Shintaido
Encyclopedia
Shintaido is a system of movement which aims to use the body as a means of expression and communication. Incorporating both physical and artistic elements, it was created in Japan in the 1960s. Its roots lay in the traditional Japanese martial arts
, Chinese medicine and Buddhist meditation
techniques, while its creator Hiroyuki Aoki was also influenced by modern Western art and Christianity
.
As well as being a practical martial art Shintaido aims to be a form of artistic expression, a healthy exercise, and a path of self-discovery and transformation.
Shintaido is practised with bare hands, but the curriculum also includes bojutsu
(棒術), involving the use of the long staff (or bō
, 棒), and kenjutsu
(剣術), using a wooden sword (or bokuto, 木刀).
(空手, empty hand), which had been brought to Tokyo from Okinawa by Gichin Funakoshi
in 1922. One of his students, Shigeru Egami
introduced modifications designed to incorporate the values of traditional Japanese martial arts into karate. Aoki, a student of Egami, reached the highest grade of his federation in just four years in the early 1960s. Egami asked him to help teach the new generation of karate students and to take on his researches, which he himself was unable to pursue owing to ill-health.
After the Second World War karate, like other martial arts, had acquired a sudden international popularity as a result of the interest taken in them by the American forces occupying Japan. The number of schools multiplied; but at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, the Japanese judokas were beaten by a foreigner (Dutchman Anton Geesink), an upset that had a dramatic effect on all Japanese martial artists. For Egami, it proved that the process of rationalising the martial arts had emptied them of substance. Assisted by Hiroyuki Aoki, he began to collect and transcribe the kata
s, the historic heritage of karate. This led them to contemplate the use of the body and how it expresses force. They realised that while certain theories current in martial arts circles were erroneous or even useless, others, though neglected, were real treasures.
While still studying under Egami, he created his own research group which, as well as including karate practitioners, included others who had abandoned it as being too severe and unsparing, and also people with physical limitations. Then in 1964 he reached his goal of discovering a way of moving the body in a more natural, beautiful and effective manner. Yet he believed it might have taken a beginner 20 years of study to achieve this kind of movement. If it were to spearhead the new culture that he aspired for, Aoki realised that he needed system that could be learned relatively easily. He wanted to create an entire martial art that would convince the public at large – but one capable of revitalising both the body and the spirit, giving energy, refreshment and the hope of living a more colourful life, of restoring the soul day by day.
Aoki has said that he wanted to bring martial arts to the same level of attainment as the works of great Western artists such as Beethoven, Van Gogh or Dostoyevsky, or the American writers he admired, notably Henry Miller
, Jackson Pollock
or Walt Whitman
.
The only requirement was that members should practise with the group at least twice a year; among its members were active high-ranking martial artists, others who had given up their practice, women, children, old people and people with physical disabilities. Aoki wanted even the least strong people to be able to enjoy the fruits of his study even though the traditional processes of the martial arts tended to be selective and exclusive. From his own experience and careful study of the texts, Aoki believed that anyone, if properly supported, could reveal him- or herself as a ‘living treasure’. So he set the group five rules:
(the last was left blank, to be filled in by each person according to their own beliefs).
From this group he chose a team of around 30 instructors to conduct deep research into technique. From their experimental practice, Hiroyuki Aoki selected certain movements and techniques, and introduced them into his new system. Three fundamental kata emerged during this period: Tenshingoso (which Aoki had created by April 1966), Eiko (which the Rakutenkai discovered during a late-night practice on 1 December 1966; and Hikari (see below). In 1970 he set up his own school, Sogobudo (holistic martial art) Renmei, to revive traditional Budō
by developing and teaching Shintaido.
After Rakutenkai had been disbanded a number of Aoki's leading practitioners and teachers,who had helped him create Shintaido, left the group. Among these were Master Egamis son Masatake Egami, Kato Tomorori, Hokari Shikoh and his brother, Ito Juguro, Toshima Shigeiko and Chieko Kato. With this passing much of the creative energy left the Shintaido organisation and practice.
