VISION

Shintaido is a system of natural body movement to integrate body, mind, and spirit, build healthy relations with others, and encourage spiritual growth. Shintaido of America (SoA) is a national network of regional and local Shintaido groups to support, encourage, and guide members in their Shintaido practice. SoA also offers advanced training for those who teach Shintaido.

MISSION

The mission of SoA is to transmit the form and spirit of Shintaido in the United States.

• SoA encourages the growth of regional and local Shintaido groups.
• SoA works with the regional organizations to offer examinations, accreditation, advanced training, and peer contact for SoA members.
• SoA informs Shintaido instructors of new developments at the international and national levels, including changes in curriculum and examination requirements.
• SoA develops resources for teaching Shintaido, such as books and videos.
• SoA supports fledgling international groups and provides outreach instruction.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The members of the Board as of April 2010 are:

H. F. Ito, lifetime member
Michael Thompson, lifetime member
Shin Aoki, NTC Chairperson
Bill Burtis, elected voting member
Mary Foran, elected voting member
David Franklin, elected voting member
Robert Gaston, elected voting member
Robert Kedoin, elected voting member
Byron Russell, elected voting member
Henry Kaiser, honorary non-voting member
Mario Uribe, honorary non-voting member
David Palmer, honorary non-voting member

OFFICERS

The Officers of the Board as of April 2010 are:

Bill Burtis, President
Chris Ikeda-Nash, Financial Officer
Shin Aoki, NTC Chairperson
Linda Foss and Stephen Billias, Newsletter

NATIONAL TECHNICAL COUNCIL (current 7/08)

Jim Sterling, Senior Instructor, Bojutsu Sandan, Karate Nidan

Joe Zawielski, Senior Instructor, Bojutsu Sandan

Friedemann Schulz, Senior Instructor, Bojutsu Sandan

Lee Seaman, Senior Instructor, Bojutsu Nidan

Shin Aoki, Chairperson; Senior Instructor, Bojutsu Sandan, Karate Sandan

Connie Borden, Senior Instructor, Bojutsu Sandan, Karate Shodan

David Franklin, Senior Instructor, Bojutsu Nidan, Karate Shodan

Robert Gaston, Senior Instructor, Bojutsu Sandan, Karate Shodan

Jennifer Peringer, Senior Instructor, Bojutsu Sandan, Karate Nidan

Bela Breslau, Senior Instructor, Bojutsu Nidan