Shintaido

Shintaido (新体道, meaning "new body way") is a Japanese movement art and discipline encompassing aspects of martial art, performance art, and personal development. Developed in the 1960s by Hiroyuki Aoki and other martial artists disillusioned with the increasing commercialization and perceived spiritual stagnation of traditional budo, Shintaido seeks to re-emphasize the creative, expressive, and transformative potential of movement.

Shintaido is characterized by its fluid, expansive movements, often performed with a sense of spontaneity and improvisation. Emphasis is placed on developing connection to one's center, extending awareness into the surrounding space, and harmonizing with oneself and others. While rooted in Japanese martial arts like karate, kendo, and aikido, Shintaido departs from the rigid forms and hierarchical structures of traditional budo.

Key components of Shintaido practice include:

• Kata: While traditional kata are de-emphasized, Shintaido utilizes forms that encourage exploration and individual interpretation. These kata serve as frameworks for developing movement principles rather than fixed sequences to be replicated.

• Tenshingoso: This is a foundational solo form that emphasizes spiraling, expanding, and contracting movements. It is often performed with a bamboo staff (bo).

• Kenjutsu: Sword practice, utilizing both bokken (wooden swords) and occasionally iaito (unsharpened metal swords), explores principles of cutting, thrusting, and parrying while emphasizing awareness and connection.

• Bo Jutsu: Practice with the bo (long staff) focuses on developing balance, coordination, and spatial awareness.

• Taisabaki: Body movement techniques used to evade, redirect, and create opportunities for attack.

• Dialogue: A central element involves partners engaging in spontaneous movement responses to each other, cultivating sensitivity and responsiveness.

Shintaido is practiced both individually and in groups, and classes often incorporate elements of improvisation, vocalization, and philosophical discussion. The discipline promotes physical well-being, mental clarity, and spiritual growth through mindful movement and interpersonal connection. It aims to foster creativity, self-expression, and a deeper understanding of the relationship between the body, mind, and spirit.