Part 4: Martial Arts Training
Like all things that UESHIBA dedicated himself to martial arts training became an obsession to him. If a man lifted a heavy weight UESHIBA would lift heavier. If a man ran far and fast UESHIBA would run further and faster. This competition was not against others it was his way of forever challenging himself. His studies and efforts were not relegated only to the physical aspects of martial arts.UESHIBA also studied esoteric and exoteric arts. Having been sent to a local temple to study the Chinese classics UESHIBA convinced the monks there to emphasise his studies in the esoteric SHINGON rites and meditation techniques.
1902 found UESHIBA attempting without his usual commitment to establish himself as a business man in TOKYO. His business suffered as his main interest was in seeking out martial arts dojos where he could further his studies. The first accredited martial arts school that he encountered to any great extent was the TENJIN SHIN RYU the TOKYO branch of which was ran by TAKISABURO TOBARI. This school was a classical JUJUTSU school which had a great influence on JIGORO KANO when he was researching the arts in his attempt to create KODOKAN JUDO. Its content while providing UESHIBA with the opportunity for physical training probably had little effect upon his creation of aikido in later years. UESHIBA studied there for a few months while also attending classes at the SHINKAGE RYU DOJO.
Not surprisingly his business collapsed and he had to return to TANABE where he met and married HATSU ITOGAWA. This period may be looked upon as UESHIBA'S first serious look at martial arts. At the age of nineteen he already was in possession of a powerful body and indomitable spirit. However to his utter anguish he lacked one thing. One inch in height which he lacked in order to pursue the next stage in his development - Military service.
Regardless UESHIBA would let nothing stand in his way when he set himself a goal.
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