Doshu

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Doshu (道主) is a martial art title, literally translated as 'Master of the Way'.

In aikido, for example, Doshu is a hereditary title denoting the head of the Aikikai.

Three men have so far held this role:

• Morihei Ueshiba, from the title's first use to 1969.
• Kisshomaru Ueshiba, from 1969 to 1999.
• Moriteru Ueshiba, from 1999 to present.

When the founder of aikido, Morihei Ueshiba, died in 1969, his son Kisshomaru became the second Doshu. When Kisshomaru died in 1999, his son (and so Morihei's grandson) Moriteru, took the role.