San Diego, CA: Al Garza and The Matrix System - Thoughts?

[meowrsx]

Man that free flow clip made me jealous. If all my attackers swung at me with overhanded open-handed flails that are basically a locked out elbow and a twist of the hip, I would be SO set.

[Freddy]

hahahaha, guy savelli is a retard, thats awesome, i would love to see some more videos of his bullshitdo. i have been to his site, he is just as bad as this joker!

Yeah Guy Saveilli is an idiot. You should ask member IndoChinese (aka formerly known as Kuntaokid) what he thinks of him.

[Thaiboxerken]

Guy Savelli is a badass! He can paralyse you and knock over donkeys from the next room.

[Ashe]

En has the best avatar pic EVA. :5obsessed I'm mentally cheating now.

These Matrix guys talk a good line... but their demos don't match the talk. Sounds like they've read some good ideas but can't figure out how to make their practice match their ideals.

[Moleculo]

Let's all cash in on the popularity of "The Matrix"

was my first thought.


Watching the videos made me appreciate how the delicate coreography was kept alive by the "assisting"
opponent.


Whether or not the guy can use that style for real is doubtful.

[SamuraiAssassin]

But he can use it for real!!! He Can, He Can!

he can use it for real when people are in slow mo....what is up with the vertical guard....i truly feel I could jab in and punch him every time....the only thing that I am worried about is the imense static electric shock that he could hit me with...those uniforms seem crisp!

[king of seals]

Fools! How can you understand a "MULTIDIMENSIONAL MARTIAL ART"? :new_alien

[Feryk]

Watch the "Chess Match" video. These guys have no basis in reality anymore...

Maybe they really believe it's the Matrix made real...? :hiding:

[al garza]

Greetings to all martial artists.

I am Al Garza. Founder of the A.G. Matrix System of self-defense.
I would like to respond to those who had constructive, inquisitive
comments, and outlook about the Matrix System, as well as, to those
who had the opposite. First, I must say I am very embarrassed for
those who shared comments which lacked even a fifth grade level of
intelligence. To hear a martial arts community express extensive,
negative comments about any martial art system, is very distasteful.
Every martial art system has value and benefits, if nothing else,
the conditioning factor. So enough with the kindergarten level of
comments. You all should know better, and frankly, the martial
arts community and I expect better. I will inform you of what the
Matrix System is, what it is not, and my objective with the other
arts.

First, I am sharing my system with you. I am not declaring "this
art is better", but rather, here are some new information and
insights to consider. It is different. It has new fighting concepts and
theories for the martial artist. If you disagree with the Matrix
System, you simply disagree and that is fine. However, I would caution all not
to form an opinion by just watching a video or two, or reading an
article. What you should do is ask questions. Professional, intelligent
questions. What is it? How does it work? What makes the system
different from others? Ask questions. Get information about it before
making misguided opinions. When the Gracie's started in the States,
most were challenging them and criticizing them for their style. A
style most did not understand. Submission jujitsu was something new
and unknown. Now look at what they have done with it. Yes, they
proved it on the mats, but before we accepted it, we listened and
looked at the art's system. We saw what it had to offer. Do not be



quick to judge, especially if you lack significant information and
understanding of the art. There was a comment which brought speculation to the integrity of some of the demo videos. Please be informed in no way whatsoever
did I speed up my video demonstrations, whether they were demos of
my own abilities or of my students. In fact, the demonstrations
are some of my SLOWEST. I am 56 years old. My fastest demos were
in my earlier years between 35 and 49. There were also comments
around choreography. Again, please be informed it is not
choreographed. It is free flow motion. Free flow motion is the
objective of this art. To move with unrestricted movement responses
and adapt (by learned movement) to constant and altering changes
involved with physical conflict. One could ask, how is this done
by your system? The Matrix System approach is to practice the
defensive and offensive variable alternatives in combative movements;
and because of the many strike variable combinations available, a
systematic approach formula was developed. It is called the
Response Calculation Formula. It is this formula that teaches the
martial artist limitless defensive and offensive entry movements.
By practicing a multiple dimensional pattern system (multiple use),
the body learns multiple movement memory under the direction of the
martial artist's subconscious mind. Much like a master musician
who converses with people while playing their instrument flawlessly.
This is called movement without direct, conscious thought.
Another misunderstanding: a pattern does not teach what to do if
they strike with a certain attack (technique). A pattern provides
and develops natural, unrestricted movement responses to the constant
altering and changing circumstances involved with physical conflict.
Natural movement responses are also developed by the pattern
development stages. Each pattern progresses differently by movement