The hope of founder Hiroyuki Aoki was to create a martial art that could reach the level of great art. so beauty and fluidity are essential aspects. The practice of Shintaido brings with it a bodily awareness and receptivity to the many messages the body transmits so that it can be used as a tool to exploration the individuals inner state of being, evolution, limitations and resources. The partner exercises aim to provide an opportunity to discover and develop the ability to communicate and affirm oneself. The dojo
(道場, practice space) is a place in which to explore this concept in safety.
Most of these exercises can be practised alone, with a single partner or in a group; they can be performed dynamically, formally or slowly and meditatively. Some require use of the voice.
, 型) of Shintaido. Its significance can vary depending on the context in which it is performed. As a martial technique, it is a distillation of all the principal techniques (attacks, cuts and throws) of budō. As an artistic symbol, it is a metaphor of the life-cycle, from birth to death. As a technique of personal development, it is an encyclopedia of meditation positions (mudras).
In Wakame taiso (わかめ体操, seaweed exercise) two people, face to face, alternately take the role of the seaweed and the ocean. The seaweed, rooted on the seabed, waves sinuously in response to the gentle touch of the ocean around it. This exercise can quickly induce a state of deep intensity. It also helps develop a sensitivity to attack and allows a fluid, centred response.
(組み手, partner practices) allow us to test the effectiveness of the techniques we have learned: an open body, large movements and clear intention make the techniques effective. There is no competition. Each participant is encouraged to express him or herself freely and to discover his or her potential in a spirit of cooperation with, respect for and confidence in one another. A kumite may begin with a formal movement but is transformed progressively into a kind of free dance between two partners.
, 棒) to extend their movement, and later progress to the more difficult short staff (or jō
, 杖).
Beginners study a range of basic movements as well as three short kata which are based on traditional Japanese bojutsu practice. These kata are:
There is also a kumibo kata called shinjo (真常), offered in sho (小, correct, or formal) & dai (大, big, or expressive) forms.
Advanced students (from shodan and above) study the 3 long kata from which the basic kata were derived. At the highest level there is a longer kata (known colloquially as "Go Down Moses") in which all 3 kata are combined into a single form.
karate curriculum, which is the school run by Egami sensei at the time Shintaido was created. The study of karate is meant to compliment the study of Shintaido itself, and is most often taken up by Shintaido students of many years experience who wish to study the history and origins of Shintaido movement. Beginners study two taikyoku (太極) and two heian (平安) katas (each is offered in sho & dai forms) as well as variety of strikes, kicks and kumite arrangements. Advanced students (from shodan and above) study a range of traditional karate kata
, culminating in a revisiting of the original taikyoku kata at the highest level.
(段, higher level) grades: currently just four people in the world hold the highest grade (5th Dan). On average it takes ten years of practice to reach 1st Dan (the grade of Shintaido instructor). Equivalent grades are also offered in the Shintaido forms of bojutsu & karate.
In Europe Kyu (級, lower level) examinations are conducted in each country. For 1st Dan and above, they are held at a European workshop organised by the European Shintaido College (ESC). Exams of 3rd Dan and above are held at international festivals held every four years at varying locations around the world.
The International Shintaido College (ISC) is the main organisation of Shintaido instructors. It meets every four years, when it also holds exams, of 3rd dan and above. Its Technical Committee (ISC-TC) comprises nine members, drawn from Shintaido’s three regions: Europe, the Americas (including Australia) and Japan. This committee aims to harmonise practice and technique around the world.
Japan, the country of Shintaido’s origin, has many instructors, most working within a national organisation (NPO). In the Western hemisphere, Shintaido is practised in USA, Canada and Brazil. The US instructors operate under the auspices of Shintaido of America. In Europe, The European Shintaido College (ESC) includes most of the Shintaido instructors in Europe, based in Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, Britain, Italy, the Czech Republic and Switzerland. ESC meets annually at a ‘forum’, when exams of 1st and 2nd Dan are also held. The European Technical Committee (ETC) oversees the examinations and establishes the curriculum for all examinations in Europe. Kyu grade exams can be held nationally or locally, twice a year.
