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