SHIMAMURA Naotake, Chief of Taikiken Shobu-Kan, demonstrating Tanshu — also Taikiken shadowboxing.

SHIMAMURA Naotake, the esteemed Chief of Taikiken Shobu-Kan, recently offered a striking demonstration of Tanshu—also referred to as Taikiken shadowboxing—showcasing the art’s rich blend of structure, spontaneity, and internal power. Taikiken, often associated with the teachings of Kenichi Sawai, traces its roots back to the Chinese internal martial art known as Yiquan. One of the hallmark characteristics of Taikiken practice is the cultivation of whole-body unity and heightened awareness. In Tanshu, practitioners channel these core principles into freeform, ad-lib movements, linking body, mind, and intent in a seamless display of fluid power and precision.

Tanshu is best understood as a dynamic improvisation, structured loosely around Taikiken’s foundational principles of relaxed power, upright posture, and a rooted stance. Rather than executing memorized sequences, the practitioner allows spontaneous movement to arise from an integrated mind-body state. This approach emphasizes responsiveness and sensitivity—attributes nurtured through regular Taikiken exercises such as zhan zhuang (standing meditation) and various pushing-hands drills. By combining mindfulness and adaptability, Tanshu helps develop a martial artist who can remain calm under pressure, reacting instantly and confidently to changing circumstances.

SHIMAMURA Naotake’s mastery of Tanshu highlights the depth and versatility of Taikiken, illustrating how these “simple” movements, performed without predetermined patterns, can yield profound results in both combat applications and personal development. Whether one seeks the martial efficacy of Taikiken or the internal cultivation aspect that promotes focus and overall well-being, demonstrations of Tanshu serve as an inspiring testament to the art’s transformative potential. Through years of diligent training, SHIMAMURA Naotake has refined his physical techniques and mental clarity to a level where his flowing movements seem almost effortless, yet they carry within them a sharp, indomitable spirit. His presentation reveals that Tanshu is more than just shadowboxing—it is a living conversation between intention and action, tradition and personal expression, all rooted in the centuries-old ethos of internal martial arts.