Ueshiba Quotes & Sayings

The Samurai is the first to suffer anxiety for human society, and he is the last to seek personal pleasure. — Morihei Ueshiba

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

Each person is the universe from a particular perspective. — Morihei Ueshiba

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

Aiki is not a technique to fight with or defeat an enemy. It is the way to reconcile the world and make human beings one family. — 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

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

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

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

Morihei Ueshiba, founder of Aikido, stated: Rise early in the morning to greet the sun. Inhale and let yourself soar to the ends of the universe; breathe out and let the cosmos inside. Next breathe up the fe- cundity and vibrance of the Earth. Blend the breath of Earth with your own and become the breath of life it- self. Your mind and body will be gladdened, depression and heartache will dissipate and you will be filled with gratitude.5 — Ann Llewellyn Evans

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

To practice properly the Art of Peace, you must: Calm the spirit and return to the source. Cleanse the body and spirit by removing all malice, selfishness, and desire. Be ever grateful for the gifts received from the universe, your family, Mother nature, and your fellow human beings. — Morihei Ueshiba

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

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

There are no contests in the Art of Peace. A true warrior is invincible because he or she contests with nothing. Defeat means to defeat the mind of contention that we harbor within. — 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

True victory is victory over oneself. — 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

The Art of Peace begins with you ... — 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

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

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

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

The Way of a Warrior is to establish harmony. — 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

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

To injure an opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace. — Morihei Ueshiba

Those who have a warped mind, a mind of discord, have been defeated from the beginning. — 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

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

THE ART OF PEACE is to fulfill that which is lacking. — 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

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

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

PRACTICE OF THE Art of Peace enables you to rise above praise or blame, and it frees you from attachment to this and that. — Morihei Ueshiba

FACE A SINGLE FOE as if you are facing ten thousand enemies; face ten thousand enemies as a single foe. — Morihei Ueshiba

Aikido is the Way and Principle of harmonizing Heaven, Earth and Man. — 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

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

One becomes vulnerable when one stops to think about winning, losing, taking advantage, impressing or disregarding the opponent. When the mind stops, even for a single instant, the body freezes, and free, fluid movement is lost. — Kisshomaru Ueshiba

When you bow deeply to the universe, it bows back; when you call out the name of God, it echoes inside you. — Morihei Ueshiba

DAILY TRAINING in the Art of Peace allows your inner divinity to shine brighter and brighter. Do not concern yourself with the right and wrong of others. Do not be calculating or act unnaturally. Keep your mind focused on the Art of Peace, and do not criticize other teachers or traditions. The Art of Peace never restrains or shackles anything. It embraces all and purifies everything. — 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

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

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

In the art of peace, a single cut of the sword summons up the wondrous powers of the universe. That one sword links the past, present, and future; it absorbs the universe. Time and space disappear. All of creation, from the distant past to the present moment, lives in the sword. All human existence flourishes right here in the sword you hold in your hands. You are now prepared for anything that may arise. — 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

In true budo there is no enemy or opponent. True budo is to become one with the universe, not train to become powerful or to throw down some opponent. Rather we train in hopes of being of some use, however small our role may be, in the task of bringing peace to mankind around the world. — Morihei Ueshiba

The subtle working of ki is the maternal source that affects changes in breath. It is also the source of martial art as love. When one unifies mind and body by virtue of ki and manifests ai-ki (harmony of ki), delicate changes in breath-power occur spontaneously and "waza" (proper technique) flows freely. — Kisshomaru Ueshiba

Your spirit is the true shield. — Morihei Ueshiba

The Art of Peace is the religion that is not a religion; it perfects and completes all religions. — Morihei Ueshiba

Do not fail
to learn from
The pure voice of an
Ever-flowing mountain stream
Splashing over the rocks. — 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

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

Techniques employ four qualities that reflect the nature of our world. Depending on the circumstance, you should be: hard as a diamond, flexible as a willow, smooth-flowing like water, or as empty as space. — 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

In your training, do not be in a hurry, for it takes a minimum of ten years to master the basics and advance to the first rung. Never think of yourself as an all-knowing, perfected master; you must continue to train daily with your friends and students and progress together in the Art of Peace. — Morihei Ueshiba

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

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

True Budo is to accept the spirit of the universe, keep the peace of the world, correctly produce, protect and cultivate all beings in nature. — 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

THE ART OF PEACE does not rely on weapons or brute force to succeed; instead, we put ourselves in tune with the universe, maintain peace in our own realms, nurture life, and prevent death and destruction. The true meaning of the term samurai is one who serves and adheres to the power of love. — 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

I have been given many teachings by Sarutahiko-no-O-Kami. OKami told me, 'By the work of Takehaya Susanowo no Mikoto, you will worship the Ame no Murakumo KuKamisamuhara Ryu O (Kami of Takemusu) and build an Aiki shrine and dojo.' Then I built the Aiki shrine and dojo in Iwama, Ibaragi prefecture in 1940. — Morihei Ueshiba

Master the divine techniques of the Art of Peace and no enemy will dare to challenge you. — Morihei Ueshiba

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