Japanese martial arts
Japanese martial arts refers to the enormous variety of martial arts native to Japan. At least three Japanese terms are often used interchangeably with the English phrase "Japanese martial arts": , literally meaning "martial way", , which has no perfect translation but means something like science,...
, Chinese medicine and Buddhist meditation
Buddhist meditation
Buddhist meditation refers to the meditative practices associated with the religion and philosophy of Buddhism.Core meditation techniques have been preserved in ancient Buddhist texts and have proliferated and diversified through teacher-student transmissions. Buddhists pursue meditation as part of...
techniques, while its creator Hiroyuki Aoki was also influenced by modern Western art and Christianity
Christianity
Christianity is a monotheistic religion based on the life and teachings of Jesus as presented in canonical gospels and other New Testament writings...
.
As well as being a practical martial art Shintaido aims to be a form of artistic expression, a healthy exercise, and a path of self-discovery and transformation.
Shintaido is practised with bare hands, but the curriculum also includes bojutsu
Bojutsu
, translated from Japanese as "staff technique", is the martial art of using a staff weapon called bō which simply means "staff". Staffs are perhaps one of the earliest weapons used by humankind. They have been in use for thousands of years in Eastern Asia. Some techniques involve slashing,...
(棒術), involving the use of the long staff (or bō
Bo
-People:*Bo , name origin, plus people with the name*Bo , name origin, plus people with the surname**Bo , Chinese family names*Bo people , extinct minority population in Southern China famous for hanging coffins...
, 棒), and kenjutsu
Kenjutsu
, meaning "the method, or technique, of the sword." This is opposed to kendo, which means the way of the sword. Kenjutsu is the umbrella term for all traditional schools of Japanese swordsmanship, in particular those that predate the Meiji Restoration...
(剣術), using a wooden sword (or bokuto, 木刀).
Origins
The roots of Shintaido lie in karateKarate
is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now Okinawa, Japan. It was developed from indigenous fighting methods called and Chinese kenpō. Karate is a striking art using punching, kicking, knee and elbow strikes, and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks,...
(空手, empty hand), which had been brought to Tokyo from Okinawa by Gichin Funakoshi
Gichin Funakoshi
was the creator of Shotokan karate, perhaps the most widely known style of karate, and is attributed as being the 'father of modern karate.' Following the teachings of Anko Itosu, he was one of the Okinawan karate masters who introduced karate to the Japanese mainland in 1921...
in 1922. One of his students, Shigeru Egami
Shigeru Egami
was a pioneering Japanese master of Shotokan karate who founded the Shōtōkai style. He was a student of Gichin Funakoshi, who is widely recognized as the founder of modern karate.-Early life:...
introduced modifications designed to incorporate the values of traditional Japanese martial arts into karate. Aoki, a student of Egami, reached the highest grade of his federation in just four years in the early 1960s. Egami asked him to help teach the new generation of karate students and to take on his researches, which he himself was unable to pursue owing to ill-health.
After the Second World War karate, like other martial arts, had acquired a sudden international popularity as a result of the interest taken in them by the American forces occupying Japan. The number of schools multiplied; but at the Tokyo Olympics in 1964, the Japanese judokas were beaten by a foreigner (Dutchman Anton Geesink), an upset that had a dramatic effect on all Japanese martial artists. For Egami, it proved that the process of rationalising the martial arts had emptied them of substance. Assisted by Hiroyuki Aoki, he began to collect and transcribe the kata
Kata
is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs. The term form is used for the corresponding concept in non-Japanese martial arts in general....
s, the historic heritage of karate. This led them to contemplate the use of the body and how it expresses force. They realised that while certain theories current in martial arts circles were erroneous or even useless, others, though neglected, were real treasures.
