Aikido Founders

Morihei Ueshiba

The Founder of Aikido

Developed from an ancient martial art, Aikido came into being through the efforts of Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), the founder of Aikido. He is recognised as one of history's greatest martial artists. He developed an art that joins with the force of an attack and utilises throws and locks. Morihei Ueshiba Sensei synthesized a variety of martial arts techniques he had learned from studying with masters of 'jujitsu' (unarmed combat), 'kenjutsu' (kendo) and 'sojutsu' (spear fighting).

Read a more detailed history.

Master Koretoshi Maruyama Sensei

The Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai

Master Koretoshi Maruyama is widely admired and respected and was a student of the founder of Aikido Master Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969). He has dedicated his life to communicating the benefits of 'positive mind' through Aikido. He has inspired many thousands of people throughout the world over many years.

Aikido Yuishinkai was founded by Maruyama Sensei to promote universal values and principles of peace throughout the world. Students from all styles of aikido train with us as we are non-partisan in our approach. Friendship with other dojos is encouraged in keeping with the harmonious spirit of Aikido. Aikido Yuishinkai is truly 'Aikido without boundaries'.

Michael Williams Sensei

The Founder of Aikido Goshinkai

Michael Williams Sensei was awarded 10th Dan and had been appointed Chief Instructor by the Founder of Aikido Yuishinkai, Master Koretoshi Maruyama, in October 2003.

In this role, he acted as facilitator for the expansion of Aikido Yuishinkai International and made available the resources necessary to disseminate information to affiliated dojos around the world. Assisting in this role were Elisabeth Andel, multimedia coordinator and Valerie Williams, correspondence and promotions.

In December 2009 Master Koretoshi Maruyama presented Michael Williams Sensei with the level of 10th Dan in the art of Aikido Yuishinkai. Michael Williams Sensei resigned from Aikido Yuishinkai in 2014 and founded Aikido Goshinkai (named in honour of his former dojo in Byron Bay) to practice and further develop ki based aikido.

Williams Sensei has trained in the art of Aikido for 40 years and has dedicated his life to spreading the principle of mind and body coordination and positive mind. He has a vast knowledge of the aikido weapons and has travelled and trained with many renowned experts of jo and bokken. He is an inspiration to many students around Australia and throughout the world. His dynamic, expressive teaching style reflects his experience, humour and compassion.