Ueshiba Morihei · Lineage tree

Description

Morihei Ueshiba (植芝 盛平, Ueshiba Morihei; December 14, 1883 – April 26, 1969) was a Japanese martial artist and founder of the martial art of aikido. He is often referred to as 'the founder' Kaiso (開祖) or Ōsensei (大先生/翁先生), 'Great Teacher'.

Teachers (3)

• 
  Takeda Sōkaku

  sports_martial_artsDaitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu Confirmed

  Confirmed

  Independent sources state it, including Ueshiba's own interview.

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  (1915–1922)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Independent sources state it, including Ueshiba's own interview.

  “The young Ueshiba met Takeda Sōkaku, the founder of Daitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu, at the Hisada Inn in Engaru, in March 1915 [...] He received a kyōju dairi certificate, a teaching license, for the system from Takeda in 1922, when Takeda visited him in Ayabe.”

  — Morihei Ueshiba - Wikipedialink history

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “while staying at Hisada Inn in Engaru, Kitami Province, I met a certain Sokaku Takeda Sensei of the Aizu clan. He taught Daito-ryu jujutsu. During the 30 days in which I leamed [sic] from him I felt something like an inspiration. Later, I invited this teacher to my home and together with 15 or 16 of my employees became a student seeking the essence of budo.”

  — Interview with Morihei Ueshiba and Kisshomaru Ueshiba (Aikido Journal)link
• person
  Tozawa Tokusaburo

  sports_martial_artsTenjin Shin'yō-ryū Confirmed

  Confirmed

  Ueshiba's own interview and an independent biography state it.

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  (1901)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  4 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Ueshiba's own interview and an independent biography state it.

  “Iso Mataemon Masatomo had amongst his students Inoue Keitaro and Tozawa Tokusaburo, who were the teachers of Miyamoto Hanzo). Morihei Ueshiba, founder of aikido, studied Tenjin Shinyo-ryu with Tozawa Tokusaburo”

  — BUYENS, Guy. Introduction to Traditional martial systems. 2016link

  “Teacher of TENJIN SHIN’YO-RYU JUJUTSU in Tokyo in late 1800s and early 1900s. Taught Morihei UESHIBA for brief period in 1901”

  — Josh Gold. (2011). Tokusaburo Tozawa 戸沢徳三郎. Aikido Journallink history info

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “First I learned Tenshinyo-ryu Jiujitsu from Tokusaburo Tozawa Sensei”

  — Josh Gold. (2016). Interview with Morihei Ueshiba and Kisshomaru Ueshiba. Aikido Journallink history info

  “The first teacher that the Master learnt under in his teens was Tokusaburo Tozawa, of Kito Jujutsu sect.”

  — Simone Chierchini. (2020-07-17). Ueshiba's Martial Arts Career Before Aikido Was Bornlink history info
• person
  Masakatsu Naka

  sports_martial_artsYagyū Shingan-ryū Probable

  Probable

  Yagyū Shingan-ryū training from 1903-1908 under Masakatsu Nakai in Sakai, documented by Kisshomaru Ueshiba's biography as cited in Chierchini's specialist article; the Yagyū Shingan-ryū Wikipedia article names both Ueshiba and Nakai but gives no year or duration for this relationship

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Yagyū Shingan-ryū training from 1903-1908 under Masakatsu Nakai in Sakai, documented by Kisshomaru Ueshiba's biography as cited in Chierchini's specialist article; the Yagyū Shingan-ryū Wikipedia article names both Ueshiba and Nakai but gives no year or duration for this relationship

  “The first teacher that the Master learnt under in his teens was Tokusaburo Tozawa, of Kito Jujutsu sect. The next was Masakatsu Nakai of the Yagyu sect of encing, who lived in Sakai at that time”

  — Simone Chierchini. (2020-07-17). Ueshiba's Martial Arts Career Before Aikido Was Bornlink history info

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “O-Sensei: At about the age of 14 or 15. First I learned Tenshinyo-ryu Jiujitsu from Tokusaburo Tozawa Sensei, then Kito-ryu, Yagyu-ryu, Aioi-ryu, Shinkage-ryu, all of them jujutsu forms.”

