Attributes Of A Combative Fighting System: Into the Mind Of The Matrix’s
The A.G. Matrix System (hereafter referred to as the Matrix System) is an advanced approach to the creation of a lethal martial arts system. As a martial art, it is progressive in that it utilizes building blocks to convey vast amounts of information that continually builds upon itself. Many martial artists, especially more advance practitioners, eventually after a while they wind up feeling increasingly frustrated because they seem to be just repeating the same material over and over. That’s not something that Matrix followers ever have to worry about. The Matrix is so massive that it has its adherents wondering if they will ever live long enough to even begin to comprehend its depths!

The Matrix System as a style is highly intricate in its combative fighting execution and precision movements. It essentially is a composite of all of the other martial arts, united through a multidimensional approach theory with a focus on a continuously evolving style of application. This multidimensional aspect, which actually encompasses several levels including multiple application, multiple variations, and multiple directions, makes the Matrix System its own unique system and style.

The word “matrix” originally referred to the womb, that place within which or from which something originates, takes form, or develops. Much like the nucleus of an atomic structure forms the building blocks of mater, the Matrix System has identified the fundamental changes that form the movement patterns that allow for the constant ebb and flow needed to engage in effective, changeable combat.

Thus, the Matrix System is a formula containing a natural beginning, middle and end. It is an interactive method, which is applied to all forms of motion and movement. While it may appear very complex at first, ultimately martial artists find the art to be quite natural and spontaneous. As it is an evolutionary advance, the Matrix System does involve a paradigm shift from the traditional martial arts philosophy. While every martial art has its strengths, the Matrix System has concepts and principles that can enhance them all. Several of its major concepts will be reviewed here.

Systematic Method Of Application
At the heart of the AG Matrix System is its method of application. This constitutes a blueprint for adaptability as a tool for enforcing movement. It is specifically designed to alter during application in response to transforming or changing circumstances by using learned responses coupled with unlimited resources. This permits the fighter access to motion and movement, which can change with any attack.

The Matrix System is the first to provide a combative housing case system exclusively for method of application. Compared to other arts the method of application is part of the system. This housing system carries within it all of the series, concepts and theories and provides the practitioner multiple selections of alternative applications (choice movements or patterns as needed in response to changes occurring during combative situations).

A Systematic Academic Combative Martial Art
As defined, the AG Matrix System is the study, blueprint, application and practice of combative martial arts movements. The application and practice are the “how it works” concepts of this martial arts system, from the beginning to the end. The physical participation in the Matrix System is called practice. The blueprint evolves from the basic building blocks to advanced levels of movement.

Subconscious Responses – Free Flow
The objective of Matrix free Flow is to respond subconsciously to combative situations with spontaneously natural movements. The Matrix calls this conditioning process, Free Flow Motion. A good example of free flow motion is a guitarist playing his instrument while talking to another individual. His playing movements are skilled and spontaneous and are played by his spontaneous hand memory, leaving the conscious mind to participate or concentrate on other matters. In combat, the body movement memory operates the subconscious reaction responses. But it is the conscious that provides the eyes to the subconscious. The conscious sees and detects the attack and triggers and determines what combative responses the subconscious body memory will react with. This provides an operational definition of mind-body interaction specific to combat.

Learning Combative Reaction Patterns
The combative responding to changes within combat is known as the RC Theory
(responses to changes theory). These combative responses are called approaches and are categorized as series categories or methods of application. These methods of application are different in concept and execution, and consist of patterns interacting with transitional level movements in order to teach multi-dimensional combative skills that can be effectively applied to any fighting situation.

Combative Application Series
The Matrix System’s series categories consist of material organized into progressive learning levels. Currently, the Matrix System has over seventy (70) different series consisting of twenty (30) patterns per series. Each series has five different sets containing for patterns each, thus a total of twenty distinct patterns. As an example, there are patterns encompassing strangulation methods, smothering, body wrapping, multiple breaking, knock outs and even death hits. As the student evolves through each level of series the subconscious and conscious begin to response to changes with natural movements. This leads to the ability to apply the free flow motion discussed earlier in a spontaneous manner.
A System Based On Change
The Matrix was created in order to respond to the differences in physical stature and the constant movement changes that occur in a fighting situation. It has always a case of what if in combat: what if he lets go before I turn his wrist and throw him? What if he strikes with the other hand? The alternatives and what if questions are endless and have created enormous difficulties form many martial artists. As a result of the defensive and offensive reaction responses to these what if changes, the Matrix System has created and developed formulas of application to meet the constant and complex demands of change. By adding multi-dimensional principles to movements or patterns, the Matrix practitioner becomes diligent and responsive in any situation. Combative movements with a Matrix structure and pattern of reasoning have the ability to constantly alter in any direction of application or placement. They contain movements that interchange and integrate with all other movements or patterns. Thus, a truly systematic approach to change is finally possible. The Matrix artist’s body and mind is able to respond flexibly to change at any time.

