More than a simple health exercise, Shintaido is an art form, somewhat like brush calligraphy performed with the whole body. As a softer form of martial art that focuses on fluid movement, expression and meditation, it is similar to Tai Chi and Capoeira. Shintaido is also distinct within the realm of martial arts because it involves cooperation rather than competition.

Shintaido includes a range of movements from faster, energetic forms to slower, meditative ones:

• Basic open-handed Shintaido
• Bojutsu (using a 6-foot staff)
• Kenjutsu (using a wooden sword)
• Shintaido Karate
• Meditation
• Relaxation

The main thing that separates Shintaido from most other forms is that it was created to be a new form of movement that would embody the modern desire for peace, cooperation and mutual understanding among people of all cultures, rather than to cultivate a competitive fighting art.

Because Shintaido is a new form and many of the originators are still alive, the Shintaido system itself continues to develop. While the basic curriculum is well established, a group of top instructors meets regularly to further refine and improve the Shintaido program.