  — Josh Gold. (2016). Interview with Morihei Ueshiba and Kisshomaru Ueshiba. Aikido Journallink history info

Lineage

• Tenjin Shin'yō-ryūTozawa Tokusaburo ← Iso Masatomo ← Iso Masatari Mataemon · 3 generations

Ranks (1)

• sports_martial_artsYagyū Shingan-ryū

  receipt_longShoden Probable

  Probable

  Chierchini's specialist article, drawing on Kisshomaru Ueshiba's biography, dates the Shoden makimono to 1908; the article itself notes the document lacks the school's official seals and the master's signature, so its authenticity is doubted.

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  Menkyo Licence System (1908)

  granted by Masakatsu Naka

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source expand_more

  fact_check

  Chierchini's specialist article, drawing on Kisshomaru Ueshiba's biography, dates the Shoden makimono to 1908; the article itself notes the document lacks the school's official seals and the master's signature, so its authenticity is doubted.

  “probably went to Sakai a number of times between 1907 and 1908, when he obtained a Yagyū Shingan-ryū Shoden-level license to transmit the art”

  — Simone Chierchini. (2020-07-17). Ueshiba's Martial Arts Career Before Aikido Was Bornlink history info

Students (21)

• 
  Roy Y. Suenaka

  sports_martial_artsAikidō Confirmed

  Confirmed

  EN Wikipedia states Suenaka was a 1st generation student of aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba and studied directly under him at the Hombu dojo in Tokyo from 1961; his official biography confirms menkyo kaiden from Ueshiba in 1961

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  Uchi-deshi (1961–1969)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  EN Wikipedia states Suenaka was a 1st generation student of aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba and studied directly under him at the Hombu dojo in Tokyo from 1961; his official biography confirms menkyo kaiden from Ueshiba in 1961

  “At his request, he was transferred in 1961 to Tachikawa Air Base in Japan, which enabled him to study directly under Morihei Ueshiba at the Hombu dojo in Tokyo [...] Suenaka was a 1st generation student of aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba.”

  — Roy Y. Suenaka - Wikipedia (EN). Wikipedia (English)link history info

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “Suenaka Sensei began his aikido study upon Koichi Tohei's 1953 visit to Hawaii, and continued his study directly under Founder Morihei Ueshiba O'Sensei at the Aikikai Hombu for eight years, beginning in 1961.”

  — Biography of Roy Y. Suenaka, founder of Wadokai Aikidolink history info
• 
  Steven Seagal

  sports_martial_artsAikidō Refutedbalance

  Refuted – conflicting evidence recorded

  Seagal claimed to have been a student of Morihei Ueshiba, but Ueshiba died in 1969 when Seagal was 17, five years before Seagal moved to Japan at age 22; Wikipedia explicitly states the claim is false

  The evidence establishes that the claim is false: it is incompatible with the claim, and nothing credible supports it.

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Seagal claimed to have been a student of Morihei Ueshiba, but Ueshiba died in 1969 when Seagal was 17, five years before Seagal moved to Japan at age 22; Wikipedia explicitly states the claim is false

  “Seagal has stated that he was a student of the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba”

  — Wikipedia contributors. Steven Seagal - Wikipedia (English). Wikipedia (English)link history info

  blockdisputes

  “despite the fact that Ueshiba died in 1969 when Seagal was 17 and five years before Seagal moved to Japan at age 22”

  — Wikipedia contributors. Steven Seagal - Wikipedia (English). Wikipedia (English)link history info
• person
  Tomiki Kenji

  sports_martial_artsAikidō Confirmed

  Confirmed

  Independent sources state it, including Mochizuki's first-hand account.

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  (1926)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Independent sources state it, including Mochizuki's first-hand account.

  “In early 1926, he encountered the founder of aikido Morihei Ueshiba. [...] Tomiki introduced himself and became one [sic] Ueshiba's early students.”

