Quotes from Morihei Ueshiba

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

Opponents confront us continually, but actually there is no opponent there. Enter deeply into an attack and neutralize it as you draw that misdirected force into your own sphere.

Mankind's role is to fulfil his heaven-sent purpose through a sincere heart that is in harmony with all creation and loves all things.

If you have life in you, you have access to the secrets of the ages, for the truth of the universe resides in each and every human being.

Foster peace in your own life and then apply the Art to all that you encounter.

Even the most powerful human being has a limited sphere of strength. Draw him outside of that sphere and into your own, and his strength will dissipate.

A warrior's mission is to foster the success of others.

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

Each person is the universe from a particular perspective.

When life is victorious, there is birth; when it is thwarted, there is death. A warrior is always engaged in a life-and-death struggle for Peace.

Polish the heart, free the six senses and let them function without obstruction, and your entire body will glow.

Study how water flows in a valley stream, smoothly and freely between the rocks. Also learn from holy books and wise people. Everything - even mountains, rivers, plants and trees - should be your teacher.

If your heart is large enough to envelop your adversaries, you can see right through them and avoid their attacks. And once you envelop them, you will be able to guide them along the path indicated to you by heaven and earth.

THE TECHNIQUES OF the Art of Peace are neither fast nor slow, nor are they inside or outside.. They transcend time and space.

Seeing me before him, / The adversary attacks, / But by that time / I am already standing / Safely behind him.

True victory does not come from defeating an enemy, true victory comes from giving love and changing an enemies heart.

Each and every master, regardless of the era or the place, heard the call and attained harmony with heaven and earth. There are many paths leading to the top of Mount Fuji, but there is only one summit - love.

All life is a manifestation of the spirit, the manifestation of love.

The way of the warrior is based on humanity, love and sincerity

Everything - even mountains, rivers, plants and trees - should be your teacher.

Loyalty and devotion lead to bravery. Bravery leads to the spirit of self-sacrifice. The spirit of self-sacrifice creates trust in the power of love.

Aikido is based on the projection of love.

Create each day anew.

The heart of a human being is no different from the soul of heaven and earth. In your practice always keep in your thoughts the interaction of heaven and earth, water and fire, yin and yang.