is a Japanese teacher of aikido. He is a grandson of Morihei Ueshiba and son of Kisshomaru Ueshiba. Ueshiba is the third and current Dōshu.
Biography Ueshiba was born on 2 April 1951, in Tokyo, Japan.Pranin, S. A. (c. 2009): The Encyclopedia of Aikido: Ueshiba, Moriteru Retrieved on 28 February 2010.Aikikai Foundation: Doshu chronology Retrieved on 28 February 2010. Recalling his childhood during a 2004 interview, he said, "The first time I wore an Aikido uniform I was in the first grade of elementary school. But my family didn’t force me to do keiko (training) then, I just did it when I felt like it. I started training seriously in my high school years. My intention then was to become a successor to my father, and to preserve Kaiso’s [Morihei Ueshiba's] legacy for the future."Kitaura, Y. (2004): Interview with Doshu The Kiai, 10(1):1–2.
In 1976, Ueshiba graduated from Meiji Gakuin University with a degree in economics. In 1996, he assumed the position of Dojocho (director/owner) of Aikikai Hombu Dojo. In 1997, he visited Ireland.Irish Aikido Federation: Ireland Aikikai Retrieved on 11 March 2010. He assumed the title of Dōshu on 4 January 1999, following the death of his father, Kisshomaru Ueshiba. In January 2006, as part of Aiki-Kai Australia's 40th anniversary, Ueshiba visited and taught in Australia.Aikido Australia: 40th Anniversary issue (2006). Retrieved on 14 March 2010. Also, in 2019 he led a seminar in San Mateo organized by the California Aikido Association. On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the New York Aikikai, he held a seminar in Galloway, New Jersey in 2025.
In 2006, Ueshiba awarded the Anchieta Medal of São Paulo, Brazil. In 2009 he awarded the Order of Friendship from the President of Russia. Also, in 2012 he awarded the Gold Medal of Valencia Polytechnic University in Spain and in 2013 he receives the Medal with Blue Ribbon of Honor from the Emperor of Japan. In 2025 Dōshu was awarded by Emperor of Japan the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold Rays with Rosette for the spread and promotion of aikido during the Spring Honors.
Following the iemoto system, he is expected to be succeeded as Dōshu by his son Mitsuteru Ueshiba.
Works Best Aikido: The fundamentals (2002, co-authored with Kisshomaru Ueshiba)Ueshiba, K., & Ueshiba, M. (2002) Best Aikido: The fundamentals. Tokyo: Kodansha () The Aikido master course: Best Aikido 2 (2003)Ueshiba, M. (2003): The Aikido master course: Best Aikido 2. Tokyo: Kodansha. () Progressive Aikido: The essential elements (2005)Ueshiba, M. (2005): Progressive Aikido: The essential elements. Kodansha. ()
References
External links 46th All Japan Aikido Demonstration Program, featuring Moriteru Ueshiba (Video)