Doshu is a martial arts title, literally translated as ‘Master of the
Way’. In aikido, for example, doshu is a hereditary title denoting the
head of the Aikikai. The first aikido doshu was the founder, Morihei
Ueshiba. When the founder died in 1969, his son Kisshomaru became the
second doshu. When Kisshomaru died in 1999, his son Moriteru took on the
role. Moriteru is expected to be succeeded as doshu by his son,
Mitsuteru Ueshiba.
Morihei Ueshiba 1883-1969
- 1883 – Born on December 14 in Tanabe city, Wakayama Prefecture, Japan.
- 1912 – Moves to Hokkaido Prefecture and meets Sokaku Takeda.
- 1912 – Learns Daito-ryu Aiki-Jujitsu.
- 1919 – Meets Onisaburo Deguchi of the Omoto Sect in Ayabe, Kyoto.
- 1927 – Moves to Tokyo with his family and begins teaching the Way of Aiki.
- 1960 – Receives the Shiju Hosho Medal from the Japanese government.
- 1969 – Passes away on April 26, at the age of 86.
Kisshomaru Ueshiba 1921-1999
- 1921 – Born on June 27, in Ayabe.
- 1946 – Graduates from Waseda University, Faculty of Economics and Political Science.
- 1956 – Gives the first demonstration and starts to teach Aikido to the public.
- 1957 – Publishes the first textbook AIKIDO.
- 1969 – Assumes the title of Aikido Doshu.
- 1995 – Receives the Zui Hosho Medal from the Japanese government.
- 1999 – Passes away on January 4, at the age of 77.
Moriteru Ueshiba 1951-
- 1951 – Born on April 4, in Tokyo.
- 1976 – Graduates from Meiji Gakuin University, Faculty of Economics.
- 1996 – Becomes General Director of the Hombu Dojo.
- 1999 – Assumes the title of Aikido Doshu.
