Significant People and Places

  • Professor Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969) – Founder of Aikido.
  • Doshu Kisshomaru Ueshiba (1921-1999) – 2nd Grandmaster of Aikido. Son of the Founder.
  • Doshu Moriteru Ueshiba (1951- ) – Current Grandmaster of Aikido. Grandson of the Founder.
  • Morihiro Saito Shihan (1928-2002) – Longest direct-disciple of the Founder of Aikido (1946-1969). Chief Instructor of the Founder’s Dojo and Guardian of the Aiki Shrine (1969-2002).
  • Shigeru Kawabe Shihan (1939-2003) – Founder and Chief Instructor of Akita Aiki Shuren Dojo (1981-2003).
  • Hitohira (Hitohiro) Saito Shihan (1957- ) – Son of Morihiro Saito Shihan. Founder of Iwama Shinshin Aiki Shurenkai (Est. 2004).
  • Kenichi Shibata Shihan (1957- ) – Founder and Chief Instructor of Shiogama Aiki Shuren Dojo.
  • Iwama Town, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan – Birthplace of Traditional Aikido and home to the Aikido Shrine (Aiki-jinja) and Founder’s training hall (dojo).
  • Iwama Dojo – Founder of Aikido’s training hall (Ibaraki Aiki Shuren Dojo).
  • Hombu Dojo – World Headquarters and training facility located in Tokyo, Japan.