Doshu's Biography

Aikido is a modern Martial Art that has been pioneered by Morihei Ueshiba. 
After the Founder's passing, his son Kisshomaru Ueshiba was inaugurated as Aikido Doshu. 
At present, Moriteru Ueshiba (the Founder's grandson), has succeeded his father as Aikido Doshu.

Morihei Ueshiba
1883〜1969

	1883	Aikido Founder, Morihei Ueshiba, is born on December 14th in the present-day city of Tanabe in Wakayama Prefecture.
	1908	The Founder receives a license in Goto Ha-Yagyu Ryu Jujutsu from Mr. Masanosuke Tsuboi.
	1911	The Founder applies for invitation from the government to become a pioneer to Hokkaido. Leads a group of pioneers in migrating to Shirataki (now known as Engaru-cho), Monbetsu-gun, Hokkaido Prefecture.  The Founder meets Mr. Sokaku Takeda, the originator of Daito-ryu Jujutsu, at the Hisada Ryokan (inn) in Engaru, and asks for instruction.
	1919	On his return home because of his father's critical condition, while in Ayabe (Kyoto Prefecture), the Founder makes the acquaintance of Mr. Onisaburo Deguchi, of the Omoto religious sect and devotes himself to ascetic spiritual training. The Founder's father, Mr. Yoroku Ueshiba passes away.  The Founder opens a training dojo called "Ueshiba-juku" at the foot of Hongu, Ayabe.
	1922	The Founder addresses "Aiki" as the essence of the Martial Arts, due to his development of the mind coupled with spiritual practices.
	1927	The Founder comes to Tokyo with his family and begins teaching Martial Arts in Shirogane-Sarumachi, Shiba. His main activities move to Tokyo.
	1931	The Kobukan Dojo is established in present-day Wakamatsu-cho, Shinjuku.
	1940	The Kobukai Foundation, with Mr. Isamu Takeshita as its first president, is officially recognized by the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Japan.
	1941	Plans to build an outdoor dojo in Iwama, Ibaraki Prefecture are created.
	1955	The Founder starts to promote the development of Aikido in Japan and abroad.
	1960	The Founder receives the Medal with Purple Ribbon of Honor from the Japanese Government.
	1964	The Founder receives the award of the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette.
	1969	The Founder passes away on April 26th at the age of 86. He receives the award of the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold Rays with Neck Ribbon, and the rank of Sho-Goi (fifth rank in the imperial court) posthumously.

Kisshomaru Ueshiba
1921〜1999

	1921	Born on June 27th, in Ayabe.
	1946	Graduates from Waseda University, Faculty of Economics and Political Science.
	1948	Named the Director of Hombu Dojo and creates the infrastructure of the current organization.
	1967	Appointed the Chairman of Aikikai Foundation.
	1969	With the passing of the Founder, Kisshomaru Ueshiba assumes the title of Doshu.
	1986	He is named the head of Hombu Dojo. In recognition of his contributions to the public good through the development and growth of Aikido, Kisshomaru Doshu receives the Medal with Blue Ribbon of Honor from the Japanese Government.
	1995	Receives the Third Order of the Sacred Treasure Award from Japanese Government.
	1996	Appointed Aikikai Foundation Chairman. He also holds many other important positions in the field, International Aikido Federation's President, National Student Aikido Federation's President and Nippon Budokan Foundation's President.
	1999	Passes away on January 4th, at the age of 77. Receives the Court Rank of Fifth Grade Senior posthumously from Japanese Government.

Moriteru Ueshiba
1951〜

	1951	Born on April 2nd, in Tokyo.
	1976	Graduates from Meiji Gakuin University, Faculty of Economics.
	1985	Appointed the Executive Director of Aikikai Foundation.
	1996	Becomes the Chairman of Aikikai Foundation.
	1999	Assumes the title of Aikido Doshu.
	2006	Awarded the Anshetta Medal of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
	2009	Awarded the Friend ship Medal from the President of Russia.
	2010	Appointed Professor of special invitation by Kogakkan University.
	2012	Appointed Chairman of the Aikikai Public Interest Incorporated Foundation after the transition from Aikikai Foundation.  Awarded the Gold Medal of Valencia Polytechnic University in Spain.
	2013	Receives the Medal with Blue Ribbon of Honor from the Emperor of Japan.