Significant controversy arose with the departure of the Aikikai Hombu Dojo's chief instructor Koichi Tohei, in 1974. Tohei left as a result of a disagreement with the son of the founder, Kisshomaru Ueshiba, who at that time headed the Aikikai Foundation.
The departure of Koichi Tohei, the chief instructor of the Aikikai Hombu Dojo, in 1974, led to significant controversy. Tohei's exit was a result of a disagreement with Kisshomaru Ueshiba, the founder's son and the leader of the Aikikai Foundation.