levels, scales, and modifications. In the first stages of pattern
learning the student spends a year and a half processing and training
in the entry-level arrangements. The student first learns the three
pattern attachments. The first being the entry: the defender's first
defensive blocks and strikes, or the initial offensive strikes (where
the defender strikes the attacker). The second stage of pattern
attachments is the Follow-Up (what follows after the entry), which
usually consist of eight movement components. Then there is the
Latter Movement - the last stage of a pattern attachment are the
latter movements, or the finishing movements, or movements of the
pattern. This is also the reason why we have so many patterns (over
1,500). The patterns are taught by Series (twenty patterns make a
Series). After all isn’t the element of surprise one of the biggest threats to a martial artist, facing the unknown and the unexpected. And isn’t the best solution to this issue, preparation by training for the unexpected. This is why the Matrix System has so many methods of applications series.
What are Series? Series are application methods. A specific way of
responding to an attack. For example, judo is different from karate,
thus the application techniques are different (not better--just
different). Each used in different circumstances with different
movement applications. In the Matrix System we have seventy seven
Series made of twenty patterns. Each pattern are specifically designed
to integrate with each other at any given movement or moment. You
could say less is better, ok. A fighter can be good with just a
straight left and right cross, but what about the student who wants
to learn more about movements and wants answers to different
circumstances. Do we say less is better; that is all you need; you
do not need the answers to the unexpected; and of course the famous
statement, "You need to practice these movements for twenty years to
master them. After that you can then move onto something different."
Talk about boredom. By now after a year or so the student may be
in trouble when faced with a situation they are not familiar with.



For example, different angle strikes, distance, and tempo changes.
When a boxer strikes, distance and tempo are different from the other
arts. Shouldn't we be practicing our defense for such an occasion.
Think of all the different styles of self-defense systems that are
out there.
The Matrix is a selection system for patterns.
It allows a pattern to select from the method of application series vast alternative movements, levels directions, and various styles of executions when needed for adjustments, altering, and constant change
Let me give you an artistic comparison on how the A.G. Matrix academic
system works. Let us compare it to learning music by the cord and
memory method. If you wanted to play the piano and you decided to
learn a Japanese song, you would most probably go to a Japanese school
and learn a Japanese song (movements). Let us say you then decided
to go to a Chinese school to learn a Chinese song (movements). Next
proceeding to go to other schools to learn other songs (styles). By
now you would have learned a variety of songs (mixed marital arts),
by memorizing music cords and the songs. This is called the follow
me and do as I do method of learning. What the A. G. Matrix System
teaches and starts with are music notes (not songs). One learns the
scales, pitches, tempo, flats, and sharps. It teaches the exercise
and drills to learn to read and play music. It then progresses into
the higher levels by creating compositions, or to express and create
(Jazz) music with natural, spontaneous responses to other musicians
playing music (Free Flow). It is amazing what eight notes can do.
It creates thousands and thousands of different sounds and arrangements. Each different from the other (over 1,500 movements in Matrix).
One may say do we need to play that many songs. No, we do not, but
if we can read and comprehend notes, it gives us the ability to play
any song (and create compositions), by sight-reading (thousands of
songs), Now that is not to say we do not teach a student how to
play cords. That also has to be covered in its entirety.



This academic art system is called a multi-dimensional curriculum
(multiple purpose for each note or movement). The A. G. Matrix System
is a combative multi-dimensional art form. In the A. G. Matrix System
the same process occurs. The martial artist learns a higher education
system by means of an academic program and a progressive curriculum
(Knowledge).
Another "criticism" about the Matrix System was that we do not spar.
We can not show all or explain everything just by a demo. Or else it
would not be called a demo. It would be a seminar. A class. A
training and lecture camp. Have some intelligence. In the Matrix
System, we do not spar for competition. First off, sparring has
competition rules: the can't do this rules. Next, a small stature
person can not compete with a taller and heavier opponent. That
would be suicide. That is why competitions have weight divisions in
sparring; to protect the competitor. Also in sparring you are sparring
with gloves, and sometimes without shoes. Try taking the gloves off
and put on some shoes to see the difference in speed, distance, and
techniques. It just changed sparring. Now it becomes a more self-
defense fighting system (and so has the rules and the training method).
In real life (out on the streets) we do not carry boxing gloves and
hand wrappers with us. We do not take off our shoes. It is very
impractical and inefficient. The Matrix System does practice with
the gloves, but they are used for training drills. It develops certain
skills, and gives the student the experience needed when facing a
person who fights in this particular style (moving around, back and
forward, and sideways). For self-defense training, the Matrix System
uses certain drills. One of them is the four blocks and two strikes
sequence drill. The offensive individual strikes four times in random
strike choices, and the defensive individual blocks and counters back
with two strikes. In the beginning the offensive individual's strikes
are prearranged so the student can develop their blocks, timing, and
distance. As the student progresses to an intermediate level the



