What is Jiu Jitsu?
Jiu Jitsu is a martial art which makes use of all available combat techniques to provide a full system of self defence, physical and mental training. Jiu Jitsu emphasizes skill and awareness above strength and flexibility, and many of the techniques are based on the principle that it is better to outmanoeuvre your opponent than to overpower him.
Some of the articles will give you more information about the history and development of Jiu Jitsu.
How is Hokutou Ryu Jiu Jitsu different from other martial arts?
Martial Arts Tradition
Hokutou Ryu embodies the spirit of historical Japanese martial arts schools: self discipline, self improvement and realism.
We train with self discipline to create an atmosphere which is polite and friendly and respects all practitioners of the style from beginner to black belt.
We aim for self improvement, recognising that every person is an individual with their own strengths and weaknesses and their goal should be to improve upon their own standard, not to measure themselves against others.
And we train with realism: the ancient martial arts schools were training people for life and death combat. Hokutou Ryu does not teach 'demonstration' or 'competition' martial arts. What you learn will work if you need it to.
Commitment
Martial arts are often described as a way of life. This doesn't mean training four times a day and living in a Buddhist temple, but it does mean making a concerted effort to achieve your personal Jiu Jitsu goals.
Although it's possible to see some real accomplishment in a short space of time, it takes years to master the finer points of Hokutou Ryu Jiu Jitsu. Along the way you will find your self-awareness, confidence and understanding of others will improve alongside your physical skills. It is possible for anyone to master Jiu Jitsu, provided they are basically healthy and have the determination to succeed.
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