Change Theory
Changes are always constant within a fighting situation and within these changes, six different change factors exist and occur. These changes are called the Change Theory. The approach to changes and the methods of application were created as a response to the theory of change.

Six changing factors
1. Resistance (opposes expected response)
2. Reaction (unexpected responses)
3. Direction change (unexpected direction of attack)
4. Distance change (changes in body range)
5. Force (different power, pressure)
6. The Unexpected (everything you didn’t anticipate)

All of the above factors are considered and integrated within every response pattern contained within the Matrix System.

The Power Tools of Martial Arts
Power tools are designed to increase effective power and efficiency. Within the Matrix System, these functional power tools are methods to amplify martial arts power and energy. The total series of applications and functional operating methods system has become the housing case containing all combative reactions and responses. With the ability to adjust, integrate, and change methods of application with transitional skill movement in a precise and measurable way. Nothing is left to chance and each every movement, punch, strike, block, kick, take down, motion, etc. can be precisely measured as to its actual effective power, effectiveness, and efficiency. In this way, the practitioner has a way to actually test the effectiveness of every move to see if it is the most powerful response possible in any given situation, and if not, is able to power-tool it to increase its efficiency.
Equalizing Fear
Working with a fighter’s emotional state is important. Fear is, of course, a natural element in combat. But, a Matrix student learns to counteract fear through special tensing moves that help to regain confidence. In an emotional state of fear the body becomes weak and lose-limbed. Therefore, by tensing the body, not only does it become more condensed but it actually strengthens. As confidence develops through control of movement, the fighter returns to a regular of combative state of mind.

In combat situation, one experiences fears due to the alternating twin ghosts of the unknowns and the unexpected. To overcome this conditioned state of fear, the Matrix system has evolved an array of self-defense concepts, theories, applications and practices that confront the unexpected and unknown changes. With the multiple dimensional approach theory, it adapts to changes with a methodological procedure, thus familiarizing and experiencing the unexpected and unknown with its training methods.

Ranking In The AG Matrix System
The Matrix Systems levels of achievement (rankings) are the first to record requirements from first degree black belt to the tenth degree (grandmaster) black belt level. Each level carries a different degree of education that must be attained before moving to the next level. The named titles in the Matrix System are:

1. Associate: A beginner in the Matrix system with a black belt from a different style.
2. Associate Instructor: An associate with two years in the Matrix System.
3. Instructor: First and second degree back belts.
4. Teacher: Third through fifth degree black belts.
5. Master Teacher: Sixth through ninth degree black belts.
6. Grandmaster: Tenth degree black belt.
7. Founder-Grandmaster: The founder/creator of the Matrix System, Mr. AL Garza. This title is the highest position within the system.

Rank based On Knowledge
The AG Matrix System, as a goal, seeks to take each student to his or her fullest potential as a martial artist and as a human being. As a result, the approach has extensive new requirements at each level from white belt through 10th degree black belt. Unlike most martial arts that have a curriculum that really only covers 1’st through 3’rd degree black belt (sometimes through 5’th) and then awards promotion to higher ranks for time served at each rank, The Matrix System has a full comprehensive curriculum throughout its entire ten black belt ranks. This allows even the most advanced students the ability to continue growing and learning through progressive learning stages at all levels of development.

The AG Matrix System Data
The mentioned earlier, The Matrix System currently has at least 70 levels of combative applications series (see our web-site for a demonstration of the basic Matrix system). These application series are arranged and systematized to interact with each movement or pattern, and represent the positions of practice within the Pattern Positions Sequence Arrangements Formula (PPSAF). These are all designed for and systematized for combative movement adaptation. They are initially taught at a one-dimensional level and then proceed to the advanced scale levels of the multi-dimensional applications practices that characterize the Matrix system. Here are the current series levels.

