Developed in the early 1920’s by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), Aikido is a modern Japanese martial art. Ueshiba, or O’Sensei, meaning great teacher, was a man dedicated to the study of classical martial arts including the sword, spear, staff, and various types of empty-hand combat. O’Sensei committed lifelong study of warrior traditions. O’Sensei, however, was not merely satisfied to create an effective form of combat. In seeking victory over himself as well he developed Aikido. In Japanese, Aikido means “the way of harmony with the force and principle of nature.” Although, derived from Japan’s traditional budo (the way of martial arts), Aikido goes beyond budo to a path where the keen edge of martial art is used as a “Way” to spiritual growth.
New Tampa Aikido 