Taisabaki Waza was devised in 1980 to act as an introduction to the art of manoeuvring and evading. Of primary importance in Shinseido is the concept of changing one's body position when attacked, thus taking it out of the direct line of attack by moving diagonally sideways or backwards. This simple yet very important exercise instils an understanding of the basic ways this can be achieved by moving to seven points of the compass. Moving out of the line of attack is called 'change body'. It is important that you feel light and nimble throughout this exercise.

Outline of Exercise

1. Opening
2. Evade to right
3. Evade to left
4. Evade to front right
5. Evade to front left
6. Evade rear right
7. Evade to rear left
8. Evade to rear
9. Closing

Additional Exercise: Scooting

This exercise relates to move 7 in the description of Evasion Exercise.

Stand facing a partner.

Bow. Both go into the regular left foot forward kamae position.

Partner one flexes the trailing leg, elevates the heel very slightly, the springs forward in a scooting manner, that is keeping the left foot forward, maintaining stance and just projecting him or herself forwards in that stance. At the same time effect a left lead fist jab to the face.

Partner two uses the front foot with which to spring back scooting in stance and maintaining the left foot forward attitude. The idea is to ensure that you (as partner two) remains outside the 'tactile zone'.

Repeat this on the move between five and ten times or for as many steps you can take in a given area, then switch roles and go the other way.

Next, change stance to a right foot forward position and repeat the exercise.