Highkckr1

I have to say that a very good point was made as to who is creating the style and their credentials. Having traveled this road, there are many people who feel that unless it is traditional it's useless, on the other hand, without the past masters creating systems we would not have as many "traditional" systems as we have. It basically comes down to the facts that each of us has a different outlook on techniques and how they can be utilized, this is where a new system is created and if the creater has a strong back gound in martial studies then who is to say that what they envisioned isn't worth while. I don't feel that a person who has limited training is qualified to create but, their take on a principle or technique should still be looked at with an open mind. Just remember that at some point the "traditional" systems were new and were probably criticized and looked down upon until their value was realized. Humbley, Shodai Soke Scott Nelson

I have to agree that there are groups, organizations, and federations that for the right price will give you anything you want. I, at one point, made the mistake of joining just such an organization (which I regret now) and that was due to my lack of knowledge about what was legitimate and what was not. I was thankfully introduced to several people who took the time to view my system and brought me into the organization I am currently with. I had to not only pass a review with members of the executive board, but also pass an intensive background check of myself and my father to verify any claims of rank, association, and instructors we had studied with. I also had to hold rank in a classical art of at least 5th Dan and at least Shodans in 3 others. It was quite exhausting but, well worth it to have my father's art legitimized under an organization that has the ability to recognize new systems. I also want to pass along my "credentials" as I was sent an interesting e-mail asking for them. I hold a 7th Dan in Shotokan, 2nd Dan in ITF Tae Kwon Do, 1st Dan in WTF Tae Kwon Do, 1st Dan in Washin-Ryu, 1st Dan in Kempo, and an instructors ranking in Kung-Fu. I hope that answers the question on credentials, and I have been involved in the arts for almost 31 years. Respectfully, Soke Nelson

Nel-Son-Ryu has strong influences from the Okinawan/Japanese systems and the Korean arts. We took some of the forms from the O/J systems and the kicking arts from the Koreans. We added to this boxing techniques along with Greco/Roman wrestling techniques for ground work. It is mostly a stand up art but, has enough ground work/grappling that it is still effective in that arena. Let me make this clear though, this is not the "ultimate" martial art. Every form has it's strengths and weaknesses. Grappling is the weakest part of this system but, I am trying to improve on that. Since this is a new art (about 20 years old) it is still growing and changing. Currently we do very well at tournaments and MMA arenas. I still study new techniques and concepts as often as possible to improve not only myself but, the system as well and share this with my students. Thank you for the interest and while some of the comments were annoying I have learned over the years that everyone has an opinion and thankfully we are in a country where we can express them openly. Respectfully, Soke Scott Nelson

To show that I am the son of the 1st Soke of the system.

I was just reviewing the comments made in regards to obscure MA systems. Several comments were made as to the name given to the system my father created IE: Nel-Son-Ryu. First off this system had a different name to begin with but, with the death of my father and the use of the previous name by several other systems I felt it was most appropriate to change the name and in doing so also wanted to honor my father. This how the name came about. Secondly this is not an uncommon practise within the Japanese naming of systems. Shotokan was named after Funikoshi Sensei's pen name of Shoto and the kan basically translates to school therefore it is Shoto's school. Matsubayashi-Ryu was named after the founder of it, and so on and so forth. I could have come up with some Japanese name but, instead chose to do what is considered tradition and honorable and placed the family name of the first Soke of the system on it. I hope this answers some of the discussion and if anyone has any questions please do not hesitate to ask them. Respectfully, Shodai Soke Nel-Son-Ryu Saigo Ha Karate-Do Dr. Scott Nelson