  — Kenji Tomiki - Wikipedialink

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “Je ne pense pas qu'une autre personne au monde ait reçu du Maître ce genre de certificat. Tomiki Sensei avait reçu son manuscrit un peu avant moi.”

  — Garnier Sinclair, Eric. (2005). Minoru Mochizuki, le dernier des géants - entretien en deux parties info
• 
  Koichi Tohei

  sports_martial_artsAikidō Confirmed

  Confirmed

  Independent sources state it.

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  location_onKobukan dojo badge (1940–1969)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  3 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Independent sources state it.

  “In 1940, when he was 19, Tohei's judo instructor, Shohei Mori, recommended that Tohei meet with the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba.”

  — Wikipedia contributors. Koichi Tohei - Wikipedia (English). Wikipedia (English)link history info

  “reestablished contact with his teacher Morihei UESHIBA who was retired in IWAMA.”

  — (2011-08-27). Koichi Tohei - Aikido Journal Encyclopedia. Aikido Journallink history info

  alt_routeIndirect

  “He was promoted to 8th dan by UESHIBA in 1952.”

  — (2011-08-27). Koichi Tohei - Aikido Journal Encyclopedia. Aikido Journallink history info
• 
  Tamura Nobuyoshi

  sports_martial_artsAikidō Confirmed

  Confirmed

  Tamura entered the Aikikai Hombu Dojo as an uchi-deshi of Morihei Ueshiba in 1953 and remained until his departure for France in 1964, documented by Wikipedia, the Aikido Journal interview and the Budo Japan article

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  Uchi-deshi (1953–1964)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  3 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Tamura entered the Aikikai Hombu Dojo as an uchi-deshi of Morihei Ueshiba in 1953 and remained until his departure for France in 1964, documented by Wikipedia, the Aikido Journal interview and the Budo Japan article

  “Tamura entered the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in 1953 as an uchi-deshi (live-in student) of aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba.”

  — Wikipedia contributors. Nobuyoshi Tamura - Wikipedia (English). Wikipedia (English)link history info

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “Nobuyoshi Tamura was a direct student of Morihei Ueshiba. [...] Tamura entered the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in 1953 as an uchi-deshi (live-in student) of aikido founder Morihei Ueshiba.”

  — Stanley Pranin; Didier Boyet. (2015). Taking Ukemi for Morihei Ueshiba - Interview with Nobuyoshi Tamura (Aikido Journal). Aikido Journallink history info

  “Entered as an uchi deshi at the Honbu dojo of the aikikai on August 5, 1952, he stayed there until his departure for Europe in October 1964.”

  — Eric Grousilliat. (2020). Tamura Nobuyoshi - the body, core of the practice (Budo Japan). Budo Japan (BAB Japan)link history info
• 
  Takeshita Isamu

  sports_martial_artsAikidō Confirmed

  Confirmed

  Two sources explicitly identify Takeshita as a student of Ueshiba at the Kobukan from 1925, recording detailed notes of classes

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  location_onKobukan dojo badge (1925–1935)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Two sources explicitly identify Takeshita as a student of Ueshiba at the Kobukan from 1925, recording detailed notes of classes

  “Takeshita became a patron and enthusiastic student of Morihei UESHIBA in 1925. He recorded hundreds of pages of detailed notes of classes taught by Ueshiba in the late 1920s to early 1930s.”

  — Gold, Josh. (2011-08-27). Isamu Takeshita 竹下勇 - Aikido Journal Encyclopedia. Aikido Journallink history info

  “in Tokyo he patronized a martial art dojo called the Kobukan. Methods taught at that school included aikibudo -- Morihei Ueshiba was the instructor”

  — Svinth, Joseph R.. (1999). Aikido Comes to America - September 1935. Journal of Combative Sportlink history info
• person
  Sugino Yoshio

  sports_martial_artsAikidō Confirmed

  Confirmed

  Studied aikido under Morihei Ueshiba in early 1930s, received teaching license by 1935 and opened Aikikai-affiliated dojo, documented in multiple sources

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  location_onKobukan dojo badge (1931–1935)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Studied aikido under Morihei Ueshiba in early 1930s, received teaching license by 1935 and opened Aikikai-affiliated dojo, documented in multiple sources

  “He met aikido's founder Morihei Ueshiba in the early 1930s, and studied aikido sufficiently to gain a teaching license and open an Aikikai-affiliated dojo by 1935.”

