Nidan Essay page two

(continued from previous page)

So what started as a body of techniques for offense or defense evolved into an art that allows for effective defense where the goal isn’t winning, but rather, peace. Also, Aikido is today an art for self-improvement, or “conquering the self.” This was expressed effectively by O-Sensei when he coined the phrase, “Masakatsu Agatsu,” which means “The true, or correct, victory is victory over oneself.”

As Aikido enters its third generation of leadership, so to speak, the question is “What will its future be?” O-Sensei died in 1969, and his son, Kisshomaru, became the second doshu, or “leader of the way.” Kisshomaru passed away in January, and now his son, Moriteru, is the new doshu.

Morihei, the Founder, created the art, and his son created the structure of the organization to maintain and perpetuate the art. Now the challenge for Moriteru is probably to see that Aikido continues to grow and evolve, but also continues to stay the same, in that its essence is preserved and evident in the new growth. He will face an Aikido world that in the next 15 to 20 years may not have many direct students of O-Sensei left alive.

Moriteru was born in 1951, so he had the chance to experience his grandfather directly, and he has taught in Japan as well as giving seminars in Europe, and has worked much with aikidoists in the Russian countries.

As the people of the world, in general, continue to evolve in their thinking and desire peace over conflict, Aikido should continue to spread. Everyone who has practiced the art “on the mats” can tell you that it’s had positive effects in their lives “off the mats.” By using Aikido principles and practice to coordinate our minds, bodies, and spirits, we all become better people. By observing the teaching of “Masakatsu Agatsu,” that the real opponent we need to overcome is in ourselves, we have more understanding and empathy for other people and their problems, and we improve ourselves. All of that leads to the climate for peaceful living, and that was Morehei Ueshiba’s dream for his art, Aikido.

Nidan Essay #1

Aikido - Its History

and Its Future

by Tom Hosmanek 6/24/1999

Test Committee

Masayuki Kaneshi-Mesa Shihan, Aikido, rokudan

Dr. David Birdsell Shihan, Shinkendo, rokudan

Randy Doyle, M.D.