The Evolution of Taidō
Taidō is a martial art that has undergone significant transformations since its inception. Created in the 20th century by Seiken Shukumine, Taidō was built upon the foundations of Gensei-ryū Karate-dō. This blog explores the journey of Taidō from its origins, its principles, and the different phases it has undergone to become the art it is today.
Origins of Taidō
The roots of Taidō are deeply entrenched in Gensei-ryū Karate-dō, which itself has influences from Okinawa-te, the ancient form of Karate in Okinawa, and Chinese Kung-Fu. Seiken Shukumine, the founder of Taidō, had extensive training in these traditional martial arts, which shaped his vision for Taidō .
Shukumine began learning Karate from Sadoyama Ankō and Kishimoto Sokō, who practiced the Shuri-te and Tomari-te styles, heavily influenced by northern Chinese fighting arts. This background provided the technical foundation for Taidō .
The Creation of Taidō
After World War II, Seiken Shukumine trained rigorously, experimenting with various techniques in the mountains of Oita prefecture and on a deserted island in Okinawa. By 1954, he had founded Gensei-ryū Karate-dō and began incorporating unique movements into the art .
In 1965, after careful planning and systematic development, Taidō was officially presented to the public as the “Martial Art of the 21st Century” . This date is considered the official birthday of Taidō.
Development Stages of Taidō
To ensure a structured development, a “25 years development plan” was created and divided into five stages:
- Main Basis Establishment
- Widening and Expansion
- Cohesion and Reinforcement
- Expansion of Branches
- Organizational Unification
These stages allowed Taidō to grow steadily under the supervision of the World Taidō Federation and National Taidō Organizations .
Technical Aspects and Principles of Taidō
Taidō's techniques are performed based on five basic movements: sen, un, hen, nen, and ten. These principles of movement were born from fundamental human needs and Shukumine’s experiences during World War II, where he was a member of a submarine suicide squad .
Taidō features specific rules of practical behavior including Unsoku (Footwork), Sōtai (technical move), Seihō (control of the opponent’s move), Kimegi (final technique), and Gentai (return in a proper stance) . These unique aspects differentiate Taidō from other martial arts.
Relation to Chinese Martial Arts
While Taidō shares some similarities with Chinese martial arts, it has distinct characteristics and should not be considered an imitation. Techniques from the northern and southern styles of Chinese boxing have influenced Taidō, but it also incorporates unique elements such as the Unsoku happō footwork method, which is not seen in other martial arts .
World Championships and Global Expansion
The World Taidō Championships, organized every four years, have helped Taidō gain international recognition. The third World Taidō Championships held in Okinawa in August 2001 marked a significant milestone in celebrating the art's progress into the new century .
Modern Taidō and Its Contributions to Society
Taidō aims not just to be a martial art for combat but also to serve its practitioners, humanity, and society. Its fundamental concepts include Training, Instruction, Competition, Creation, and Transmission, developed with the idea of “Social Contribution” by educating individuals on peaceful coexistence and co-prosperity .
Conclusion
The journey of Taidō from its creation to its present state is a testament to Seiken Shukumine's vision and dedication. Through careful planning, systematic development, and a focus on societal contribution, Taidō has evolved into a unique and influential martial art. Its blend of traditional techniques and innovative principles continues to attract practitioners worldwide, ensuring that Taidō remains relevant and respected in the martial arts community.