The Martial Art of To-Shin Do - Phoenix Quest Center

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About Our Style

When asked, "What is To-Shin Do?” Quest Center founder, Stephen K. Hayes, responds:

"To-Shin Do martial arts training is a thorough system of personal preparation for facing the kinds of conflict and opposition that can surprise us in the course of daily living. Our training program leads to the ability to live life fully, fearlessly, and freely

Weapons Rack Wall

"The techniques at the center of our training method are based on an ancient and well-tested system of warrior disciplines handed down by nine historical Japanese family lineages. At the same time, our training program is built around a very modern approach to handling successfully the kind of threats and confrontations that are most likely in our own contemporary culture. To-Shin Do is a reality-based martial art that includes training in the techniques and strategies for dealing with:

Grappling, throwing, choking, and joint-locking

Striking, kicking, and punching

Stick, blade, cord, and projectile weapons

Successfully handling multiple assailants and surprise attacks

Overcoming psychological intimidation or bullying

	"The Japanese written character for nin (shown at left), of the root system of the martial art of ninjutsu, can also be pronounced shinobi, and is best translated as "stealth, endurance, perseverance, or 'putting-up-with'". We know what we need and we are willing to do whatever it takes to get it. Nin communicates the kind of strength required to keep our eyes on the grander goal. We are not diverted, even when tempted to take on those who try to pull us from our noble quest by throwing petty affronts and insults in our path from the sidelines." "The top portion of the Japanese letter character for nin is pronounced "toh" and means sword. This represents the martial arts technology we study to perfect. The bottom portion of the character is shin, pronounced "sheen", and means "heart". This represents the resolute spirit needed to prevail over the negative forces that attempt to drive us to defeat. Together as the one single character for nin, the To-Shin ideal reminds us of the miraculous power of knowledge and intention combined to result in spirited intelligence in action. " "My Quest Center To-Shin Do training was born of the historical legacy behind three important roots of the ancient cultural heritage of Japan."
	TO - the sword From the ninja combat methods of the legendary phantom warriors born of Mt. Togakure and cultivated in the wooded mountains and marshes of Iga comes the core of our physical protection techniques and strategies - a great way to reduce stress and increase strength, endurance, and flexibility, while fostering a sense of peace, security, and control in life.
	SHIN - the focused spirit of intention From the rigorous kuji intention-channeling training of the shugenja of Mt. Yoshino comes the essence of our program for the discovery and development of the nine key qualities that characterize a fully actualized human being - a more focused and disciplined understanding of the cause and effect dynamics that lead to success and fulfillment in life.
	DO - the path to mastery From the originally Himalayan esoteric mikkyo vajrayana mind and spirit sciences of Mt. Hiei comes the technique of cultivating our unlimited physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual potentials - skillful ways to transform the inner and outer challenges of life, and ultimately come to grips with the very question of how to experience directly the significance of life itself.