Saito Bloodline Ninjitsu is the real deal. I am someone who has previously studied a Japanese martial art (shotokan). So I know something about karate. First of all let me say that Master Maui is a very personable, friendly and all around great person. On top of that, he knows how to teach. That is very important. I was looking for a martial arts studio that taught real life self defense and fighting techniques. It's a dangerous world out there. Most martial arts studios don't teach real life combat skills. As a child my son studied Taekwondo. While that was fun, it didn't really teach fighting skills. Most high level belts of that school couldn't fight their way out of wet paper bag. Krav Maga is popular today because of this very fact. It emerged to teach real fighting skills where traditional martial arts faltered. Now, let's talk about Saito Ninjitsu - It is Krav Maga on steroids. Much, much more. I started studying with Master Maui after my son, now a police officer, had been studying with him a few years. My son has tried some of the techniques taught here on me. And frankly, he has put me in more pain than I have ever experienced in my life (and I'm a big strong guy). These techniques really work and every police officer should attend his law enforcement classes for their own safety. I have learned some, well, brutal techniques that would disable any attacker. I have no desire to break anyone's bones, but in a bad situation, I might have to. Master Maui also teaches realistic blocking techniques. Much better than my former Shotokan blocks. Oh, and speaking of Master Maui, how often do you get the chance to train with a true Master? It's actually pretty rare. Another advantage of Saito Ninjitsu is the fact that I can control someone with very workable locking techniques. In other martial arts you basically punch and kick your way to victory over an opponent. Hopefully your opponent is not too big or he's not a better puncher than you. I'd rather, throw some quick counter attacks, then lock him up and hold him for the police. As you would expect, any ancient Japanese martial art has a spiritual component to it. I have to say, that is a very intriguing aspect of Saito Ninjitsu as well.