Student Creed
I believe in myself
I am confident
I can accomplish my goals
I believe in what I study
I am disciplined
I am ready to learn and advance
I believe in my teachers
I show respect to all who help me progress
In order to earn your white belt, every student must memorize and recite the Student Creed. The white belt is the most important belt, as you cannot earn any other belts without the first foundation representing the beginning of this new phase in your life.
What does To-Shin Do stand for?
To - the sword
"To-" symbolizes the core of our physical protection techniques and strategies, which come from the nin-po combat methods of the legendary ninja phantom warriors born of Mt. Togakure and cultivated in the wooded mountains and marshes of Iga. To-Shin Do martial arts practice is a significant way to reduce stress and increase strength, endurance, and flexibility, while fostering a sense of empowerment, security, and control in life.
Shin - the focused spirit of intention
"Shin" represents the essence of our program for the discovery and development of the nine key qualities that characterize a fully actualized human being, which stems from the rigorous kuji intention-channeling training of the shugenja of Mt. Yoshino. With practice and time, we can achieve 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
"Do" embodies the technique of cultivating our unlimited physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual potentials, which originates from the Himalayan esoteric mikkyo vajrayana mind and spirit sciences of Mt. Hiei. We can learn skillful ways to transform the inner and outer challenges of life into successes, and ultimately come to grips with the question of how to experience directly the significance of life itself.
To-Shin Do Ninjutsu
The Chapel Hill Quest Center's primary martial arts focus is To-Shin Do Ninjutsu, the 1200 year old Japanese martial art of the legendary Ninja warriors.
Founded by Black Belt Hall of Fame member Stephen K. Hayes, To-Shin Do martial arts training leads to the ability to live fully and operate effectively in all areas of life. Our program uses a thorough system of personal preparation for facing the conflicts and opposition that are inevitable in the course of everyday life. To-Shin Do techniques are based on 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 successfully handling the type of threats and confrontations that are a part of our own contemporary culture.
Most students take a minimum of two 45 minute classes a week, choosing from any of the convenient class times that are appropriate for their belt levels. You are welcome to attend as many classes per week as you can; we have some students who take at least two classes a day, nearly every day! From the very first lesson, you will learn methods that you can use right away, regardless of your physical condition or any prior martial arts experience.
The Chapel Hill Quest Center teaches both the Modern and Classical training forms of the To-Shin Do system.
In the Modern training you learn methods of defense against:
-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
In the Traditional Japanese training, you learn:
-Ninpo Taijutsu - Unarmed combat
-Kenjutsu - Long and short sword
-Bojutsu - 6 ft. Staff
-Han-Bo-Jutsu - Short staff and cane
-Tanto-Jutsu - Knife
-Kusari-Fundo - Chain and rope arts
-Shuriken-Jutsu - Projectile weapons
-Ukemi - Receiving and break fall skills
-Randori - Multiple attackers
-Newaza - Ground fighting
You will have the opportunity to learn and become proficient in one or several of the above areas of specialized study.