Shinto Ryu - General Background

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