The following notes have been compiled for beginner students and teachers of Shinseido. The eighteen basic techniques utilised for the class workout embody all the major principles of Shinseido practise. There are many more techniques in the system, however if you learn this set you will be able to assimilate the remaining techniques without difficulty.

During the basic workout the group forms a circle and all the techniques are performed in that mode. Each basic technique starts in the regular calming hand (wedge or kamae) position with the left foot forwards. From this position you should switch the feet after every count of ten executions of a technique.

More advanced practitioners should work more flexible foot techniques. For example switch feet on a random basis, scoot forwards or backwards a little, shift to one side or the other. The idea is to make you comfortable with moving in stance, adjusting, weaving, evading and riding, going this way or that.

All the basic techniques can be practised standing on the spot or on the move. The basic class workout is normally practised standing on the spot and it is this method that is described in the basic technique notes. The Basic Techniques are shown below.

Bridging (or Blocking) Techniques Low Inward Bridge Low Outward Bridge Rising Bridge Under-arm Bridge Inwards Bridge Outward Leg Bridge Inward Leg Bridge

Striking Techniques Palm Heel Thrust Straight Punch Backfist Strike Knife-hand strike Elbow Strike Knee Strike Front Kick Side Kick Back Kick Roundhouse Kick

The kicks of Shinseido are neither spectacular or athletically demanding. Their main purpose is to be effective tools of self-defence and, as such, are generally aimed at targets such as the legs and groin.