Morihei Ueshiba

“Aiki is not a technique to fight with or defeat an enemy. It is the way to reconcile the world and make human beings one family.”

“When an opponent comes forward, move in and greet him; if he wants to pull back, send him on his way.”

“To control your mind, you must first control your breathing.”

“There are no contests in the Art of Peace. A true warrior is invincible because he or she contests with nothing.”

“Those who are possessed by nothing possess everything.”

“The Way of a Warrior is based on humanity, love, and sincerity.”

“True victory is victory over the self.”

“The divine is not something high above us. It is in heaven, it is in earth, it is inside us.”

“To injure an opponent is to injure yourself. To control aggression without inflicting injury is the Art of Peace.”

“The purpose of training is to tighten up the slack, toughen the body, and polish the spirit.”

“Do not look upon this world with fear and loathing. Bravely face whatever the gods offer.”

“Your heart is full of fertile seeds, waiting to sprout.”

“Iron is full of impurities that weaken it; through forging, it becomes steel and is transformed into a razor-sharp sword. Human beings develop in the same fashion.”

“The Art of Peace begins with you.”

“Failure is the key to success; each mistake teaches us something.”

“Life is growth. If we stop growing, technically and spiritually, we are as good as dead.”

“Always practice the Art of Peace in a vibrant and joyful manner.”