Master Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) is the Founder of Aikido. At a young age, he had a thirst for knowledge in such areas as religion and education, but because of his small, weak frame, was encouraged to pursue physical activities to become stronger. After his father was attacked by a gang of thugs, he set out to improve his strength and power. Eventually after studying the martial arts, he became a master in jujitsu, fencing, and spear fighting.

Yet, even though Master Ueshiba gained impressive physical and mental capabilities, he was unsettled. Because of this, he delved into religions, in hopes of learning the significance to life, while continuing his studies of budo, or the martial arts. One day, while resting, Master Ueshiba suddenly realized that the true purpose of budo was love, love that cherishes and nourishes all beings. Because of that realization, he combined the martial art with his religious and philosophical ideologies, and created the martial art we call Aikido in 1942.