strikes become stronger, faster, and more in random order. Later as
the student advances, the offensive individual presses the movements.
This is when the offensive (starts slow and builds speed and power
into the strike) advance forward with footwork (closes the gap) as
they strike the defender. If/When the defender misses the block,
they will get hit. How much more real can it get. Miss the block--get
hit. Again, this is progressive training method. Mouthpieces are
used and the students are well advanced and prepared. This training
is developed from the very start. It begins with blocking the strikes
from a distance and slowly develops to pressing their move.
Does the Matrix System have all the answers: It has the formula and
methodology to find and develop practical, efficient solutions. What
the Matrix System has is new information for the martial artist who
wants new knowledge about combative movements. As for my students,
I presently teach private and group private (maximum 10). Most of
them are in there fifties with over forty years of experience from
all styles and systems. These are not kids in their twenties or
thirties. They have gone through all the martial art facets, and
are well recognized in the martial arts community.

In conclusion, let us be mature martial artists, and end the bad-
mouthing of other martial art systems. We are to respect one another.
After all, other martial artists from other systems (looking at yours),
could say "what a bunch of crap". A nicer word for BS. Think and be
educated before you speak.

Thanks for your interest, even if it was non-constructive with lack
of information.

Founder Matrix System
Al Garza

[Scrapper]

Mr Garza,

I appreciate your thorough and informative response. It has been a while since I posted my comments, so I had to re-examine your site and the things pictures there.

While the vaunted immaturity of Bullshido is world-famous, it is important to understand that the underlying, theme and philosophy here is a no-nonsense, real-world, systematic approach to the martial arts in real combat applications. Most posters here expect an empirical, and documeted record of training principles and their results in an objective setting.

Flip through a Black Belt magazine and count the number of instructors and experts posessing only anecdotal fight experience. Count how many teach "principles' and "non-linear" approaches without data reflecting the success of their individual philosophies.

When someone is putting forth a new "style" or "approach" or "methodology" for fighting; we tend to demand (rudely, and with much insensitivity, to be sure) for some kind of factual, verifiable, non-anecdotal, and ultimately empirical data to support this. It should be noted that we are hardest on our own members when they are guilty of making claims without "proof." I put proof in quotes because it doesn't even have to be inviolate proof, just good, solid, data that can be verified.

I pointed out in my initial post that your ideas seem to have merit, and that I approved of a system that promotes spontanaeity and improvisation. I stand by that. what I did not get was data. Do you and your students have competition records that reflect the success of your system (especially under rulesets that are not overly restrictive: MMA, Pancration, Muay Thai kickboxing, sub-grappling, etc.)?

I understand that your system ws not developed with competition in mind, but it is the easiest way to acquire that oh-so-important unbiased empirical data. The ability to win against skilled opponents in a competetive setting lends instant credibility to your principles. People can argue the nuances, but you can always say, "Hey, we won, didn't we?" and shut them up.

Or another path would be to show that your system has been successful with law-enforcement, military, or security people, who are required to document incidents and are generally expected to be competent fighters.

I don't know if any of this is helping you understand the nature and attitude of our posters. The point is, Bullshido is not the place for politeness and courtesy. Typically, those things are the veil that bad martial artists hide behind. Ever watch a session of congress where they all call each other "the honorable gentleman from ..." when what they really mean is "You asshole...?" It is a dishonest veneer that insults the intelligence of everyone involved.

I love hearing that Bullshido is a rambunctious collection of loudmouthed children who believe BJJ and Muay Thai are the only arts that are worth anything. (I study neither) It usually means that they said something here and got called to prove it, or demonstrate at a throwdown, and were rudely treated because they could or would not.

It speaks very well of you that you responded with information, and not a tantrum (as often happens). Information is good. Just be aware that this is a haven for skeptics, fighters, competitors, hardcases, and (yes, I'll admit it)a few immature children.

Stick around to observe, and collect data. (we ahve TONS of it here!) Prove us wrong about your system and you will get something very few places do anymore: Respect from us. If that is not of any value to you, than you can leave and never worry about us again. We are a tough, unpleasant crew. If you can hack it with us, you can hack it anywhere.


Sorry about the length!