by Shin Aoki
The year 2025 marks the 60th anniversary of Hiroyuki Aoki Sensei introducing Shintaido to the world. To commemorate this milestone, a 60th Anniversary Gasshuku was held October 10-14, 2025, at Kujukuri Beach in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture. A venue for many keikos over the years, Kujukuri holds an integral and beloved place in Shintaido history.
About 45 participants from Japan, France, Italy, Australia, Brazil, and the United States gathered to celebrate this momentous occasion and practice together. The five-day event included an advanced-practitioner workshop, the main gasshuku, and post-gasshuku review sessions. Interpreters were on hand throughout to translate Japanese into French and English.
Director of Instruction, Ishii Sensei, led the advanced workshop, assisted by Watari Sensei. The first class focused on Gorei-jutsu—the study of teaching. It included analysis of gorei and vocalization styles, and examined the structure of keiko. In small groups, instructors used various images and vocalizations to create specific effects in the practitioners’ bodies, making them feel lighter and more energized or heavier and more challenged. The students in each group were asked to give feedback. During the second class we reviewed the proper handling of iaito (metal practice swords) and the series of formal movements involved. Then we split into two groups according to participants’ experience, one group working on batto and nohto drills (the practices of drawing and sheathing swords), and the other group working on the advanced Kumitachi curriculum.
The main gasshuku welcomed more new faces, ages ranging from eight to over 80 years old. There were six classes held over three days: two plenary classes for the opening and the closing, two elective classes, and two optional morning sessions. Ishii Sensei led the opening plenary keiko. We studied how to generate contrasting levels or degrees of our energy in kumite. Then, he received tsuki and uchite attacks from several practitioners to demonstrate advanced receiving techniques. In the evening, the instructors gave brief descriptions of each elective class to help us make our selection for the next day. The options included free-hand Shintaido/Tenshintaido, Kenjutsu/Kenbu level 1 and level 2, and Nitoh (double swords), taught by Watari Sensei, Ishii Sensei, and Terasaki Sensei, respectively. They led kihon (fundamental) techniques as well as the new kata and kumitachi curriculum that they have created, as our practice advances from one generation to the next.
The two optional morning sessions were quite popular, and were attended by almost everybody. One group practiced Eiko Dai to push themselves to their limits or just to experience and enjoy the expansiveness of the beach and sky, and the other group studied Taimyo.
Aoki Sensei served as an advisor throughout the gasshuku. He did kumite with the goreishas just before their teaching to condition their bodies and elevate their spirits. He also walked around the dojo during keiko and gave individual advice.
Throughout the event there was an emphasis on quality control for Tenshin-jusoho (warmup kata) and Mae-geiko (breakout). A dozen participants were asked to lead the group, and we all benefited from experiencing their different approaches and energies.
The evenings were full of entertainment! We watched a video documentary shot by a group who organized a real sword (naked blade) test-cutting workshop in a bamboo forest. Aoki Sensei brought out two of his special swords, which we were permitted to handle (carefully!) and appreciate their beauty. One group practiced Japanese calligraphy. Two musicians performed on shō, an ancient flute-like Japanese reed instrument descended from the Chinese sheng, along with the meditative sound of crystal bowls. French participants regaled us with a beautiful vocal chorus, and a Brazilian practitioner performed an entrancing ritual dance. The hosting facility in Chiba served gourmet meals throughout our stay and made its large hot tubs available 24/7, which was so good for our achy bodies.
The last plenary keiko was taught by Ishi Sensei, after which results were shared with those who challenged the exams. In the the closing ceremony, the organizers expressed their hope to encounter more Shintaido and Tenshinkai practitioners from overseas and deepen global connections at future events.
A week after the gasshuku, the 60th Anniversary Celebration was held in Yokohama. It was attended by about 100 people who have been involved in Rakutenkai, Shintaido, and Tenshinkai during the past 60 years. Aoki Sensei’s personal friends gave heartfelt speeches to congratulate the organization. The highlight of the event was a presentation that combined demonstrations of Shintaido and Kenbu accompanied by a narration recounting 60 years of Shintaido history. Archival photos and videos were projected on the back wall during the performance, integrating past and present. The performers represented several countries, showing how the movement has spread throughout the world and touched people’s hearts.
