History of Takemusu Aikido

Aikido is a non-competitive Japanese martial art created in the 1940’s by O’Sensei Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). Proficient in combative techniques, O’Sensei came to realise that the true nature of martial arts was not to take life, but to defend, love and protect it. With this new outlook he named his system Aikido, ‘the way of harmony.’

Takemusu Aikido was developed by O’Sensei later in his life, refining his martial art to reflect the divine harmony and balance existing in nature. Takemusu Aikido is evolved as a creative physical and spiritual practice derived from both defensive skills and Shinto mythology. It is the heart of our training at Takemusu Aikido Kai.

In 1958 our late headmaster Suzuki Toshinobu Sensei met O’Sensei and was later invited by him to join a Takemusu Aikido group that the Founder established. He learnt directly from the Founder and with his prior approval, opened his own dojo in 1970 to continue Takemusu Aikido.

Initially he operated under the supervision of the Aiki-Kai, O’Sensei’s school of Aikido, until 1975 when, in agreement with Doshu Ueshiba Kisshomaru, son of and successor to the Founder, he was authorised to establish and lead a separate Takemusu Aikido headquarters (Honbu).

Up until the end of his life in late 2009, aged 91, Sensei Suzuki Toshinobu, a retired Shinto head priest, was still relating his experiences and describing the relationship he had with his master.

His successor is Suzuki Shigeyuki Sensei, also a Shinto priest, and son in law of our first headmaster.