Aikido is a Japanese martial art founded by Morihei Ueshiba (1883-1969), who became known as O'Sensei, or Great Teacher. A philosopher, poet and deeply spiritual man, O'Sensei combined his personal philosophies, with sword, spear and grappling arts to create Aikido. Aikido is a modern art created to utilize strategy, as well as technique to resolve conflict. This is a unique art that does not rely on strength, size or speed, but seeks to achieve harmony as well as provide a powerful system of self defense.