The Integrated System of the UMAC - Nagare-Do Sogo Ryu

The Flowing Way of the Integrated Dragon

The act of combining martial skills has existed since the beginning of man itself. Combative strategies along with methods of execution were put to use as man found the need to protect him or herself, from either man or nature. It has always been the way to adapt beneficial martial knowledge and blend it with previous training to make a more complete combative methodology. Although, martial orientated knowledge has been since man's beginning, the greatest leaps of its progression where due to India's contribution to China, and from there spreading to many neighboring countries. Among the countries affected by Chinese influence where Okinawa, Japan, Korea, the Philippines as well as others. This is not to say that some sort of combative practice was not already indigenous to those regions, but that a major wave of influence would help progress and revitalize martial ways. The evidence just proves that to accept and utilize any technique or theory that is of beneficial use has always been the more appropriate attitude of successful martial ways.

The unique system utilized here at the UMAC incorporates a variety of technical approaches and philosophies in order to achieve a more comprehensive approach to fully understand the martial arts. The roots of the Nagare-Do Sogo Ryu are comprised of two main components, Kempo and Karate. These two firmly incorporated styles are referred to as personal growth arts, or as the Japanese have termed them - "Dos" - meaning a way or path to enlightenment. Essentially the "Do" arts are an aid to expose and guide the participants to live their life in a secure humble and virtuous manner. Unification of the body and mind is the primary goal as well as building and strengthening the spirit. While this system is comprised of many martial arts styles and their coinciding theories, it has taken on a more scientific approach to all aspects of self-protection and self-growth. Practical self-defense is the dominate characteristic of the system and it provides its practitioners with the skills necessary to not only defend themselves but to control the entire outcome of any situation. This is achieved solely by dedicating oneself to learn and absorb the knowledge of free thought and mastering the economical movements of the human anatomy.

As other martial arts schools tend to specialize in one style or concept, we have brought together many concepts of both combat and sport related martial arts and utilize them each for their beneficial points. An example would be as follows. Sport karate, as it stands at present, is actually nothing more than a game of tag. Most competitors at this stage will employ quick agile movements along with flurried striking techniques to gain their objective of gaining a point. The use of rapid attacking strikes and flexible body shifting maneuvers make these same individuals virtually impossible to be hit. On the other end of the scale you have what most would refer to as the traditionalist. No matter the origin of the art, these traditionalists train to be more sure footed and make use of direct line attacks and forceful blocks with the intent to penetrate the designated target area. Now suppose you train as the sports minded martial competitor does and you incorporate the precision striking ability of a serious traditionalist. The end result is speed, power, fluency of movement and firmness, all ready to be implemented at will. This of course is a simple example of a concept with innumerable possibilities, however, the general principle of the concept is apparent. One must be adept to act and react accordingly to the situation at hand. And, since it is impossible to predict the future or read into the minds of others, one is unable to calculate how or where an attack or altercation will happen. One must train with the notion that he or she will be placed in an unpleasant situation in which they may be attacked or assaulted. If such a case should occur one should be prepared and knowledgeable to defend themselves from all different ranges of combat. Whether it is from a kicking, punching, elbow/knee and trapping range, or lastly grappling, one should have an ample amount of resources to draw from and the wisdom in applying them to take control of any dilemma. It is one thing when an aggressor only utilizes their natural weapons, but, when a weapon becomes involved, strategy and the defensive tactics will be altered to handle the particular weapon in usage. A person's mindset, techniques, and approach will differ from situation to situation. No two encounters can be the same; there are too many variables. Training, experience, and preparation are the essentials of self-protection.

The United Integrated Martial Arts System (Nagare Do Sogo Ryu) is based on a flowing mind and subsequently, techniques that also flow in succession to obtain a desired effect. With no restrictions set forth, one must not inhibit their technical resources and utilize all the conflicting concepts such as linear or circular, hard or soft, speed or power, striking or throwing. These approaches can be applied depending on the particular demands of any giving situation. Often when a person's initial technique proves to be of ill effect, they become either paralyzed, doing absolutely nothing to follow up the failed strike, or they become crazed, swinging wild with even less effect. It is very important that one learns to progress his or her striking method or maybe just the approach. Sometimes grabbing or grappling the attacker might be the better way to nullify any aggressive action. No one can truly know what course of action would be best in handling a life-threatening situation. However, extensive training will help speed up one's reaction time and provide a more confident and accurate means of dealing with a specific predicament. With extensive training one may obtain a better understanding of body mechanics, and the habitual aggressive manner used by most antagonists. With this type of knowledge an attacker can not only be stopped, but actually lead astray before the threat of any real danger can occur. It may take foresight or maybe the initial strike that moves one out of harms way, but always remember that there are no rules in combat and there are no winners or losers, just survivors. One must be prepared to do what is necessary and to know how far to go in the process of terminating the person's aggressive behavior.

Most people, even practitioners of the arts, do not realize how immersed the martial arts or martial science are, or can be implicated into our daily activities. Whether one uses proper body mechanics to accomplish a menial task, or maybe one may observe the body language of another, it is all related in our in-depth study of martial arts. Such knowledge should be incorporated into our lives and become part of us. Studying the arts for even a short time will undoubtedly change a persons life. To delve into all the different areas surrounding martial arts development would take an incredible amount of time. So, the Nagare Do Sogo Ryu attempts to cut at the nonessential matters surrounding all martial arts related areas, as a get to the point method of dealing with any issue. "Grasp what is beneficial and useful. Keep an open mind, and place no limitations. For the Nagare Do Sogo Ryu is a living art."