Budō for the modern age
Hiroyuki Aoki’s spiritual and artistic aspirations were not satisfied by karate as it existed in the 1960s. Striving for beauty and peace, he was searching for ‘both soft and expansive movement, spreading out to the ends of the earth – and power which could be used comfortably without turning against nature or the body.’While still studying under Egami, he created his own research group which, as well as including karate practitioners, included others who had abandoned it as being too severe and unsparing, and also people with physical limitations. Then in 1964 he reached his goal of discovering a way of moving the body in a more natural, beautiful and effective manner. Yet he believed it might have taken a beginner 20 years of study to achieve this kind of movement. If it were to spearhead the new culture that he aspired for, Aoki realised that he needed system that could be learned relatively easily. He wanted to create an entire martial art that would convince the public at large – but one capable of revitalising both the body and the spirit, giving energy, refreshment and the hope of living a more colourful life, of restoring the soul day by day.
Aoki has said that he wanted to bring martial arts to the same level of attainment as the works of great Western artists such as Beethoven, Van Gogh or Dostoyevsky, or the American writers he admired, notably Henry Miller
Henry Miller
Henry Valentine Miller was an American novelist and painter. He was known for breaking with existing literary forms and developing a new sort of 'novel' that is a mixture of novel, autobiography, social criticism, philosophical reflection, surrealist free association, and mysticism, one that is...
, Jackson Pollock
Jackson Pollock
Paul Jackson Pollock , known as Jackson Pollock, was an influential American painter and a major figure in the abstract expressionist movement. During his lifetime, Pollock enjoyed considerable fame and notoriety. He was regarded as a mostly reclusive artist. He had a volatile personality, and...
or Walt Whitman
Walt Whitman
Walter "Walt" Whitman was an American poet, essayist and journalist. A humanist, he was a part of the transition between transcendentalism and realism, incorporating both views in his works. Whitman is among the most influential poets in the American canon, often called the father of free verse...
.
Rakutenkai (楽天会)
To this end, on 23 September 1965, he collected an informal group around him which he called ‘Rakutenkai’, which had as its aim to pursue truth in daily life, acquire perfect liberty, live within the light of liberty, and become the light of the world.The only requirement was that members should practise with the group at least twice a year; among its members were active high-ranking martial artists, others who had given up their practice, women, children, old people and people with physical disabilities. Aoki wanted even the least strong people to be able to enjoy the fruits of his study even though the traditional processes of the martial arts tended to be selective and exclusive. From his own experience and careful study of the texts, Aoki believed that anyone, if properly supported, could reveal him- or herself as a ‘living treasure’. So he set the group five rules:
- Stick to your own morality
- Never forget your original self
- Never judge others
- Love your neighbour as yourself
- -
(the last was left blank, to be filled in by each person according to their own beliefs).
From this group he chose a team of around 30 instructors to conduct deep research into technique. From their experimental practice, Hiroyuki Aoki selected certain movements and techniques, and introduced them into his new system. Three fundamental kata emerged during this period: Tenshingoso (which Aoki had created by April 1966), Eiko (which the Rakutenkai discovered during a late-night practice on 1 December 1966; and Hikari (see below). In 1970 he set up his own school, Sogobudo (holistic martial art) Renmei, to revive traditional Budō
Budo
is a Japanese term describing martial arts. In English, it is used almost exclusively in reference to Japanese martial arts.-Etymology:Budō is a compound of the root bu , meaning war or martial; and dō , meaning path or way. Specifically, dō is derived from the Buddhist Sanskrit mārga...
by developing and teaching Shintaido.
After Rakutenkai had been disbanded a number of Aoki's leading practitioners and teachers,who had helped him create Shintaido, left the group. Among these were Master Egamis son Masatake Egami, Kato Tomorori, Hokari Shikoh and his brother, Ito Juguro, Toshima Shigeiko and Chieko Kato. With this passing much of the creative energy left the Shintaido organisation and practice.
Claimed Benefits
Shintaido assumes that the challenges facing modern people are more rooted in emotional and psychological matters than physical. Shintaido offers body movements that aim to build the resources that to live better and develop a new 'way of being' that is more intuitive, aware and with less tension, this stems from the belif that the freer the body, the more effective its movements can be.The hope of founder Hiroyuki Aoki was to create a martial art that could reach the level of great art. so beauty and fluidity are essential aspects. The practice of Shintaido brings with it a bodily awareness and receptivity to the many messages the body transmits so that it can be used as a tool to exploration the individuals inner state of being, evolution, limitations and resources. The partner exercises aim to provide an opportunity to discover and develop the ability to communicate and affirm oneself. The dojo
Dojo
A is a Japanese term which literally means "place of the way". Initially, dōjōs were adjunct to temples. The term can refer to a formal training place for any of the Japanese do arts but typically it is considered the formal gathering place for students of any Japanese martial arts style to...
