About Shintaido
Shintaido ( 新体道, a Japanese word translated as ‘New Body Way’ ) is a unique combination of martial arts and body movement that cultivates the spirit along with the mind and body created in Japan in the 1960’s under the leadership of Hiroyuki Aoki. Hiroyuki Aoki became a master of Shotokai karate in his twenties under Egami sensei – the founder of Shotokai karate.
Shintaido has been called a moving meditation. Its forms exemplify openness and freedom. The movements of shintaido provide a new way of experiencing our relationship with ourselves, others, nature, and the spiritual world. As well as being a practical martial art Shintaido aims to be a form of artistic expression, a healthy exercise, and a path of self-discovery and transformation.
Shintaido is practiced with bare hands, but the curriculum also includes bojutsu (棒術), involving the use of the long staff (or bō, 棒), and kenjutsu (剣術), using a wooden sword (or bokuto, 木刀). Its roots lay in the traditional Japanese martial arts, Chinese medicine and Buddhist meditation techniques, while its creator Hiroyuki Aoki was also influenced by modern Western art and spirituality.
In 1976 H. F. Ito (1942-2023) and Michael Thompson, together established the shintaido movement in the United States and are co-founders of Shintaido of America.
SOA PURPOSE
Shintaido of America (SOA) is the principle organizing body for all groups within the United State of America and Canada. We are a national network of regional and local Shintaido groups who support, encourage, and guide members in their individual Shintaido practice.
SOA MISSION
The mission of SOA is to transmit the form and spirit of Shintaido in the United States and Canada.
- 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.
SOA MEMBERSHIP & FINANCES
SoA is an organization supported by volunteers and run primarily on membership dues. General membership is open to anyone and is a way to financially support the goals and objectives of SoA. For details about member benefits please view our Membership page.
To become a member or pay yearly dues, please visit our Store.
Membership dues, examination fees, donations, workshops and educational materials are sources of our funding.
SOA BOARD of DIRECTORS
Shintaido of America Board of Directors consists of voting members selected by the SOA membership and non-voting advisory members who serve at the pleasure of the Board.
View a complete list of current SOA board members and related SOA Board information at Board of Directors .
NATIONAL TECHNICAL COUNCIL
Membership in the National Technical Council (NTC) is extended to all SOA members who have reached the level of Senior Instructor or that of Sandan, or above, in Karate, Bojutsu, or Kenjutsu.
For information and a list of the current NTC members, please visit the SOA NTC page.