Assumptions about violence
Hokutou Ryu training is based on realistic self defence assumptions: violence is unpleasant, dangerous and unpredictable. While any martial arts training is better than no training, some martial arts neglect to prepare for the most dangerous situations.
If you are unfortunate enough to find yourself on the receiving end of a violent attack the chances are that it's not a fair fight. You may be outnumbered, facing an attacker much larger and stronger than you, or having to deal with someone armed with a knife or other weapon.
Hokutou Ryu recognises this as a fact of life and teaches techniques which are fast, reliable and do not depend on being stronger than your opponent. Often the techniques are designed to offer an opportunity for escape rather than aiming to beat physically superior opponents into submission.
Lifelong Study
In addition to self defence Hokutou Ryu Jiu Jitsu offers fitness, self confidence, stress relief and self discovery. The techniques and training methods depend upon skill and understanding more than strength and flexibility and so improvement can continue to be made as you get older and your body starts to slow down. Success or progression in Hokutou Ryu Jiu Jitsu is not based on a willingness to take blows or the ability to perform acrobatic feats, so if you live a healthy life you can continue to practice into very advanced years.
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