Aikido by Joshua Burke (Age: 14)

Morihei, the founder of Aikido, was born on December 14, 1883, in Japan.  (1883-1969)  When he was a young child, he saw his father attacked and assaulted by political opponents. This influenced him to decide to study martial arts. He also committed to becoming physically powerful (strong).  He trained with masters in multiple martial art forms.  By the time he finished his training, he had become an expert in Jujitsu (unarmed combat), Kenjitsu (sword combat), and Jojitsu (spear combat).  Aikido is made up of locks, holds, throws, and the movements used by your opponent. 

After Morihei’s training, he felt unspiritual.  He looked into various religions seeking a deeper meaning to life.  During his enlightenment process, he got into a fight with a naval officer.  The officer, a fencing instructor, challenged Morihei to a fight.  Morihei evaded every strike from the officer, who was wielding a wooden sword. He won when the officer was too exhausted to fight and fell to the ground out of breath.  Morehei created Aikido after the incident and taught it to many.  He said the martial art should be used to live in harmony with yourself, the earth, and its inhabitants.