Morihei Ueshiba Quotes & Sayings

Aikido is based on the projection of love. — Morihei Ueshiba

Nonresistance is one of the principles of aikido. Because there is no resistance, you have won before even starting. People whose minds are evil or who enjoy fighting are defeated without a fight. — Morihei Ueshiba

Focus on stillness, rather than on movement — Morihei Ueshiba

Create each day anew. — Morihei Ueshiba

All life is a manifestation of the spirit, the manifestation of love. — Morihei Ueshiba

ALWAYS PRACTICE the Art of Peace in a vibrant and joyful manner. — Morihei Ueshiba

The realization of our true substance and potential is the purpose of creation. — Morihei Ueshiba

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

PRACTICE THE Art of Peace sincerely, and evil thoughts and deeds will naturally disappear. The only desire that should remain is the thirst for more and more training in the Way. — Morihei Ueshiba

The way of the warrior is based on humanity, love and sincerity — 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 struggle for Peace. — Morihei Ueshiba

BE GRATEFUL EVEN for hardship, setbacks, and bad people. Dealing with such obstacles is an essential part of training in the Art of Peace. — Morihei Ueshiba

If you have not linked yourself to true emptiness, you will never understand the art of peace. — Morihei Ueshiba

CONTEMPLATE THE workings of this world, listen to the words of the wise, and take all that is good as your own. With this as your base, open your own door to truth. Do not overlook the truth that is right before you. — Morihei Ueshiba

The Art of Peace is the principle of nonresistance. Because it is nonresistant it is victorious from the beginning. Those with evil intentions or contentious thoughts are instantly vanquished. The Art of Peace is invincible because it contends with nothing. — Morihei Ueshiba

THE PATH OF PEACE is exceedingly vast, reflecting the grand design of the hidden and manifest worlds. A warrior is a living shrine of the divine, one who serves that grand purpose. — Morihei Ueshiba

True victory does not come from defeating an enemy, true victory comes from giving love and changing an enemies heart. — Morihei Ueshiba

Around 2am as I was performing misogi, I suddenly forgot all the martial techniques I had ever learned. The techniques of my teachers appeared completely new. Now they were vehicles for the cultivation of life, knowledge, and virtue, not devices to throw people with. — Morihei Ueshiba

Failure is the key to success; each mistake teaches us something. — Morihei Ueshiba

The Aikido I practice has room for each of the world's eight million gods and I cooperate with each of them. The Great Spirit of Aiki enjoins all that is Divine and enlightened in every land. Unite yourself to the Divine, and you will be able to perceive gods wherever you are. — Morihei Ueshiba

A technique can only work if it is in harmony with universal principles. Such principles need to be grasped through Mind, pure consciousness. Selfish desires thwart your progress, but Mind, not captivated by notions of victory or defeat, will liberate you. Mind fixes your senses and keeps you centered. Mind is the key to wondrous power and supreme clarity. — 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

Life itself is always a trial. In training, you must test and polish yourself in order to face the great challenges of life. — 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 heart of a human being is no different from the soul of heaven and earth. In your practice always keep in your thoughts the interaction of heaven and earth, water and fire, yin and yang. — Morihei Ueshiba

Cleanse your body and soul, removing malice, selfishness and desire. — Morihei Ueshiba

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

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

Always keep your mind as bright and clear as the vast sky, the great ocean, and the highest peak, empty of all thoughts. Always keep your body filled with light and heat. Fill yourself with the power of wisdom and enlightenment. — Morihei Ueshiba

Mankind's role is to fulfil his heaven-sent purpose through a sincere heart that is in harmony with all creation and loves all things. — Morihei Ueshiba

Never fear another challenger, no matter how large; Never despise another challenger, no matter how small.
Large does not always defeat little. Little can become large by constant building; large can become little by falling apart. — Morihei Ueshiba

Each and every master, regardless of the era or the place, heard the call and attained harmony with heaven and earth. There are many paths leading to the top of Mount Fuji, but there is only one summit - love. — Morihei Ueshiba

Opponents confront us continually, but actually there is no opponent there. Enter deeply into an attack and neutralize it as you draw that misdirected force into your own sphere. — Morihei Ueshiba

As soon as you concern yourself with the "good" and "bad" of your fellows, you create an opening in your heart for maliciousness to enter. Testing, competing with, and criticizing others weakens and defeats you. — Morihei Ueshiba

There are times when you may be overwhelmed by the teachings of the Way. At such moments, it is important to continue with the original spirit of a beginner. — Morihei Ueshiba

Your mind should be in harmony with the functioning of the universe; your body should be in tune with the movement of the universe; body and mind should be bound as one, unified with the activity of the universe. — Morihei Ueshiba

May you be happy, may you be well
may you be peaceful and at ease
may you be filled with loving kindness
And compassion for all beingslk — Morihei Ueshiba

