| | | | The
Ibaraki Branch Dojo and Aiki Shrine are situated in the Yoshioka
district
of the town of Iwama, east of the Joban Line's Iwama Station.
During the
1940's the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba O-Sensei,
undertook intense
training here, establishing the Aiki Shrine, and perfecting aikido. The Founder
called it the "birthplace of aikido."
Aikido developed from old
Japanese martial arts as a method for
training body and mind. The Founder
described it as "a martial way of
harmony." Today aikido has spread
to many countries around the world
and Iwama is a Mecca to the aikido community.
O-Sensei's move to Iwama was prompted by his long held belief that "the
true martial path is like unto agriculture, both originate in the life
giving
power of Takemusu Aiki." |
| 1942 - 58 years old |
Aikido is named
formally. An aikido division is
established within the Dai Nihon Butokukai.
O-Sensei moves to Iwama from Tokyo with his wife Hatsu. |
1944 - 60 years old |
The
main hall of the Aiki Shrine is completed in the Autumn. |
| 1945 - 61 years old |
The
Aiki Shuren Dojo (the present Ibaraki Branch Dojo) is completed in the summer. |
| 1960 - 76 years old |
O-Sensei receives the
Medal with Purple Ribbon on 3rd November. |
| 1962 - 78 years old |
O-Sensei
commemorates 60 years of training in martial arts and Taisai Festival is celebrated
at the Aiki Shrine in Iwama on 7th August. |
| 1964 - 80 years old |
O-Sensei receives the Third Order of the Sacred Treasure on
3rd November. |
| 1969 - 85 years old |
O-Sensei passes from this world on 26th April. He receives
the Fourth Order of the Rising Sun and is nominated as an honorary citizen of
Iwama. | |
| Aiki
Shrine Story | Aiki
Shrine is the one and only shrine in the world that is associated with Aikido.
The founder of Aikido, Morihei Ueshiba erected this shrine and completed in the
late autumn of 1943 (Showa 18th).
Morihei Ueshiba's Guardian Gods, Saruta Hiko
no Ookami, Kunitsu Ryuoh Kuzuryu Daigongen, Tajikarao no mikoto, Amenomurakumo
Kukisamuhara Ryuoh, Ketsumi Miko no Ookami, Wakumusubi no Mikoto, Ryuoh, Daigongen,
Ootengu, Daibosatsu, and others, totalling 43 great Gods are enshrined.
Once
a year, we celebrate "Reitaisai" Festival on April 29. Many Aikido disciplinants
from not only Japan but also all over the world visit here for this celebration.
We all commemorate the Founder and Kisshomaru Ueshiba, the second Doshu and pray
for the growth of Aikido, safety at the dojo, improvement of our techniques and
world peace. |
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