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."