Quote:
Graham Jenkins wrote:
Thank you.
I was quite sure 'Aikido' was given that name in 1942 (something to do with excluding it from a pro-war category, alongside other martial arts?)
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It was part of the general organization of the martial arts by the Japanese government under the management of the Dai Nihon Butokukai.
Aikido was certainly not anti-war at that time or any other. Ueshiba taught the special forces personally. He also taught wartime Prime Minister Hideki Tojo through the group at Kenkoku University (in occupied Manchuria). Even after the war and through to today, the Aikikai maintains strong (if quiet) ties to the right wing.
Best,
Chris