  — Yoshio Sugino - Wikipedialink history info

  “Yoshio Sugino was a direct student of Morihei Ueshiba in the early 1930's and opened an Aikikai-affiliated dojo by 1935.”

  — The Last Swordsman: The Yoshio Sugino Story, Part 2 - Aikido Journallink history info
• 
  Sugano Seiichi

  sports_martial_artsAikidō Confirmed

  Confirmed

  Sugano entered the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in 1957 and was an uchi-deshi of Morihei Ueshiba from 1959, corroborated by Wikipedia, the Aikido Journal interview and the Aiki Kai Australia biography

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  Uchi-deshi (1959–1969)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  3 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Sugano entered the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in 1957 and was an uchi-deshi of Morihei Ueshiba from 1959, corroborated by Wikipedia, the Aikido Journal interview and the Aiki Kai Australia biography

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “I was around 18 at the time, so instead of going to the university I joined the dojo. About a year later I signed on as an uchideshi.”

  — Fuyuo Nanaura; Stanley Pranin. (2002). Interview with Seiichi Sugano (Aikido Journal). Aikido Journallink history info

  “Sugano entered the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in 1957 and by 1959 was an Uchi-deshi of Morihei Ueshiba living at the main school.”

  — Wikipedia contributors. Seiichi Sugano - Wikipedia (English). Wikipedia (English)link history info

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “Sugano entered the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in 1957 and by 1959 was a direct student (uchi-deshi) of Morihei Ueshiba, the Founder of Aikido.”

  — Aiki Kai Australia. Sugano Sensei - Aiki Kai Australialink history info
• person
  Gozo Shioda

  sports_martial_artsAikidō Confirmed

  Confirmed

  Independent sources state it.

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  Uchi-deshi location_onKobukan dojo badge (1932–1940)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Independent sources state it.

  “Shioda began training under the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, in 1932. His training as an uchi-deshi (live-in student) under Ueshiba continued for eight years.”

  — Gozo Shioda - Wikipedia ENlink history

  “Entered the KOBUKAN DOJO in 1932 where he studied for eight years under Morihei UESHIBA through 1941.”

  — (2011-08-27). Gozo Shioda - Aikido Journal Encyclopedia. Aikido Journallink info
• person
  Saotome Mitsugi

  sports_martial_artsAikidō Probable

  Probable

  Wikipedia states Saotome was a direct disciple of Morihei Ueshiba, became uchi-deshi at Hombu Dojo in April 1959 and remained so until the founder's death in April 1969.

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  Uchi-deshi (1959–1969)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Wikipedia states Saotome was a direct disciple of Morihei Ueshiba, became uchi-deshi at Hombu Dojo in April 1959 and remained so until the founder's death in April 1969.

  “Kisshomaru Ueshiba goes on to confirm that Mitsugi Saotome became an uchi-deshi (live-in student at the dojo) in April 1959 [...] and remained uchi-deshi until the founder's death in April 1969.”

  — Mitsugi Saotome - Wikipedia ENlink history

  alt_routeIndirect

  “He entered the AIKIKAI HOMBU DOJO as an UCHIDESHI in April 1961”

  — (2011-08-27). Mitsugi Saotome - Aikido Journal Encyclopedia. Aikido Journallink history info
• 
  Saitō Morihiro

  sports_martial_artsAikidō Confirmed

  Confirmed

  Independent sources state it.

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  location_onIwama Dojo badge (1946–1969)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Independent sources state it.

