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The Shintaido program consists of several disciplines which are studied individually as well as jointly: a certain class may focus exclusively on one discipline (for example shintaido bojutsu only), while another may emphasize one particular technique applied across all disciplines (for example sagari-irimi stepping as applied in karate, bojutsu, and kenjutsu).
Each discipline has its own curriculum with a very specific structure for techniques and ranking. This system is closely modeled on the ranking tradition found in other Japanese art forms, from other martial arts to calligraphy and even flower arrangements.
What is commonly known as the "black belt" level corresponds to 1st (Shodan) through 5th dan (Godan), the latter being the highest rank awarded in Shintaido. Ranks below 1st dan are called "kyu" and are organized in descending order, 1st kyu being the highest rank and 10th kyu the lowest. |
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Shintaido is a unique combination of martial arts and body movement that cultivates the spirit along with the mind and body. It has been called a moving meditation. Shintaido's forms exemplify openness and freedom. The movements of Shintaido provide a new way of experiencing our relationship with ourselves, others, nature, and the spiritual world.
Shintaido is also a healing art, and a form of artistic expression. Shintaido attracts people who are interested in change, self development, and re-connecting with their bodies, their community, their spiritual nature.
Shintaido was started in Japan in the 1960's under the leadership of Mr. Hiroyuki Aoki, with a group of martial artists, musicians, actors, visual artists, and others who wished to combine traditional wisdom with aspirations for peace, freedom and equality. The Shintaido philosophy is grounded in body movement.
How
is Shintaido different from other martial
arts?
- Offers practical applications for
everyday life
- Puts emphasis on continuous
development and learning (in addition to
a study of form)
- Includes arrangements of individual,
partner, small and large group movement
- Uses improvisation and expression
- Can be a creative outlet for
expressing emotions
- Thinks that "The body is a
message of the universe"
- Offers no colored belts or competitive
events
- Approaches the martial arts from a
spiritual and artistic perspective,
rather than as fighting arts
- Offers outdoor practice into which
natural elements like wind and water are
incorporated
- Fosters a strong sense of community
within classes
How
is Shintaido similar to other martial arts?
- Builds confidence and develops
energetic awareness
- Draws on fundamental physical forms
and movements (kata)
- Offers a body-mind discipline and path
of personal development
- Relies upon strong teacherstudent
and seniorjunior student relationships
for teaching and learning
- Includes both hard and soft forms,
"empty hand" techniques as
well as practice with traditional
weapons
- Has cultural influences from its
country of origin, Japan, creating a
bicultural context for learning
- Offers examinations to assess
practitioners’ abilities
- Uses certain forms and etiquette to
encourage respect, responsibility and
safety during practice
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