What is to-shin do?

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

To-Shin Do techniques 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 the kind of threats and confrontations most likely in our own contemporary culture.

Evolved from the body, mind, and spirit technologies perfected on 3 mountain peaks in Japan, To-Shin Do ninja martial arts training is a complete system that encompasses the ultimate in self-protection and awakened living!

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

	TO - the sword Personal combat techniques and strategies from Mt. Togakure ninja warriors and cultivated in the mountains and marshes of Iga in Japan over 800 years ago
	SHIN - the focused spirit of intention Rigorous intention channeling training from Mt. Yoshino shugenja dedicated to developing the nine key powers that characterize a fully actualized human being.
	DO - the path to mastery Originally Himalayan vajrayana mind and spirit sciences from Mt. Hiei, the master’s path to understanding of the true nature of reality, and cultivating unlimited physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual potential.
	Far more than conventional self-defense Our complete self-protection curriculum teaches students of all ages the best ways to protect self and others in today’s world by providing careful, interactive instruction in how to win against the assaults we are most likely to encounter. Our approach is based on intelligent, scientific responses to high-probability attacks. Training is safe, exciting and fun, and takes place in a positive and inspiring environment. Bridging the gap between the timeless wisdom of the East and the fresh pragmatism of the West, Stephen K. Hayes’ visionary martial art of To-Shin Do extends beyond physical self-defense skills and explores the fullness of human potential and methods to foster emotional and spiritual well-being.
	A GREAT WAY FOR ADULTS TO REAFFIRM THE POWER IN THEIR LIFE! Do you know how sometimes you can feel like you have lost control over life? You feel conflicted, unable to do the right thing in some physical, mental, or emotional challenge at work, on the street, or even at home? What we do is teach people how to strengthen and direct their abilities to resolve conflicts, so they are better able to stay safe, productive, and happy regardless of the challenges in life. The ability to handle stress and crisis situations effectively, powerfully, and successfully is a skill, and you can learn this skill. Focused disciplined training under expert teachers in an authentic self-protection martial art is the key to personal preparation for facing conflict and confrontation that can surprise us in the course of daily living.
	Some of the best moments of your week will be the time you spend in action at our SKH Quest Martial Arts school Both obvious and hidden benefits – that’s what long-term To-Shin Do martial arts study offers. Layers of rich value are to be found in the martial arts, each one deeper than the one before – levels of benefit that reveal themselves in time only through consistent and regular practice. Obviously, training helps your body function better. You feel better and look better. But behind the obvious are neurological and psychological benefits, too. Your brain works better. Your emotional control improves. You expand your connections to others with similar interest in personal advancement. Of course martial arts study helps sharpen your tools of personal protection. A person who has practiced 10,000 defenses and counters certainly has a significant edge in a physical confrontation. But not so obvious is the way the practice protects you from some of the most dangerous enemies in our world – lethargy, negative thinking, lack of exercise, apathy, anger, and stress.