Wholism
For many years! I have found it increasingly difficult, almost impossible to consider a subject or an aspect of a subject without
giving consideration to its related parts. Consequently, my martial arts involve my whole life; they cannot be separated from any
other aspect of my existence. The underlying principles that govern my life govern every aspect of it. It does not matter what
part of my life be considered, the same underlying principles apply Therefore, no study of Shinseido can be conducted without
giving consideration to the wider and related issues as apply to day to day living, our very dreams, aspirations, and spirituality.
Naturalism
I believe that what is fundamentally natural, is, in essence, right. Fundamental naturalism plays an important part in every aspect
of my life, and particularly within my martial art. I regard things that do not occur within nature with a great deal of suspicion
and do not subscribe to the idea that everything that exists is 'within nature' and therefore natural. Rather, believe that man,
having been endowed with the capacity to conduct so called rational thought, can, through desire, directly contravene the
fundamental laws of nature and living to suit his own unnatural inclinations.
Traditionalism
I believe that we should base our understanding on what has occurred before historically, and that we should never discount the
importance of that cumulative understanding that has come down to us from the progenitors of our culture and arts. I also
believe that to be innovative, creative and unique is essential, but always through knowing and understanding our historical
roots.
Dogmatism
It is important to emphasise that I do not condone dogmatism. Every thought, word or action that I, as a teacher impart to
another, is done in the manner of presenting personal understanding, not necessarily as a fundamental and unchangeable truth.
That an aspect of my teaching may well contain a fundamental truth makes no difference. It is for the recipient of that
knowledge to discern the truth for him or herself. The purpose of Shinseido instruction is to facilitate an understanding and
knowledge of self. The student will take from Shinseido instruction what he or she needs in order to promote such an
understanding, always remembering the second Shinseido precept. That is: 'I may not understand all that I have been taught,
yet I have been instructed, and I must strive to find the meaning of that instruction no matter how long it may take, knowing that
instruction can sometimes be absolute silence, a word, a sentence, or a loud shout'. Shinseido practises are therefore based
firmly in, and affected by the four qualities of wholism, naturalism and traditionalism while never being dogmatic.
Some fundamental Shinseido precepts