Kisshomaru Ueshiba

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Kisshomaru Ueshiba (植芝 吉祥丸 Ueshiba Kisshōmaru; June 27, 1921-January 4, 1999) was the third son of Morihei Ueshiba, the founder of aikido. He was born in Ayabe, in the prefecture of Kyoto, Japan. Kisshomaru was Doshu (roughly translated as "keeper" or "guardian of the Way") of aikido from his father's death in 1969 until his own death in 1999. Since being succeeded by his son, Moriteru Ueshiba, he is often referred to as second doshu.

Kisshomaru graduated from Waseda University with a degree in economics. He is often given credit for being the primary force behind the spread and popularization of aikido throughout the world.