Member Materials
Become a Member of SOA
If you are not yet a paid member of Shintaido of America, please see out Membership page for more information including Benefits of Membership and how to pay membership dues.
Examination Materials
Examination Book
Examinations provide an opportunity for shintaido practitioners to have their practice assessed by several very senior instructors. This manual describes the student examination process, what happens before, during and after an examination.
Assistant and Graduate Student Applications
These documents are the forms you fill out to apply for the rank of Shintaido Assistant or Shintaido Graduate. You need to complete the appropriate form and submit it to your instructor prior to taking the Assistant or Graduate exam.
Additional Resources
SOA Code of Ethics Handbook
A code of ethics is a set of guidelines that are designed to set out acceptable behaviors for members of a particular group, such as Shintaido of America. A written Code of Ethics becomes important, especially when a growing organization handles sensitive issues that include but are not limited to personal and interpersonal development and interactions with other cultures.
In 2025, the SOA Board determined that it was time for SOA to develop a written Code of Ethics as a resource for our members and instructors and did so in conjunction with SOA National Technical Council (NTC).
The SOA Board recognizes that it is an ongoing process to have an active forum for ethical discussions and to provide education on ethical topics.
Questions about the SOA Code of Ethics or to discuss an ethical concern, contact the SOA NTC Chair who is also functioning as the Ethics Chair by emailing: ntc-chairperson@shintaido.org.
Superkata
This document contains a wealth of information on organizing and promoting a new Shintaido group. It includes guidelines for publicity, advertising, outreach and other vital facets of creating a local Shintaido practice.
Risk Management Plan
As part of the liability coverage, our insurance company expects instructors to have a plan to ensure safety of the attendees. This Board-approved risk management plan should be used as a guide when preparing for a keiko or gasshuku.
Download RiskManagementPlan.pdf
Insurance Waiver
Shintaido of America now offers insurance coverage to all students. Instructors and other teachers, please collect signed waivers from people (SoA members or not) who join classes and are practicing regularly.
Download the waiver form below or request a printed copy from the SOA Board President at: president@shintaido.org
The Board president is the insurance liaison for SOA with our insurer, karateinsurance.com (external link opens in a new tab). Please contact the Board president with any questions.
Please send signed waivers to:
Connie Borden
426 Day Street
San Francisco, CA 94131
Download: InsuranceWaiver.pdf