Morihei Ueshiba

Morihei Ueshiba
_____________________

Small Bio:
Morihei Ueshiba was a martial artist and founder of the Japanese martial art of aikido. He is often referred to as "the founder" Kaiso or Ōsensei, "Great Teacher". 

"The way of the warrior is based on humanity, love and sincerty." - Morihei Ueshiba

*Click picture to enlarge*

Interesting Info:

1)   He had a profound spiritual experience, stating that, "a golden spirit sprang up from the ground, veiled my body, and changed my body into a golden one." After this experience, his martial arts skill appeared to be greatly increased.

2)   In 1903, Ueshiba was called up for military service. He failed the initial physical examination, being shorter than the regulation 5 feet 2 inches (1.57 m). To overcome this, he stretched his spine by attaching heavy weights to his legs and suspending himself from tree branches; when he re-took the physical exam he had increased his height by the necessary half-inch to pass.

3)    In 1907, after his return from the war, he was presented with a certificate of enlightenment (shingon inkyo) by his childhood teacher Mitsujo Fujimoto.

4)    Aikido—usually translated as the Way of Unifying Spirit or the Way of Spiritual Harmony—is a fighting system that focuses on throws, pins and joint locks together with some striking techniques. It emphasises protecting the opponent and promotes spiritual and social development.

5)   Morihei Ueshiba once pinned a Sumo wrestler using only a single finger.