1. First series: basic entries (blocks and strikes).
2. Second Series: entries, follow-ups (continuation movements) and latter movements
3. Engagements Series: throws, trips, and take-downs
4. Engagement Strike Series Level: various strike additions to engagements
5. Cross Series levels: cross strike applications levels 1-10
6. Eight Major Blocks Series: basic AG Matrix blocks
7. Ground Movement Series: ground wrestling appliccations
8. Weapon Series: various weapon applications
9. Grabbing Series levels: escapes from different grabs, levels 1-2
10. Lock Series: various lock applications
11. Club Sequence: defenses against a club
12. Second Series Offensive Series: offensive applications
13. Rolling Free Flow Series: sets one through five free flow
14. Check Block Series: applications with check blocks (high and low)
15. Five Blocks Entry Series: five sets of different entries
16. Stop Series: applications using stops and jamming
17. Latter Series: finishing pattern applications
18. Low High Series: applications starting in low strike positions
19. Directional Series: applications in different pattern directions
20. First Series Offense: offensive applications
21. Double Strike Series: applications with ore than one strike at a time
22. Sixteen Directional Strike Formula Series: 16,640 total combinations, offensive an defensive
23. Second Series Level Two: additional components to second series
24. Second Series level Two Offense: offensive applications
25. Cross Series Levels Offense: offensive levels 1-10
26. Knife Series: defensive-offensive against a knife
27. Basic Trapping Sequence: Fundamentals of trapping hands
28. Turn Around Sequence: Positioning an opponents direction
29. Intermediate Trapping Series: trapping entries level one
30. Advanced Trapping Series: trapping levels 1-15
31. Third Series: circle form first and second sequence entries
32. Third Series Offense: offensive applications
33. Fourth Series: circle form third and fourth sequence with follow-ups
34. Fourth Series Offense: offensive applications
35. Fifth Series: Matrix complete sequences, entries, follow-ups and latter movements
36. Fifth Series Offense: offensive applications
37. Elbow Series: elbow applications, entries, follow-ups and latter movements
38. Body Wrap Series: body control applications
39. Body Wrap Around Strikes: body control applications with wrapping strikes
40. Arm bar Sequence: arm bar applications
41. Leg Kicking Long Range Series: kicking long range strikes
42. Leg Kicking Short Range Series: kicking short range strikes
43. Breaking Joints Short Range: breaking joints with kicks
44. Breathing and Body Control Series: method movements for advanced breathing control (slow and fast application)
45. Body Tension and Dynamic Control Series: method movments for straightening and controlling the body
46. Neck disjoint Series: movements for the disjointing of the neck
47. Reaction Response Series: offensive response patterns and defensive changes to responses
48. Extended Arm series: long extend hand range entries
49. Back Motion Series: applied strikes in reverse motion
50. Short Oval Series: short oval entries, follow-ups and latter movement
51. Long Oval Series: long Oval entries, follow ups, and latter movements
52. Full Extension Circle Series: extended circle entries and extended circles
53. Finger Breaking Series: standing offensive and defensive movements with finger breaks applications
54. Ground Finger Breaking Series: ground finger breaks applications
55. Engagement Finger Breaking Series: finger breaking standing and wrestling applications
56. Balance and Poise Series: alignment and weight distribution control of patterns
57. Slapping series: open hand slapping applications, defense and offense
58. Joint Breaking Series: single joint breaking
59. Multiple Joint Breaking Series: multiple joint breaking
60. Gripping an d Ripping Series: gripping and ripping applications
61. Biting Series: applications with biting follow-ups and latter movements
62. Low fighting Series: fighting in low positions, entries, and follow ups
63. Tripping and Swiping Series: leg positioning entries and follow-ups
64. Multiple Opponent’s Series: fighting move than one opponent applications
65. Vibration Hands Series: vibrating applications
66. Smothering And Choke Series: smothering choke applications
67. Strangulation Series: various choking applications
68. Squeeze Series: advanced hand striking applications
69. Pressure Point Series: basic entries on pressure point knock outs
70. Finger Point Series: advanced applications to finger positions with multiple pressure points

All Series categories start as one-dimensional movements that consist of 21,000 movements. The AG Matrix System Multi-Dimensional movements expand with additional multiple factors to 67,092,480,000 (that’s right, 67 billion) movements and more with them being subject to integration and being interchangeable with each other! Knowledge and information are fundamentally access to choices. These main series categories are endless in information, application, and choices. Free flow motion and natural learned combative response movements within a complete system form a reference resource for adaptation in combat. The final outcome of this approach constitutes the AG Matrix System.

The AG Matrix System style can be viewed at the Matrix Web-site:
www.agmatrixsystem.com (see video movements from the Matrix System)
to contact Al Garza by e-mail:
algarzamatrix@yahoo.com (or call 909-9811953)

Matrix System Seminars and demonstrations are available by appointments