Morihei Ueshiba

Focus on stillness, rather than on movement

— Morihei Ueshiba

In a real battle, atemi is seventy percent, technique is thirty percent.

— Morihei Ueshiba

When life is victorious, there is birth; when it is thwarted, there is death. A warrior is always engaged in a life-and-death…

— Morihei Ueshiba

The purpose of training is to tighten up the slack, toughen the body, and polish the spirit.

— Morihei Ueshiba

True Budo is to accept the spirit of the universe, keep the peace of the world, correctly produce, protect and cultivate all…

— Morihei Ueshiba

One does not need buildings, money, power, or status to practice the Art of Peace. Heaven is right where you are standing,…

— Morihei Ueshiba

There are many paths leading to the top of Mount Fuji, but there is only one summit - love.

— Morihei Ueshiba

The real purpose of the martial arts must be to purge oneself of petty ambitions and desire, to obtain control of one’s…

— Morihei Ueshiba

Polish the heart, free the six senses and let them function without obstruction, and your entire body will glow.

— Morihei Ueshiba

The Samurai is the first to suffer anxiety for human society, and he is the last to seek personal pleasure.

— Morihei Ueshiba

Nonresistance is one of the principles of aikido. Because there is no resistance, you have won before even starting. People whose minds…

— Morihei Ueshiba

Study the teachings of the pine tree, the bamboo, and the plum blossom. The pine is evergreen, firmly rooted, and venerable. The…

— Morihei Ueshiba

It is necessary to develop a strategy that utilizes all the physical conditions and elements that are directly at hand. The best…

— Morihei Ueshiba

“The Art of Peace is the principle of nonresistance. Because it is nonresistant it is victorious from the beginning. Those with evil…

— Morihei Ueshiba

True budo is a work of love. It is a work of giving life to all beings, and not killing or struggling…

— Morihei Ueshiba

THE ART OF PEACE does not rely on weapons or brute force to succeed; instead, we put ourselves in tune with the…

— Morihei Ueshiba

Aikido is love. It is the path that brings our heart into oneness with the spirit of the universe to complete our…

— Morihei Ueshiba

A black belt is nothing more than a belt that goes around your waist. Being a black belt is a state of…

— Morihei Ueshiba

Never fear another challenger, no matter how large; Never despise another challenger, no matter how small.

— Morihei Ueshiba

INSTRUCTORS CAN impart a fraction of the teaching. It is through your own devoted practice that the mysteries of the Art of…

— Morihei Ueshiba

There are times when you may be overwhelmed by the teachings of the Way. At such moments, it is important to continue…

— Morihei Ueshiba

Master the divine techniques of the Art of Peace and no enemy will dare to challenge you.

— Morihei Ueshiba

Life is growth. If we stop growing, technically and spiritually, we are as good as dead.

— Morihei Ueshiba

Foster and polish the warrior spirit while serving in the world; illuminate the path according to your inner light.

— Morihei Ueshiba

Even the most powerful human being has a limited sphere of strength. Draw him outside of that sphere and into your own,…

— Morihei Ueshiba

“People possessing tremendous strength have a very difficult time controlling themselves and easily make enemies.)”

— Morihei Ueshiba

Move like a beam of light: fly like lightning, strike like thunder, whirl in circles around a stable center

— Morihei Ueshiba

THE ART OF PEACE is the religion that is not a religion; it perfects and completes all religions.

— Morihei Ueshiba

Seeing me before him, / The adversary attacks, / But by that time / I am already standing / Safely behind him.

— Morihei Ueshiba

THE TECHNIQUES OF the Art of Peace are neither fast nor slow, nor are they inside or outside.. They transcend time and…

— Morihei Ueshiba

When an opponent comes forward, move in and greet him; if he wants to pull back, send him on his way.

— Morihei Ueshiba

The Art of Peace is based on four Great Virtues: Bravery, Wisdom, Love, and Friendship, symbolized by Fire, Heaven, Earth, and Water.

— Morihei Ueshiba

The penetrating brilliance of swords, wielded by followers of the Way, strikes at the evil enemy, lurking deep within, their own souls…

— Morihei Ueshiba

The art of peace is medicine for a sick worldit does not rely on weapons or brute force to succeed

— Morihei Ueshiba

Progress comes to those who train and train; reliance on secret techniques will get you nowhere.

— Morihei Ueshiba

The key to good technique is to keep your hands, feet, and hips straight and centered. If you are centered, you can…

— Morihei Ueshiba

FACE A SINGLE FOE as if you are facing ten thousand enemies; face ten thousand enemies as a single foe.

— Morihei Ueshiba

Cast off limiting thoughts and return to true emptiness. Stand in the midst of the great void. This is the secret of…

— Morihei Ueshiba

In extreme situations, the entire universe becomes our foe; at such critical times, unity of mind and technique is essential - do…

— Morihei Ueshiba

Create each day anew by clothing yourself with heaven and earth, bathing yourself with wisdom and love, and placing yourself in the…

— Morihei Ueshiba