Morihei Ueshiba citations

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“Always imagine yourself on the battlefield under the fiercest attack; never forget this crucial element of training.”

“As your Bujutsu [Martial Technique] training approaches perfection you will be able to detect the suki [opening/weakness] [in your enemy's technique], even before he can, and as if to satisfy some deficiency in him, you can fill the suki with your technique.”

“Move like a beam of light;
Fly like lightning,
Strike like thunder,
Whirl in circles around
A stable center.”

“May the Kami of Earth and Heaven watch our acts of purification.”

“One should be prepared to receive ninety-nine percent of an enemy's attack and stare death right in the face in order to illumine the Path.”

“Your spirit is the true shield.”

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

“Atemi accounts for 99% of Aikido.”

“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.”

“The Art of Peace is not easy. It is a fight to the finish, the slaying of evil desires and all falsehood within. On occasion the Voice of Peace resounds like thunder, jolting human beings out of their stupor.”

“Instructors can impart only a fraction of the teaching. It is through your own devoted practice that the mysteries of the Art of Peace are brought to life.”

“A good stance and posture reflect a proper state of mind.”

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

“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.”

“Kicking leaves you momentarily on one foot, and for that moment you are in a very weak position. If you were to be swept off your feet, you would be finished. This is why lifting your feet off the ground is crazy.”

“Regarding technique, from ancient times it has been said that movements must fly like lightning and attacks must strike like thunder.”

“In our techniques we enter completely into, blend totally with, and control firmly an attack. Strength resides where one's ki is concentrated and stable; confusion and maliciousness arise when ki stagnates.”

“I am the Universe.”

“Always keep your mind as bright and clear as the vast sky, the great ocean, and the highest peak, empty of all thoughts. Always keep your body filled with light and heat. Fill yourself with the power of wisdom and enlightenment.”