| Shinto ryu is a street defence strategy encompassing | | | | softer techniques might be more appropriate in an |
| the "hard" (forceful self-defence) and "soft" | | | | unsolicited or threatening situation. |
| (acceptance and deflection) elements of various | | | | Philosophy: |
| martial arts styles. It has developed into a unique | | | | The philosophy of this art does not manifest itself in |
| self-defence system suitable for all, irrespective of | | | | seeking harm. Instead, it strives to equip practitioners |
| age, fitness or gender. Shinto ryu teaches | | | | with techniques that allow them to walk away from |
| practitioners skills they can adapt to any situation: | | | | difficult situations. Defusing techniques are of utmost |
| hard techniques might be required in response to | | | | importance, but it needs confidence to utilise these |
| aggression or physical violence, yet Shinto ryu's | | | | techniques effectively. |
| softer techniques might be more appropriate in an | | | | In Practice: |
| unsolicited or threatening situation. | | | | Shinto ryu is a modern discipline. Practical techniques |
| Shinto ryu is one of the disciplines practised under | | | | are taught based on a "star" movement, which allows |
| the umbrella organisation of the European Martial Arts | | | | one to defend oneself from any conceivable angle - |
| Academy. Its name means "nature's way" or "spirit | | | | be it standing or seated. Reality is the key to this |
| of nature" - shinto meaning "nature" or "shrine" and | | | | form of self-defence. Practitioners are taught how to |
| ryu meaning "the way". It is by understanding its | | | | respond to different real-world situations, such as |
| name that we gain an insight into how the system | | | | being threatened on public transport, for example, in |
| works, by developing self-defence skills in a "natural | | | | cars, at work and many other environments. Shinto |
| way". | | | | ryu also teaches one how to improvise with objects |
| Shinto ryu is a street defence strategy encompassing | | | | one is likely to have at hand, such as using a chair or |
| the "hard" (forceful self-defence) and "soft" | | | | small table as a barrier, as part of a self-defence |
| (acceptance and deflection) elements of various | | | | strategy. |
| martial arts styles. It has developed into a unique | | | | The use of a shinai (bamboo stick) has also been |
| self-defence system suitable for all, irrespective of | | | | incorporated, but not in the same way as in the art |
| age, fitness or gender. Shinto ryu teaches | | | | of Kendo. It is used to replicate a potential weapon |
| practitioners skills they can adapt to any situation: | | | | such as a piece of wood, iron bar or pole that may |
| hard techniques might be required in response to | | | | be at hand, so that the practitioner can learn to |
| aggression or physical violence, yet Shinto ryu's | | | | strike and defend effectively. |