I was recently interviewed for the NHK World’s program called “Medical Frontiers” . This is a 28-minute program which introduces the latest Japanese medical technology and healthcare to overseas audiences, and I will appear in the “Tips for Healthy Living” segment, for two consecutive episodes, six-minute each.
An Australian female reporter with deep knowledge of Japan came and experienced the “posture” and “breathing” of Shinshin Toitsu Aikido.
We communicated in a mixture of Japanese and English, but she had a very high level of understanding and the filming went very smoothly.
“What are the characteristics of Shinshin Toitsu Aikido?”
This is one of the questions I am always asked in these interviews.
Shinshin Toitsu Aikido is aikido based on “Shinshin Toitsudo”. The goal of Shinshin Toitsudo is to be able to demonstrate the power we have, and we place importance upon “Building the Foundation” based on our ability to focus our mind on the One Point in the lower abdomen.
Natural posture has natural stability and balance, which allows us to perform at our best. Learning to use our body naturally is also important in daily life, and it will help us avoid getting tired when doing daily housework.
In “Building the Foundation”, it is important to focus not only upon the “physical” aspect, but also the “mental” aspect. Even a well-balanced posture can be ruined if mental pressure or stress causes your mind to become excited/nervous.
When speaking in front of people, if our mind gets too excited/nervous, then our mind goes blank and we cannot remember what you have prepared.
By practicing and mastering our ability to remain calm and focus the mind at the One Point in the lower abdomen on a daily basis, we will be able to fully utilize our power in important situations.
For these reasons, people at the forefront of various fields come [to us] to learn.
Shinshin Toitus Aikido techniques are not directly used in each of their fields, but rather, they will learn to be able to fully demonstrate their strength through “Building the Foundation” of Shinshin Toitsudo.
Baseball skills are developed by practicing baseball, and golf skills are developed by practicing golf. Practicing “Shinshin Toitsudo” is a kind of training that enables us to fully demonstrate [whatever] abilities we have acquired.
For example, in recent years I have been working on teaching sumo wrestlers. The power of sumo wrestlers is incredibly strong, but whether or not they can fully utilize that power is another matter. With a solid foundation, they will be able to release unnecessary tension and fully utilize their strength.
In the same way, I have also been training musicians. By quieting their mind in the lower abdomen, they can really listen to the sound they are playing. With a solid foundation, they will be able to release unnecessary tension and can handle their instrument freely.
In Shinshin Toitsu Aikido training, we practice the techniques based upon “Shinshin Toitsudo”. Some people hesitate to learn because they are worried about getting hurt. This is a valid concern, but there is no need to worry about it in Shinshin Toitsudo.
If you want to [learn how to] fully utilize your ability, we invite you to come and experience it for yourself.
Translated by Mayumi Case
Edited by David Shaner
Eastern Ki Federation
https://easternkifederation.org/
Original article in Japanese: 心身統一道とは？ (Shinshin Toitsudo)
July 1, 2025
https://shinichitohei.com/japanese/01-%e3%82%b3%e3%83%a9%e3%83%a0/36784/
