Shiro Shintaku-hanshi is the kyudan, ninth dan, doshu (founder) of ten shin ichi-ryu. A native of Wakayama, Japan, Shiro Shintaku-doshu has studied martial arts, philosophy and language for over 30 years. Doshu's martial arts expertise, teaching experience and knowledge of both Japanese and American cultures combine to provide him with a rare perspective on martial arts training. Shintaku-doshu's formal martial arts training began in Japan during the early '60s, when he vigorously studied goju karate and language at Kyoto University of Foreign Studies. In 1971, he travelled to the United States to further his language studies, and taught karate at Berkley University in California, and later at Anderson College in South Carolina. Returning to Japan in 1976, Shintaku-doshu studied aikido from Morihei Ueshiba-o'sensei's senior judan, tenth dan, Hikitsuchi-sensei. Through this daily training experience with Hikitsuchi-sensei, Shintaku-doshu learned the deeper concepts of aikido that the founder had emphasised. It was also during this time he studied iaido, bojutsu, kendo and jujutsu. Returning for the second time to the United States, and after nine additional years of teaching in South Carolina, Shintaku-doshu's quest for martial arts perfection led him to study karate and other weapons from an Okinawan karate master for approximately nine further years. Shintaku-doshu now resides in Maryland, just outside Washington, DC, and has developed the art of ten shin ichi-ryu, which encompasses his experiences of studying and teaching martial arts and his knowledge of language and philosophy. Shintaku-doshu is Vice President and Senior Director for USA of Kodo Butoku Renmei, and a member of the prestigious Hanshi no Iinkai. Both the beginner and experienced martial artist seek out Shintaku-doshu's guidance for a harmonious approach to self-protection and a deeper understanding of the inner contents of martial arts. He teaches regularly in Maryland and Kansas, and travels the world passing on his art at international events.