How The Deadly Art of Survival Became More Than Martial Arts.
The Deadly Art of Survival was founded in 1973 by martial artist Nathan Ingram in New York City’s Lower East Side. Originally established as a martial arts system, it quickly evolved into something far greater than a style—it became a cultural movement.
In 1979, the name The Deadly Art of Survival was immortalized as the title of the groundbreaking independent film directed by Charlie Ahearn, with Nathan Ingram starring in the lead role. Widely regarded as a precursor to Wild Style, the film helped lay the foundation for the intersection of martial arts, hip-hop, and graffiti culture. Wild Style itself featured Nathan Ingram’s martial arts student, Lee Quiñones, whose legendary graffiti artistry became one of the defining symbols of the Hip-Hop movement.
More than four decades later, 2021 marked the rebirth of The Deadly Art of Survival (DAOS). Spearheaded by Nathan Ingram and his son, Jacob Ingram, DAOS was reimagined as a global multimedia brand dedicated to preserving martial arts history while celebrating culture, music, entrepreneurship, and the arts.
Through its digital media platform, magazine, radio programming, original music, and collaborations with influential voices including Queenzflip, The Source Magazine, and numerous artists, athletes, and cultural leaders, DAOS has cultivated a passionate international community spanning more than 100 countries. They have also given back to communities while at the same time preserving cultural history through its non-profit The DAOS Foundation, honoring the very men and women who have shaped numerous lives to better our future...
Today, Deadly Art of Survival continues to bridge generations, honoring its historic roots while inspiring the next era of creators, martial artists, and cultural pioneers.