Now and again, it is necessary to seclude yourself among deep mountains and hidden valleys to restore your link to the source of life. Breathe in and let yourself soar to the ends of the universe; breathe out and bring the cosmos back inside. Next, breathe up all fecundity and vibrancy of the earth. Finally, blend the breath of heaven and the breath of earth with your own, becoming the Breath of Life itself. — Morihei Ueshiba

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

THE ART OF PEACE is not easy. It is a fight to the finish, the slaying of evil desires and all falsehood within. On occasion the voice of peace resounds like thunder, jolting human beings out of their stupor. — Morihei Ueshiba

The divine is not something high above us. It is in heaven, it is in earth, it is inside us — Morihei Ueshiba

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

Peace originates with the flow of things - its heart is like the movement of the wind and waves. The Way is like the veins that circulate blood through our bodies, following the natural flow of the life force. If you are separated in the slightest from that divine essence, you are far off the path. — Morihei Ueshiba

INSTRUCTORS CAN impart a fraction of the teaching. It is through your own devoted practice that the mysteries of the Art of Peace are brought to life. — Morihei Ueshiba

Economy is the basis of society. When the economy is stable, society develops. The ideal economy combines the spiritual and the material, and the best commodities to trade in are sincerity and love. — Morihei Ueshiba

Your heart is full of fertile seeds, waiting to sprout. — Morihei Ueshiba

Study how water flows in a valley stream, smoothly and freely between the rocks. Also learn from holy books and wise people. Everything - even mountains, rivers, plants and trees - should be your teacher. — Morihei Ueshiba

Do not look upon this world with fear and loathing. Bravely face whatever the gods offer. — Morihei Ueshiba

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

THE TECHNIQUES OF the Art of Peace are neither fast nor slow, nor are they inside or outside.. They transcend time and space. — 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 own character. — Morihei Ueshiba

Create each day anew by clothing yourself with heaven and earth, bathing yourself with wisdom and love, and placing yourself in the heart of Mother Nature. — Morihei Ueshiba

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

Loyalty and devotion lead to bravery. Bravery leads to the spirit of self-sacrifice. The spirit of self-sacrifice creates trust in the power of love. — Morihei Ueshiba

A warrior's mission is to foster the success of others. — Morihei Ueshiba

The world will continue to change dramatically, but fighting and war can destroy us utterly. What we need now are techniques of harmony, not those of contention. The Art of Peace is required, not the Art of War. — Morihei Ueshiba

Shihonage is the foundation of Aikido. All you ever need to master is shihonage. — Morihei Ueshiba

Those who are possessed by nothing possess everything. — Morihei Ueshiba

If you are centered, you can move freely. — Morihei Ueshiba

To practice Aikido fully you must calm the spirit and go back to the origin. — Morihei Ueshiba

All the principles of heaven and earth are living inside you. Life itself is truth, and this will never change. Everything in heaven and earth breathes. Breath is the thread that ties creation together. — Morihei Ueshiba

The techniques of Aikido change constantly; every encounter is unique, and the appropriate response should emerge naturally. Today's techniques will be different tomorrow. Do not get caught up with the form and appearance of a challenge. Aikido has no form - it is the study of the spirit — Morihei Ueshiba

If you have life in you, you have access to the secrets of the ages, for the truth of the universe resides in each and every human being. — Morihei Ueshiba

If your heart is large enough to envelop your adversaries, you can see right through them and avoid their attacks. And once you envelop them, you will be able to guide them along the path indicated to you by heaven and earth. — Morihei Ueshiba

In Aikido we never attack. An attack is proof that one is out of control. Never run away from any kind of challenge, but do not try to suppress or control an opponent unnaturally. Let attackers come any way they like and then blend with them. Never chase after opponents. Redirect each attack and get firmly behind it. — Morihei Ueshiba

Fill yourself with Ki, invite the attack. — Morihei Ueshiba

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

Consider the ebb and flow of the tide. When waves come to strike the shore, they crest and fall, creating a sound. Your breath should follow the same pattern, absorbing the entire universe in your belly with each inhalation. Know that we all have access to four treasures: the energy of the sun and moon, the breath of heaven, the breath of earth, and the ebb and flow of the tide. — Morihei Ueshiba

Aikido is love. It is the path that brings our heart into oneness with the spirit of the universe to complete our mission in life by instilling in us a love and reverence for all of nature. — Morihei Ueshiba

Atemi accounts for 99% of Aikido. — Morihei Ueshiba

You are here for no other purpose than to realize your inner divinity and manifest your inner enlightenment. — Morihei Ueshiba

Everyone has a spirit that can be refined, a body that can be trained in some manner, a suitable path to follow. You are here to realize your inner divinity and manifest your innate enlightenment. — Morihei Ueshiba

IF YOUR OPPONENT strikes with fire, counter with water, becoming completely fluid and free-flowing. Water, by its nature, never collides with or breaks against anything. On the contrary, it swallows up any attack harmlessly. — Morihei Ueshiba

