In the history of Aikido, there are many interesting stories about the charismatic and mysterious figure that founded the art.
Morihei Ueshiba went through many interesting experiences that led tothe development of Aikido.
In the book, the Art Of Peace, these details are mentioned:
“Aikido was born out of three Enlightenment experiences of O-Sensei. One occurred in 1925, after O-Sensei had defeated a high-ranking swordsman’s vicious attacks, unarmed and without hurting him. Ueshiba then went into his garden:
‘Suddenly, the earth shook. Golden vapor welled up from the ground and engulfed me. I felt transformed into a golden image, and my body seemed as light as a feather. All at once I understood the nature of creation: the Way of a Warrior is to manifest Divine Love, a spirit that embraces and nurtures all things.’
His second experience occurred in 1940 when,
‘Around 2 o’clock in the morning as I was performing ritual purification, I suddenly forgot every martial art technique I had ever learned. All of the techniques handed down from my teachers appeared completely anew. Now they were vehicles for the cultivation of life, knowledge, virtue, and good sense, not devices to throw and pin people.’
His third occurred in 1942 during the most grim period of WWII, Ueshiba had a vision of the “Great Spirit of Peace”
‘The Way of the Warrior has been misunderstood as a means to kill and destroy others. Those who seek competition are making a grave mistake. To smash, injure, or destroy is the worst sin a human being can commit. The real Way of a Warrior is to prevent slaughter – it is the Art of Peace, the power of love.'”
To be clear, Aikido is not a religion and is generally not seen as a spiritual practise.
Some people see it as a form of “misogi” (an ancient Japanese practise involving purifying the mind, body, and spirit through physical and mental challenges).
Others may see it as a moving meditation or a path to personal development.
I believe through learning to stay relaxed and developing a positive mindset through Aikido training we can start to face life with less fear and live more peaceful and productive lives.
Each person develops their own personal approach to Aikido and the things they wish to focus on within the art.
Aikido For Glasgow 