Taido Philosophy
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The Taido | What is Taido | Taido Overview | History of Taido | Taido Philosophy | Taido as a Martial Art | The Five Teachings of Taido | From Karate to Taido | Taido Vocabulary | A Bird’s Eye View of Taido
Taido is a Japanese Martial Art. It is influenced by old samurai spirit but is constantly developing to meet the needs of the modern society.
It is not a martial art which moves along a one dimensional line in executing punching or kicking techniques but one whose techniques are delivered by changing the body axis and balance.
It is also characterized by the use of elaborate footwork in changing the angle of attack and by the use of one’s entire body in the martial art.
Seiken Shukumine, Saiko Shihan – Founder of Gensei Ryu Karate, developed a new Martial Art over a 20-year period (1945-1965). Shukumine named it Taido – the way of the Body and Mind.
Based on 5 different movements resembling natural elements, Taido uses spiraling, jumping, falling, twisting and tumbling to gain power, speed and new angles to both attack and defend at the same time.
This makes Taido a fast and efficient form of Martial Art. Although the dynamics of Taido is constantly evolving, Taido still has strong roots in the traditional Okinawan Budo.
The Physical and Mental Aspects of Taido: Mental Development: The essence of any martial arts program begins with the mind. The brain, being the command center of the body, is the point of origin for the basis of Taido study.
The physical techniques taught and the type of methodology used, develop the brain’s centers of concentration, focusing ability and memory storage. The increased utilization of these centers lead to improved coordination, increased attention span, improved memory and the ability to focus energy at will. Refined concentration skills increase an individual’s thought-control process.
Control of one’s thinking leads to control of one’s emotions and physical movements. Physical, mental and emotional efficiency and balance are the result.
Muscle Development: Taido’s moves begin in the mind and are channeled in physical techniques called Hokeis. The Hokeis are designed to train one’s body to move in defined instinctive patterns for defense. These 3-dimensional movements work the body aerobically and promote muscle development throughout its entirety.
The result of training is soon seen visibly through obvious muscle definition and tone, enhanced flexibility at joints, improved stamina aerobically, increased muscle endurance in stationary holding positions and definite empowered muscle strength, due to physical exercise of body and improved mental focusing control.
Circulatory and Respiratory Development: Through the aerobic training in Taido the benefits to the heart muscle are obvious. The muscle itself is strengthened at the individual’s own pace of training, so no danger of overexertion is involved. It is a developmental process over time.
The strengthened heart muscle leads to a decreased heart rate and improved vascular tension which lowers blood pressure and improves blood flow throughout the body. As in all oriental disciplines, breath control and breathing techniques are an integral part of the training.
The breath is an almost mystical, yet in reality, highly scientific connective point in the manifestation of physical and mental power that is displayed by the practitioner of martial arts. Taido’s breath training begins early on in the study and is developed over time through the disciplined judgment of the instructors. Breath and breathing are no longer taken for granted, but appreciated for the subtle, yet overriding influence it has over all the body systems.
Internal Organs: The practice and training effect of Taido’s Hokeis have been shown to increase the strength and improve the function of all the internal body organs. The focusing of breath, which forces increased oxygen to certain body areas, the changing of the body axis and degree of incline that the positions hold, are the physical reasons for the augmented organ strength.
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