A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind. — Morihei Ueshiba

A mind to serve for the peace of all human beings in the world is needed in Aikido, and not the mind of one who wishes to be strong or who practices only to fell an opponent. — Morihei Ueshiba

The Way of a Warrior is based on humanity, love, and sincerity; the heart of martial valor is true bravery, wisdom, love, and friendship. Emphasis on the physical aspects of warriorship is futile, for the power of the body is always limited. — Morihei Ueshiba

Your voice is a very powerful weapon. When you are in tune with the cosmic breath of heaven and earth, your voice produces true sounds. Unify body, mind, and speech, and real techniques will emerge. — Morihei Ueshiba

Heaven is right where you are standing, and that is the place to train. — Morihei Ueshiba

PRACTICE OF THE Art of Peace is an act of faith, a belief in the ultimate power of nonviolence. It is faith in the power of purification and faith in the power of life itself. It is not a type of rigid discipline or empty asceticism. It is a path that follows natural principles, principles, that must be applied to daily living. The Art of Peace should be practiced from the time you rise to greet the morning to the time you retire at night. — Morihei Ueshiba

Your spirit is the true shield. — Morihei Ueshiba

In extreme situations, the entire universe becomes our foe; at such critical times, unity of mind and technique is essential - do not let your heart waver! — Morihei Ueshiba

Your spiritual developement is a divine path that leads to truth, goodness and beauty;
it is a spiritual path reflecting the unlimited, absolute nature of the universe
and the ultimate grand design of creation. — Morihei Ueshiba

Kicking leaves you momentarily on one foot, and for that moment you are in a very weak position. If you were to be swept off your feet, you would be finished. This is why lifting your feet off the ground is crazy. — Morihei Ueshiba

Study the teachings of the pine tree, the bamboo, and the plum blossom. The pine is evergreen, firmly rooted, and venerable. The bamboo is strong, resilient, unbreakable. The plum blossom is hardy, fragrant, and elegant. — Morihei Ueshiba

Ultimately, you must forget about technique. The further you progress, the fewer teachings there are. The Great Path is really NO PATH. — Morihei Ueshiba

To rid the world of aggression and contention is the purpose of Aikido — Morihei Ueshiba

THE PATH IS exceedingly vast. From ancient times to the present day, even the greatest sages were unable to perceive and comprehend the entire truth; the explanation and teachings of masters and saints express only part of the whole. It is not possible for anyone to speak of such things in their entirety. Just head for the light and heat, learn from the gods, and through the virtue of devoted practice of the Art of Peace, become one with the divine. — Morihei Ueshiba

Even the most powerful human being has a limited sphere of strength. Draw him outside of that sphere and into your own, and his strength will dissipate. — Morihei Ueshiba

I want considerate people to listen to the voice of Aikido. It is not for correcting others; it is for correcting your own mind. This is Aikido. This is the mission of Aikido and should be your mission. — Morihei Ueshiba

The Divine does not like to be shut up in a building. The Divine likes to be out in the open. It is right here in this very body. Each one of us is a miniature universe, a living shrine. — Morihei Ueshiba

Warriorship is none other than the vitality that sustains all life. — Morihei Ueshiba

True victory is victory over oneself. — Morihei Ueshiba

Those who are enlightened never stop forging themselves. — Morihei Ueshiba

ALL THINGS, material and spiritual, originate from one source and are related as if they were one family. The past, present, and future are all contained in the life force. The universe emerged and developed from one source, and we evolved through the optimal process of unification and harmonization. — Morihei Ueshiba

The art of Peace I practice has room for each of the world's eight million gods, and I cooperate with them all. The God of Peace is very great and enjoins all that is divine and enlightened in every land. — Morihei Ueshiba

THE TOTALLY AWAKENED warrior can freely utilize all elements contained in heaven and earth. The true warrior learns how to correctly perceive the activity of the universe and how to transform martial techniques into vehicles of purity, goodness, and beauty. A warrior's mind and body must be permeated with enlightened wisdom and deep calm. — Morihei Ueshiba

It is necessary to develop a strategy that utilizes all the physical conditions and elements that are directly at hand. The best strategy relies upon an unlimited set of responses. — Morihei Ueshiba

Aikido is the spirit of loving protection for all beings. — Morihei Ueshiba

Aiki is the way of the Kami and was born of the will of the Kami. Rise early in the morning to greet the sun. Inhale the breath of heaven and let the cosmos inside. Next breath up the rich vibrance of the earth. Blend these breaths with your own breath and become the breath of life itself. Your mind and body will be gladdened, heartache and disappointment will dissipate and you will be filled with gratitude. The movements of Aikido which unite human being with great nature are all given by Sarutahiko-no-O-Kami. Aikido is Misogi..a purification of ourselves ... the way of the universe. — Morihei Ueshiba

THE BODY SHOULD be triangular, the mind circular. The triangle represents the generation of energy and is the most stable physical posture. The circle symbolizes serenity and perfection, the source of unlimited techniques. The square stands for solidity, the basis of applied control. — Morihei Ueshiba