What is Shintaido?

Shintaido (the New Body Way) is a modern movement system based on traditional Japanese martial arts but with the emphasis on self development and artistic expression rather than self defence. Its origins lie principally in karate and sword technique.

The range of Shintaido movements is enormous and can be made suitable for people in a wide range of physical conditions. Some are open and energetic, while others are soft and meditative. Classes include group work, partner practice and solo exercises. There are gentle exercises for the more elderly or infirm, looking for a more natural way of moving, and plenty of open and energetic movement for young and healthy people seeking to challenge themselves and extend their horizons.

The Shintaido curriculum is based around three fundamental ‘waza’ (formal sequences). The first is ‘Eiko’: an explosive movement that is open, energetic, noisy and free. The second is ‘Tenshingoso’: a short form containing the basis of all Shintaido technique. The third, ‘Meiso’, is a moving meditation characterized by soft and flowing movement. Together these help practitioners to re-invent their lives and the way they interact with people around them.

While the central ideas and forms of Shintaido can be understood quickly, the extended curriculum is vast and varied, and can form the basis of a lifetime of exploration. Many practitioners go on to study the Shintaido forms of karate (known as Shin-karate) and bojutsu (Japanese quarter-staff technique).