MORIHEI UESHIBA was born in Western Japan in 1883. After mastering the classical styles of judo, kendo and jujutsu, he created Aikido, an entirely original martial art, based on the spiritual teachings of the moto-kyo religions. Following the Second World War Ueshiba established the Aikikai Foundation in Tokyo to promote the dissemination of Aikido throughout the world. He died in 1969.