The Contradictions Of Morihei Ueshiba, Or The Making Sense Of O Sensei
If one wishes to know the truth behind the legend known as Morihei Ueshiba, the man called O Sensei, one needs to examine contradictions in his life. This is something that most students, perhaps giving in to the hype, do not undertake, and this is too bad. For it is through the understanding of contradiction that we isolate the crucibles and truth of what makes a man.
The man who founded Aikido was sick and weakly as a youngster, and lived a privileged existence. His father sought to make him stronger by telling tales tales of his Samurai grandfather. Did the manly tales cause him to grow stronger...or encourage him to regard dreams as inspiration?
O Sensei studied briefly with many martial arts teachers before coming around to the teachings of Takeda Sokaku. Was he a mote waiting for a stone to roll over him and take him along? Or was there a spiritual substance to the man that made him a seeker of truth?
Early martial arts training included concentrating on Atemi, or Striking points. Linear approaches to techniques varied from linear to circular to linear, at certain points during the founders studies. Eventually techniques became more focused on kokyu-nage, or Breath Throws, and this effortless approach is often considered the pure aikido.
The third most significant person in Morihei's life was Onisaburo Degushi, the head of the omoto-kyu religious sect. Interestingly, this 'woman's' religion, as it is sometimes considered, was sometimes involved in political brouhaha. One can sincerely make the question as to whether the techniques of Aikido are female at heart.
Spirituality can be considered to be at the essence of Aikido. One can easily make the point that the art changed over the years in response to the evolving spirituality of Ueshiba. Often held up as the pivotal experience of his life, the founder's firm conviction that the universe is love obviously tempered his technical interpretation of the martial arts.
Though sickly as a youth, O Sensei became known for his immense strength. Eventually, age deprived him of all strength but that which he had accrued in the spirit. Once again, we have a firm clue to the changing technique in the Master's Art.
Having said all the above, having compared and contrasted the founder of one of the world's most significant martial arts forms, one is left with certain conclusions. Linear to circular, strength to harmony, even male to female, there is a significance of evolution which should be studied, and can aid any student's understanding of this most mystical art. In conclusion, to understand Morihei Ueshiba, the man known as O Sensi, one must look past the white washed glorification of his life, and understand that he was earthy, real, and possessed of immortal character.
The man who founded Aikido was sick and weakly as a youngster, and lived a privileged existence. His father sought to make him stronger by telling tales tales of his Samurai grandfather. Did the manly tales cause him to grow stronger...or encourage him to regard dreams as inspiration?
O Sensei studied briefly with many martial arts teachers before coming around to the teachings of Takeda Sokaku. Was he a mote waiting for a stone to roll over him and take him along? Or was there a spiritual substance to the man that made him a seeker of truth?
Early martial arts training included concentrating on Atemi, or Striking points. Linear approaches to techniques varied from linear to circular to linear, at certain points during the founders studies. Eventually techniques became more focused on kokyu-nage, or Breath Throws, and this effortless approach is often considered the pure aikido.
The third most significant person in Morihei's life was Onisaburo Degushi, the head of the omoto-kyu religious sect. Interestingly, this 'woman's' religion, as it is sometimes considered, was sometimes involved in political brouhaha. One can sincerely make the question as to whether the techniques of Aikido are female at heart.
Spirituality can be considered to be at the essence of Aikido. One can easily make the point that the art changed over the years in response to the evolving spirituality of Ueshiba. Often held up as the pivotal experience of his life, the founder's firm conviction that the universe is love obviously tempered his technical interpretation of the martial arts.
Though sickly as a youth, O Sensei became known for his immense strength. Eventually, age deprived him of all strength but that which he had accrued in the spirit. Once again, we have a firm clue to the changing technique in the Master's Art.
Having said all the above, having compared and contrasted the founder of one of the world's most significant martial arts forms, one is left with certain conclusions. Linear to circular, strength to harmony, even male to female, there is a significance of evolution which should be studied, and can aid any student's understanding of this most mystical art. In conclusion, to understand Morihei Ueshiba, the man known as O Sensi, one must look past the white washed glorification of his life, and understand that he was earthy, real, and possessed of immortal character.
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