Josh Gold
On October 27, 1985 in Sendai, I attended a lecture on the history of aikido given by Second Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba. During his talk Kisshomaru Sensei made the following remark: “The Founder only studied Daito-ryu for three weeks or so.” My jaw dropped in disbelief when perhaps the most knowledgeable person in the world on the subject of aikido history made such a patently false statement!
Yet such actions fit the pattern of a concerted attempt over the years on the part of the Aikikai Hombu Dojo to obscure the undeniable influence of Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu on modern aikido.
Another famous example was the publication of four versions of a single photo from 1922 in which Founder Morihei Ueshiba appears with a “chameleon” placard in the background. Each version of the placard is different! The inscriptions of one — the authentic photo — reads “Daito-ryu Aikijujutsu,” while in the three others the mention of Daito-ryu is totally or partially erased! All four versions were published, one in a newsletter, and the other three in books whose author was Kisshomaru Ueshiba!
This is a sad state of affairs when the most prominent aikido entity in the world takes it upon itself to blatantly falsify historical documents to promote their organizational agenda. To our knowledge, Aikido Journal is the only publication to point out these embarrassing shenanigans in print.
We have prepared a video that describes this and other attempts to distort aikido history and the importance of a thorough understanding of the background story of aikido for serious practitioners of the art. We offer a solution to remedy the state of general ignorance of the aikido community about its fascinating history.
WATCH THIS VIDEO FOR OTHER DELETED HISTORICAL FIGURES!
Antonio Aloia
Stan, you have embarked on serious investigative journalism which, in that great tradition, takes a position based on facts and makes the subject of the investigation … uncomfortable.
You are using your established position and credibility to keep Aikido honest.
What could be more true to the principles of Aikido and to O’Sensei than integrity, honesty and embracing the diverse influences of the art?
I’m reminded of a favorite quote “Our quality of life is directly related to the number and kinds of teachers we are willing to have.” That can easily become “The quality of Aikido is directly related to the number and kinds of influences Aikido is willing to acknowledge.”
All Aikidoka are reduced when the totality of the influences of Aikido are obscured…or worse.
Thank you.
Keith, your kind words of support and encouragement are much appreciated.
S.P.