  “It was at this time, at the age of 18, that Saito joined Ueshiba for training [...] From 1946 until Ueshiba’s passing in 1969, Saito served as Ueshiba's assistant in a variety of ways at Iwama while his wife served Mrs. Ueshiba. During Saito’s period as a deshi he taught classes in the Iwama dojo.”

  — Morihiro Saito - Wikipedialink history

  “First taught by Morihei UESHIBA in Iwama in the summer of 1946.”

  — (2011-08-27). Morihiro Saito - Aikido Journal Encyclopedia. Aikido Journallink history info
• 
  Saitō Hitohiro

  sports_martial_artsAikidō Confirmed

  Confirmed

  Hitohiro Saito began learning aikido from Morihei Ueshiba at the Iwama dojo at age seven, corroborated by Wikipedia, the Aikido Blog biography and the Aikido Journal interview

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  location_onIwama Dojo badge (1964–1969)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Hitohiro Saito began learning aikido from Morihei Ueshiba at the Iwama dojo at age seven, corroborated by Wikipedia, the Aikido Blog biography and the Aikido Journal interview

  “At age seven, he started to learn aikido from Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of aikido, who cared for him as a grandson. After Ueshiba died in 1969, he continued his practice with his father.”

  — Wikipedia contributors. Hitohiro Saito - Wikipedia (English). Wikipedia (English)link history info

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “he started studying Aikido under Morihei Ueshiba at the age of 7 and continued learning from his father Morihiro SAITO Shihan after the Founder's death in 1969.”

  — Stanley Pranin; Sonoko Tanaka. Interview with Hitohiro SAITO Sensei (Aikido Journal 113). Aikido Journallink history info
• 
  Noro Masamichi

  sports_martial_artsAikidō Probable

  Probable

  EN Wikipedia states Noro became an uchi-deshi of Morihei Ueshiba in 1955 and followed him from Tokyo to Iwama from 1955 to 1961; corroborated by the Wikidata P1066 claim

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  Uchi-deshi (1955–1961)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  EN Wikipedia states Noro became an uchi-deshi of Morihei Ueshiba in 1955 and followed him from Tokyo to Iwama from 1955 to 1961; corroborated by the Wikidata P1066 claim

  “In 1955 [...] his uncle arranged for him to be presented to the founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba [...] that same day he decided to renounce his plans in order to become uchi deshi [...] from 1955 to 1961, Masamichi Noro followed Morehei Ueshiba from Tokyo to Iwama where he had his private dojo.”

  — Masamichi Noro - Wikipedia (EN). Wikipedia (English)link history info

  alt_routeIndirect

  “Entered the AIKIKAI HOMBU DOJO as an UCHIDESHI in 1955.”

  — (2011-08-27). Masamichi Noro - Aikido Journal Encyclopedia. Aikido Journallink info
• 
  Nakakura Kiyoshi

  sports_martial_artsAikidō Confirmed

  Confirmed

  Nakakura married Ueshiba's daughter Matsuko in 1932, was adopted into the Ueshiba family as Morihiro Ueshiba, and lived and trained at the Kobukan until leaving the family in 1937; documented in both the Aikido Journal interviews and the Wikipedia articles.

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  Uchi-deshi location_onKobukan dojo badge (1932–1937)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  3 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Nakakura married Ueshiba's daughter Matsuko in 1932, was adopted into the Ueshiba family as Morihiro Ueshiba, and lived and trained at the Kobukan until leaving the family in 1937; documented in both the Aikido Journal interviews and the Wikipedia articles.

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “I married the daughter of Ueshiba Sensei in 1932. [...] Therefore, when I was in the Kobukan I was known as Morihiro Ueshiba. [...] It was just before I left the Kobukan. I departed in 1937.”

  — Hideo Yamanaka; Stanley Pranin. (2015). Interview with Swordmaster Kiyoshi Nakakura, Part 1 (Aikido Journal). Aikido Journal link history info

  “Nakakura married Ueshiba's daughter Matsuko and was legally adopted into the Ueshiba family, taking the name Morihiro Ueshiba.”

