In the Jigō Tenshin-ryū Mokuroku (自剛天真流目録) it states, “When grappling on the battlefield (kumiuchi), Ryōi Shintō-ryū is best,” which places the focus on essential grappling on the battlefield.

The aim is to be able to separate oneself in both mind and body and execute one’s techniques freely by becoming “soft on the outside and hard on the inside” like the willow, developing a robust body, fast bodily movements, and flexible handling of the body in relation to attack as well as defence when responding to enemies encountered on a daily basis.

From 'Ryōi Shintō-ryū Wajutsu' by Shinohara Shinichi (2005), published in Japanese by Tenri University