Part 3: O Sensei Morihei Ueshiba
MORIHEI UESHIBA also to be known at various times during his life as TSUNEMORI and MORITAKA was born on the 24th December 1883 in KII province modern-day WAKAYAMA prefecture to his father YOROKU and his mother YUKI.
Born prematurely UESHIBA was of a week constitution but was of samurai stock and from an early age possessed an indomitable spirit. His father YOROKU was powerfully built and was an adept of martial arts. While UESHIBA loved and respected his father it was his grandfather KICHIEMON who was most famous for his martial prowess and prodigious strength therefore should be noted as the first role model for the young UESHIBA.
While still young UESHIBA was forced to watch as his father was beaten up because of political differences . This incident saw his father defeated by superior numbers and may account for one of the major principles which UESHIBA incorporated into his art - that the techniques must be applied as though there are always more than one attacker. This was the catalyst which set UESHIBA on his quest to become one of the most powerful BUDOKA in the history of the martial arts.
While obviously influenced by his father and grandfather UESHIBA also had another role model close at hand. His mother YUKI. UESSHIBA'S mother was a highly cultured lady distantly related to the TAKEDA clan. YUKI was to have an altogether different influence on her son. Her sensitive and enquiring mind was to influence UESHIBA'S study of martial arts. It would seem that even at a young age UESHIBA embraced the concept of BUN BU ICHI the pen and sword in accord. This has always been the way of the true samurai. Not all BUDOKA of the day followed this way SOKAKU TAKEDA being a prime example. SOKAKU was almost illiterate since his obsession with martial arts allowed no time for other pursuits.
Being the only son it is no surprise that UESHIBA'S parents doted on him. However his frail body worried his father and he was encourage to engage in physical exercise. With his indomitable spirit the young UESHIBA began his training.
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