  — Kiyoshi Nakakura - Wikipedia EN. Wikipedia (English)link history info

  “同年10月、剣道を続けてもよいとの条件で清は植芝の婿養子となった。植芝と中山の名前から一字ずつ貰い、「植芝盛博」と名乗った。”

  — 中倉清 - 日本語版ウィキペディア. Wikipedia (Japanese) link history info
• 
  Mochizuki Minoru

  sports_martial_artsAikidō Confirmed

  Confirmed

  Sent by Kano to study aikijujutsu with Ueshiba in 1930, became uchi-deshi and supervisor of the other students, received the Daito-ryu transmission manuscripts in 1932 and the Okuden Inka diploma in 1933; mentioned as direct student in multiple sources

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  location_onKobukan dojo badge (1930)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  3 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Sent by Kano to study aikijujutsu with Ueshiba in 1930, became uchi-deshi and supervisor of the other students, received the Daito-ryu transmission manuscripts in 1932 and the Okuden Inka diploma in 1933; mentioned as direct student in multiple sources

  “That was back in 1930 when Ueshiba Sensei still didn’t have a place of his own and was teaching in the living room of a regular private house in the Mejiro area of Tokyo. But just after we started going there, we all moved to the newly finished Ushigome dojo (site of the present Hombu Dojo)”

  — Josh Gold. (2002). Interview with Minoru Mochizuki: Part 1. Aikido Journallink history info

  visibilityFirst-hand

  “C'était en 1930, Maître Ueshiba n'avait pas encore de dojo à lui et il enseignait dans le salon d'une maison privée du quartier de Mejiro à Tokyo.”

  — Garnier Sinclair, Eric. (2005). Minoru Mochizuki, le dernier des géants - entretien en deux parties info

  “1930年（昭和5年）、講道館の四段位を授けられる。嘉納治五郎の指示により、植芝盛平に入門。合気道の修行を始める。”

  — 望月稔 - Wikipedia (JA). Wikipedia (Japanese) link history info
• person
  Konishi Yasuhiro

  sports_martial_artsAikidō Confirmed

  Confirmed

  Two independent sources (Japanese Wikipedia, Web Hiden) confirm Konishi trained under Ueshiba Morihei; neither names a dojo or a year, so no interactionPlace is recorded and the 1924 startYear is an unsourced estimate, not an attested date

  The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.

  (1924)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Two independent sources (Japanese Wikipedia, Web Hiden) confirm Konishi trained under Ueshiba Morihei; neither names a dojo or a year, so no interactionPlace is recorded and the 1924 startYear is an unsourced estimate, not an attested date

  “その後、植芝盛平より合気道（当時は大東流）を、藤田西湖より南蛮殺到流拳法を学んだほか、揚心古流柔術、柴真楊流柔術、不遷流柔術、柳生心眼流と多くの柔術流派を学んだ。”

  — Japanese Wikipedia article on Konishi Yasuhiro link history

  “また、東都へ進出してきた、のちの合気道開祖、植芝盛平に入門。植芝の多大な影響を受けつつ、昭和８年（1933）、自らの流派「神道自然流空手術」を起ち上げる。”

  — Web Hiden article on Konishi Yasuhirolink
• 
  Kobayashi Hirokazu

  sports_martial_artsAikidō Probable

  Probable

  Kobayashi entered the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in 1946 on a recommendation letter from his karate teacher and studied under Morihei Ueshiba for about nine years until returning to Osaka in 1954, documented by the English and Japanese Wikipedia articles

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  Uchi-deshi (1946–1954)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Kobayashi entered the Aikikai Hombu Dojo in 1946 on a recommendation letter from his karate teacher and studied under Morihei Ueshiba for about nine years until returning to Osaka in 1954, documented by the English and Japanese Wikipedia articles

  “In 1946 his karate teacher gave him a recommendation letter for Morihei Ueshiba. With this letter he went to Tokyo, in order to learn the Japanese martial art aikido.”

