Shinkai lived in Japan where he studied and taught Zen yoga (grounded in East Asian traditions of yoga) and meditation for 7 years. His classes focus on being in the present moment while tuning in to what can release and come un-stuck physically, emotionally, and energetically. His teaching also emphasizes the energy channels of the body and the seasons. He's an E-RYT 500 and featured in the book "Zen Yoga: Seasons of Transformation."

Shinkai is the guiding Zen teacher (roshi) at Blue Cliff Zen Center and works on faculty as a yoga/meditation instructor in the University of Oregon's PE Mind-Body department.