and evidence.