In a time when traditional martial arts were struggling to evolve, Seiken Shukumine envisioned something radically new. Taidō, founded in 1965, emerged not just as a refinement of karate but as a complete reimagining of movement, strategy, and personal development. Rooted in the dynamic principles of Genseiryū and inspired by the need for adaptability in modern society, Taidō blends acrobatic motion, scientific insight, and philosophical clarity.
What is Taido?
Taido is a Japanese martial art created in 1965 by Seiken Shukumine. Taido has it's roots in traditional Okinawan karate. Feeling that the martial arts, particularly karate, were not adapting to meet the needs of a changing world, Shukumine first developed a style of karate called Genseiryu around 1950.
Techniques:
- Sen - Vertical Spinning Movement
- Un - Ascending and descending wave-like movement
- Hen - Falling movement characterised by changing the body's axis
- Nen - Horizontal Spinning Movement
- Ten - Rolling and Tumbling Movement
These movements are combined with punches, kicks, and other techniques. The last category, Ten, includes acrobatic movements, for instance, back-flips, which make Taido spectacular to watch. Taido has a special kind of footwork, which is called unsoku, as well as non-stepping (acrobatic) locomotion, called unshin.
The Founding of Taido
Initially, Seiken Shukumine founded Genseiryu karate. But eventually, Shukumine was convinced that the limitations of karate lay in its linear mode of training. He considered how to make the defence more flexible and universal.
In 1965, Shukumine introduced a new martial art. This martial art is a further development of Genseiryu, which he named Taido. Taido is not to be regarded as karate, but as a new martial art. Taido's techniques offered many innovations: the inclusion of spinning and twisting movement, gymnastic manoeuvres, speedy and effective footwork, and a changing body angle.
From that point on, Shukumine was mainly involved with Taido, and many of his pupils started to train in Taido as well. However, some students of Taido kept a friendly relationship with some students of Genseiryu and Shukumine was still occasionally involved with his former students, as he wished for them to join him in Taido.
Taido’s purpose was, and continues to be, the application of scientific methodology and traditional values to the evolution of the martial arts. According to its creator, Taido’s ultimate aim is to equip its practitioners to function at a high level in society.
In 1984, the World Taido Federation was established, globally standardising the martial art of Taido. The first official World Championships in the sport were held in Japan in 1993.
The Styles of Taido
Though Taido is unified under a single system developed by Seiken Shukumine in 1965, its depth lies in the dynamic ways practitioners embody its principles.
The Five Movement Archetypes
Taidō’s techniques are built around five foundational body movements, known as taitai:
- Sen (旋) – Vertical spinning movements that create rotational power and disorient opponents.
- Un (運) – Wave-like ascents and descents, emphasising fluid transitions and elevation changes.
- Hen (変) – Axis-shifting falls and drops, used to evade attacks or reposition rapidly.
- Nen (捻) – Horizontal twists that generate torque for strikes and evasions.
- Ten (転) – Tumbling and rolling manoeuvres, often acrobatic, that showcase Taidō’s spectacular agility.
Benefits of Training In Taido
Mental Clarity and Emotional Balance
At the heart of Taido lies the principle of seimei, or clear-mindedness. Practitioners are taught to cultivate a calm, mirror-like awareness, one that reflects reality without distortion. This mental discipline helps reduce stress, sharpen focus, and foster emotional resilience. Over time, students learn to respond rather than react, both in combat and in life.
Physical Agility and Spatial Intelligence
Taido’s five movement types, Sen, Un, Hen, Nen, and Ten, train the body to move fluidly in three dimensions. Unlike linear martial arts, Taido encourages spirals, flips, and shifts in axis, developing core strength, flexibility, and dynamic balance. This kind of training enhances proprioception (your sense of body position), making you more agile and adaptable in any physical activity.
Combat Strategy and Creative Expression
Through sparring (jissen), Forms (hokei), and choreographed battles (tenkai), Taido teaches strategic thinking and expressive movement. Students learn to read opponents, manage distance, and improvise under pressure. But beyond technique, Taido invites creativity; each practitioner brings their own rhythm, style, and interpretation to the art.
Community and Team Spirit
While Taidō can be practised solo, its competitive formats often involve team collaboration. Dantai jissen and dantai hokei foster unity, trust, and shared purpose. Training together builds strong bonds, and the emphasis on mutual respect ensures that even in competition, the spirit of camaraderie prevails.
Personal Growth and Philosophical Depth
Taidō’s founder, Seiken Shukumine, envisioned a martial art that evolves with society. Embedded in its practice are values of adaptability, integrity, and self-cultivation. As students progress, they’re encouraged not just to master techniques, but to embody principles—clarity of mind, composure under pressure, and freedom of movement. Taidō becomes a mirror for personal transformation.
Taidō is more than a martial art; it’s a philosophy in motion. From its innovative techniques to its emphasis on mental clarity and social contribution, Taidō offers a path that is both physically exhilarating and spiritually grounding. It teaches us to adapt, to collaborate, and to express ourselves with courage and creativity.
