Taikiken, often referred to as the “Mind-Body Fist,” finds its roots in the Chinese internal martial art of Yiquan. It emphasizes natural, fluid movements and the cultivation of internal power (known as “ki” in Japanese). Within this system, Tanshu is a fundamental training method that combines standing postures with mindful intent, focusing on harnessing and guiding internal energy to develop martial strength and heightened awareness. One of the foremost practitioners of this discipline is Master Michio Shimada, whose dedication to Taikiken spans decades of rigorous training, thoughtful exploration, and sharing this art with aspiring students. At the core of Taikiken’s approach is the principle of merging mind and body into a singular, harmonious entity. Master Michio Shimada’s practice of Tanshu embodies this synergy. In Tanshu, practitioners adopt specific standing postures—often initially looking deceptively simple—while maintaining a heightened mental focus on breath, posture, and the body’s internal sensations. The goal is to develop what is sometimes called “whole-body strength,” or the ability to unify all parts of the body for purposeful movement and spontaneous power. Master Shimada, with his decades of practice, demonstrates how Tanshu is not merely a physical exercise but also a deeply meditative practice. While standing motionless, the practitioner tunes into subtle shifts in balance, tension, and relaxation, learning to guide every part of the body with intent. This process helps cultivate a calm, alert mind that remains ready to adapt instantly. Indeed, in the realm of internal martial arts, relaxation is key to unlocking explosive force: tension acts as an obstacle, while a relaxed but focused body allows energy to flow naturally. In modern times, Taikiken’s significance goes far beyond its direct martial applications. Many practitioners, including Master Shimada, emphasize the holistic health benefits derived from consistent Tanshu practice. These benefits include improved posture, enhanced cardiovascular health, and better stress management. Traditional teachings underscore that when the body and mind are harmonized, one experiences increased vitality and well-being. This is precisely what Master Shimada exemplifies: Tanshu is not simply a means to fight, but a vehicle for self-discovery and personal growth. Another notable aspect of Master Michio Shimada’s Tanshu performance is the subtle interplay of softness and hardness. Observers might first see only stillness in his posture, yet just beneath the calm surface lies an underlying wave of dynamic energy. This is sometimes likened to a tree standing firm in the wind—while the trunk may appear rigid, there is an elasticity at the core that absorbs and redirects forces. By learning to “root” into the ground while staying relaxed, Tanshu practitioners generate stability that translates into robust martial power. It is this mastery of relaxed strength that sets skilled Taikiken practitioners apart. For those new to Taikiken, witnessing Master Shimada in Tanshu can be both inspiring and instructive. His movements—or lack thereof—offer a profound lesson in how much can be accomplished by simply standing with mindful intent. Dedicated students often spend months or even years refining their sense of balance and awareness through Tanshu before progressing to more dynamic practices. This foundational training ensures that every technique later executed is firmly rooted in internal strength. The philosophy behind Taikiken and Tanshu reminds us that external technique alone does not make a complete martial artist. Mastery is forged through stillness, patience, and the continuous refinement of mental focus.