  — Wikipedia contributors. Hirokazu Kobayashi (aikidoka) - Wikipedia (English). Wikipedia (English)link history info

  “1946年、当時師事していた空手の師匠を通じて合気道の存在を知り、その師匠に紹介状を書いてもらい合気会本部道場に入門。以降約10年にわたり植芝盛平に師事する。”

  — Wikipedia contributors. 小林裕和 (合気道家) - Wikipedia (日本語). Wikipedia (Japanese)link history info
• 
  Mochizuki Hiroo

  sports_martial_artsAikidō Probable

  Probable

  The fr Wikipedia article states Hiroo studied directly with Ueshiba, whom he considered the model of a budo master

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source expand_more

  fact_check

  The fr Wikipedia article states Hiroo studied directly with Ueshiba, whom he considered the model of a budo master

  “Il étudie lui-même directement avec Ōsensei Ueshiba qu'il considère comme le modèle même du maître de budō”

  — Hiroo Mochizuki - Wikipédia (FR). Wikipedia (French)link history info
• person
  Miyako Fujitani

  sports_martial_artsAikidō Probable

  Probable

  Tenshin Dojo's own instructor profile states she was granted shodan by Morihei Ueshiba; no independent source corroborates it

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source expand_more

  fact_check

  Tenshin Dojo's own instructor profile states she was granted shodan by Morihei Ueshiba; no independent source corroborates it

  “10代の頃より合気道を始め、合気道開祖植芝盛平翁より初段を允可される”

  — 指導者紹介 (Tenshin Dojo - Instructors). 天心道場 (Tenshin Dojo official website)linkhistory info
• person
  Araki Sadao

  sports_martial_artsAikidō Probable

  Probable

  Single source; it reports Ueshiba Kisshomaru's account.

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  2 sources expand_more

  fact_check

  Single source; it reports Ueshiba Kisshomaru's account.

  “According to Ueshiba’s son Kisshomaru (1921–1999), one of his father’s students (and “a close acquaintance”) was General Araki Sadao, who from 1931 was Deputy Inspector-General of Military Training and Minister for War.”

  — Green, Thomas A.; Svinth, Joseph R.. (2010). Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation info

  “Among his students were Admiral Yamamoto Eisuke (1876–1962), Baron General Araki Sadao (1877–1966)”

  — Green, Thomas A.; Svinth, Joseph R.. (2010). Martial Arts of the World: An Encyclopedia of History and Innovation info
• 
  Abbe Kenshirō

  sports_martial_artsAikidō Probable

  Probable

  Website biography mentions studying aikido under Ueshiba

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  (1937–1947)

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source expand_more

  fact_check

  Website biography mentions studying aikido under Ueshiba

  “In 1937, at the age of 23, Abbe was awarded his Rokudan (6th Dan) rank and in June of that year he enlisted in the Japanese army, serving for four years in a garrison in the Toan-sho Province in Manchuria. It was during the time in Manchuria that Abbe began formulating his theory of Budo (the Way of the Warrior), Kyu-Shin-Do. And it was also at this time that Abbe was invited by O'Sensei, Morihei Ueshiba to study Aikido under his care.”

  — Kenshiro Abbe, The Kyu-Shin-Do And Zen Judo - Keo Cavalcanti, 6th Dan Zen Judolink history

Honours (1)

• receipt_longKyōju Dairi Probable

  Probable

  Rank granted by Takeda Sokaku, well-documented in Daito-ryu lineage records

  The evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.

  Title (1922)

  granted by Takeda Sōkaku

  fact_checkassessed by FSMverified

  Frederico Muñoz

  Researcher, Martialis

  1 source expand_more

  fact_check

  Rank granted by Takeda Sokaku, well-documented in Daito-ryu lineage records

  “He received a kyōju dairi certificate, a teaching license, for the system from Takeda in 1922, when Takeda visited him in Ayabe.”

  — Morihei Ueshiba - Wikipedialink history

Sources

Identifiers