Ueshiba Morihei
植芝 盛平
Born
1883-12-14, Tanabe
Died
1969-04-26, Iwama
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)
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Takeda Sōkakusports_martial_artsDaitō-ryū Aiki-jūjutsu ConfirmedConfirmedIndependent 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
2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkIndependent sources state it, including Ueshiba's own interview.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.”
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Tozawa Tokusaburosports_martial_artsTenjin Shin'yō-ryū ConfirmedConfirmedUeshiba'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)
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4 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkUeshiba'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”
visibilityFirst-hand -
Masakatsu Nakasports_martial_artsYagyū Shingan-ryū ProbableProbableYagyū 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 relationshipThe evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
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2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkYagyū 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
Lineage
Ranks (1)
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receipt_longShoden ProbableProbableChierchini'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
1 source expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkChierchini'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.
Students (21)
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Roy Y. Suenakasports_martial_artsAikidō ConfirmedConfirmedEN 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 1961The evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.Uchi-deshi (1961–1969)
fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkEN 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 -
Steven Seagalsports_martial_artsAikidō RefutedbalanceRefuted – conflicting evidence recordedSeagal 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 falseThe evidence establishes that the claim is false: it is incompatible with the claim, and nothing credible supports it.
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2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkSeagal 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 -
Tomiki Kenjisports_martial_artsAikidō ConfirmedConfirmedIndependent 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
2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkIndependent 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.”
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.”
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Koichi Toheisports_martial_artsAikidō ConfirmedConfirmedIndependent 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)
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3 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkIndependent sources state it. -
Tamura Nobuyoshisports_martial_artsAikidō ConfirmedConfirmedTamura 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 articleThe evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.Uchi-deshi (1953–1964)
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3 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkTamura 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 articlevisibilityFirst-hand -
Takeshita Isamusports_martial_artsAikidō ConfirmedConfirmedTwo sources explicitly identify Takeshita as a student of Ueshiba at the Kobukan from 1925, recording detailed notes of classesThe 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
2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkTwo sources explicitly identify Takeshita as a student of Ueshiba at the Kobukan from 1925, recording detailed notes of classes -
Sugino Yoshiosports_martial_artsAikidō ConfirmedConfirmedStudied aikido under Morihei Ueshiba in early 1930s, received teaching license by 1935 and opened Aikikai-affiliated dojo, documented in multiple sourcesThe 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
2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkStudied aikido under Morihei Ueshiba in early 1930s, received teaching license by 1935 and opened Aikikai-affiliated dojo, documented in multiple sources -
Sugano Seiichisports_martial_artsAikidō ConfirmedConfirmedSugano 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 biographyThe evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.Uchi-deshi (1959–1969)
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3 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkSugano 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 biographyvisibilityFirst-hand -
Gozo Shiodasports_martial_artsAikidō ConfirmedConfirmedIndependent 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
2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkIndependent sources state it. -
Saotome Mitsugisports_martial_artsAikidō ProbableProbableWikipedia 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)
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2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkWikipedia 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. -
Saitō Morihirosports_martial_artsAikidō ConfirmedConfirmedIndependent 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)
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2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkIndependent 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.”
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Saitō Hitohirosports_martial_artsAikidō ConfirmedConfirmedHitohiro 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 interviewThe 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
2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkHitohiro 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 -
Noro Masamichisports_martial_artsAikidō ProbableProbableEN 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 claimThe evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.Uchi-deshi (1955–1961)
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2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkEN 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.”
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Nakakura Kiyoshisports_martial_artsAikidō ConfirmedConfirmedNakakura 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
3 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkNakakura 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 -
Mochizuki Minorusports_martial_artsAikidō ConfirmedConfirmedSent 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 sourcesThe evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.location_onKobukan dojo badge (1930)
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3 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkSent 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)”
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.”
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Konishi Yasuhirosports_martial_artsAikidō ConfirmedConfirmedTwo 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 dateThe evidence establishes the claim: it is sufficient and consistent, and any conflicting evidence is resolved.(1924)
fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkTwo 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 -
Kobayashi Hirokazusports_martial_artsAikidō ProbableProbableKobayashi 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 articlesThe evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.Uchi-deshi (1946–1954)
fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkKobayashi 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 -
Mochizuki Hiroosports_martial_artsAikidō ProbableProbableThe fr Wikipedia article states Hiroo studied directly with Ueshiba, whom he considered the model of a budo masterThe evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
fact_checkassessed by FSMverified
1 source expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkThe fr Wikipedia article states Hiroo studied directly with Ueshiba, whom he considered the model of a budo master -
Miyako Fujitanisports_martial_artsAikidō ProbableProbableTenshin Dojo's own instructor profile states she was granted shodan by Morihei Ueshiba; no independent source corroborates itThe evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.
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Araki Sadaosports_martial_artsAikidō ProbableProbableSingle 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
2 sources expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkSingle 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.”
“Among his students were Admiral Yamamoto Eisuke (1876–1962), Baron General Araki Sadao (1877–1966)”
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Abbe Kenshirōsports_martial_artsAikidō ProbableProbableWebsite biography mentions studying aikido under UeshibaThe evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.(1937–1947)
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1 source expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkWebsite 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.”
Honours (1)
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receipt_longKyōju Dairi ProbableProbableRank granted by Takeda Sokaku, well-documented in Daito-ryu lineage recordsThe evidence favours the claim and nothing credible contradicts it, but it falls short of establishing it.Title (1922)granted by Takeda Sōkaku
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1 source expand_moreFrederico MuñozResearcher, Martialisfact_checkRank granted by Takeda Sokaku, well-documented in Daito-ryu lineage records
Sources
Identifiers
https://martial.is/entity/01KJJAWN28MWKKSN4J02MVY1TV
Cite and reuse
CC BY-SA 4.0expand_more
Plain text
Muñoz, Frederico (YEAR_PLACEHOLDER). Ueshiba Morihei. In Martialis: Martial Arts
Lineage Database. https://martial.is/entity/01KJJAWN28MWKKSN4J02MVY1TV - CC
BY-SA 4.0. Accessed ACCESSED_DATE_PLACEHOLDER.
BibTeX
@incollection{martialis_01KJJAWN28MWKKSN4J02MVY1TV, author = {Muñoz, Frederico},
title = {Ueshiba Morihei}, booktitle = {Martialis: Martial Arts Lineage
Database}, year = {YEAR_PLACEHOLDER}, url =
{https://martial.is/entity/01KJJAWN28MWKKSN4J02MVY1TV}, urldate =
{ACCESSED_DATE_PLACEHOLDER}, note = {CC BY-SA 4.0} }
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