(道場, practice space) is a place in which to explore this concept in safety.
Basic Forms
Every Shintaido practice begins with warming-up exercises designed to soften and extend the body until it can move naturally, without the tensions of everyday life. This may be followed by a period of more vigorous exercises, designed to open of the body. These exercises, like everything in Shintaido, are based on effective martial arts technique.Most of these exercises can be practised alone, with a single partner or in a group; they can be performed dynamically, formally or slowly and meditatively. Some require use of the voice.
Tenshingoso (天真五相)
Tenshingoso (five expressions of cosmic truth) is one of the essential forms (or kataKata
is a Japanese word describing detailed choreographed patterns of movements practised either solo or in pairs. The term form is used for the corresponding concept in non-Japanese martial arts in general....
, 型) of Shintaido. Its significance can vary depending on the context in which it is performed. As a martial technique, it is a distillation of all the principal techniques (attacks, cuts and throws) of budō. As an artistic symbol, it is a metaphor of the life-cycle, from birth to death. As a technique of personal development, it is an encyclopedia of meditation positions (mudras).
Eiko (栄光)
Adapted from the art of swordsmanship, Eiko (glory) is a hymn to the glory of the human adventure, taking the practitioner between earth and heaven, ideal and reality. If done with conviction, it can bring practitioners out of their ‘small world’ and plunge them into a whirl of new sensations. To do Eiko is open up the space around and within oneself; with a partner, it develops a sense of timing, concentration and gives a chance to go far beyond one’s normal limits.Hikari (光)
Hikari (playing with light), though virtually indescribable, can be considered Shintaido’s artistic masterpiece. It is a unique form of personal expression: its movements are totally free, so it has no form, and cannot be taught.In Wakame taiso (わかめ体操, seaweed exercise) two people, face to face, alternately take the role of the seaweed and the ocean. The seaweed, rooted on the seabed, waves sinuously in response to the gentle touch of the ocean around it. This exercise can quickly induce a state of deep intensity. It also helps develop a sensitivity to attack and allows a fluid, centred response.
Taimyo (大妙)
The gentlest and most recent of the Shintaido kata, Taimyo (great mystery) was developed to allow older, less robust people or pregnant women to build up their strength and experience the beauty of Shintaido practice. A long and gentle kata, it contains elements of many aspects of Shintaido practice, has a therapeutic dimension, and builds a state of deep meditation.From relaxation and stretching to openness and freedom
The first objective of Shintaido is to make the body and mind completely relaxed, fluid and flexible. Next it develops large movements through which we can express our vital energy and talents. Many exercises open the body, especially the hips, the stomach, chest and hands. Practitioners aim to develop an open spirit with which to approach life at large, and other people. KumiteKumite
Kumite means sparring, and is one of the three main sections of karate training, along with kata and kihon. Kumite is the part of karate in which you train against an adversary, using the techniques learned from the kihon and kata....
(組み手, partner practices) allow us to test the effectiveness of the techniques we have learned: an open body, large movements and clear intention make the techniques effective. There is no competition. Each participant is encouraged to express him or herself freely and to discover his or her potential in a spirit of cooperation with, respect for and confidence in one another. A kumite may begin with a formal movement but is transformed progressively into a kind of free dance between two partners.
Shintaido bojutsu (新棒術)
The bojutsu curriculum is one of the most popular aspects of Shintaido, and for many people provided and point first contact. Students use a long staff (or bōBo
-People:*Bo , name origin, plus people with the name*Bo , name origin, plus people with the surname**Bo , Chinese family names*Bo people , extinct minority population in Southern China famous for hanging coffins...
, 棒) to extend their movement, and later progress to the more difficult short staff (or jō
Jo
JO, Jo or jo may refer to:*Jō, a ~4-foot-long wooden staff used in some Japanese martial arts*Cho , , also spelled Jo, a common Korean family name*Jo , a 1971 French comedy...
