[Lord Octagon]

Moriteru Ueshiba

植芝 守央 Ueshiba Moriteru

Moriteru Ueshiba (born April 2, 1951) is a martial arts specialist and the current Grand Master of Aikido. He is a grandson of Morihei Ueshiba, founder of aikido, and son of Kisshomaru Ueshiba. Ueshiba is the third and current Doshu (hereditary head) of the Aikikai.

Aikido Career (1958-Present)

Ueshiba was born on April 2, 1951, in Tokyo, Japan. Recalling his childhood during a 2004 interview, he said, "The first time I wore an Aikido uniform I was in the first grade of elementary school. But my family didn’t force me to do keiko (training) then, I just did it when I felt like it. I started training seriously in my high school years. My intention then was to become a successor to my father, and to preserve Kaiso’s [Morihei Ueshiba's] legacy for the future." 

In 1976, Ueshiba graduated from Meiji Gakuin University with a degree in economics. In 1996, he assumed the position of Dojocho (director/owner) of Aikikai Hombu Dojo. He assumed the title of Doshu on January 4, 1999, following the death of his father, Kisshomaru Ueshiba.

Kurokawa Kai

Ueshiba, a prominent representative of martial arts, has been a long-time member of Kurokawa Kai, with his formal role being a 'Saiko-Komon' (senior adviser). As a courtesy, Ueshiba has permitted the family to use the Aikikai Hombu Dojo as a form of headquarters, however, aikido training has remained open to the public.

Moriteru Ueshiba
Grand Master of Aikido