, 杖).
Beginners study a range of basic movements as well as three short kata which are based on traditional Japanese bojutsu practice. These kata are:
- Hino kata (火の型, kata of fire), derived from Sakugawa (佐久川)
- Kazeno kata (風の型, kata of wind), derived from Matsukaze (松風, the wind in the pines)
- Mizuno kata (水の型, kata of water), derived from Hakuson (白樽)
There is also a kumibo kata called shinjo (真常), offered in sho (小, correct, or formal) & dai (大, big, or expressive) forms.
Advanced students (from shodan and above) study the 3 long kata from which the basic kata were derived. At the highest level there is a longer kata (known colloquially as "Go Down Moses") in which all 3 kata are combined into a single form.
Shintaido karate (新空手)
The Shinatido karate curriculum is based on a cut down version of the shotokaiShotokai
is the organisation formed originally in 1930 by Gichin Funakoshi to teach and spread the art of karate . The organization still exists and promotes a style of karate that adheres to Funakoshi's teachings, in particular the notion that competition is contrary to the essence of karate...
karate curriculum, which is the school run by Egami sensei at the time Shintaido was created. The study of karate is meant to compliment the study of Shintaido itself, and is most often taken up by Shintaido students of many years experience who wish to study the history and origins of Shintaido movement. Beginners study two taikyoku (太極) and two heian (平安) katas (each is offered in sho & dai forms) as well as variety of strikes, kicks and kumite arrangements. Advanced students (from shodan and above) study a range of traditional karate kata
Karate kata
Kata is a Japanese word describing detailed patterns of movements practiced either solo or in pairs....
, culminating in a revisiting of the original taikyoku kata at the highest level.
Curriculum and organisation
Shintaido offers five DanDan (rank)
The ranking system is a Japanese mark of level, which is used in modern fine arts and martial arts. Originally invented in a Go school in the Edo period, this system was applied to martial arts by Kanō Jigorō, the founder of judo and later introduced to other East Asia countries.In the modern...
(段, higher level) grades: currently just four people in the world hold the highest grade (5th Dan). On average it takes ten years of practice to reach 1st Dan (the grade of Shintaido instructor). Equivalent grades are also offered in the Shintaido forms of bojutsu & karate.
In Europe Kyu (級, lower level) examinations are conducted in each country. For 1st Dan and above, they are held at a European workshop organised by the European Shintaido College (ESC). Exams of 3rd Dan and above are held at international festivals held every four years at varying locations around the world.
The International Shintaido College (ISC) is the main organisation of Shintaido instructors. It meets every four years, when it also holds exams, of 3rd dan and above. Its Technical Committee (ISC-TC) comprises nine members, drawn from Shintaido’s three regions: Europe, the Americas (including Australia) and Japan. This committee aims to harmonise practice and technique around the world.
Japan, the country of Shintaido’s origin, has many instructors, most working within a national organisation (NPO). In the Western hemisphere, Shintaido is practised in USA, Canada and Brazil. The US instructors operate under the auspices of Shintaido of America. In Europe, The European Shintaido College (ESC) includes most of the Shintaido instructors in Europe, based in Germany, Belgium, Spain, France, Britain, Italy, the Czech Republic and Switzerland. ESC meets annually at a ‘forum’, when exams of 1st and 2nd Dan are also held. The European Technical Committee (ETC) oversees the examinations and establishes the curriculum for all examinations in Europe. Kyu grade exams can be held nationally or locally, twice a year.
Further reading
- Hiroyuki Aoki Total Stick Fighting : Shintaido Bojutsu (Kodansha, 2000)
- Hiroyuki Aoki Shintaido: A New Art of Movement and Life Expression (1982)
- Michael Thompson Untying Knots: A Shintaido Chronicle (1985)
- Shigeru Egami The Heart of Karate-Do (Kodansha, 1976)
- Shiko Hokari Origins: A History of Shintaido (Shintaido of America, 1989)
- Cutting the Blue Sky by Shintaido of America