Why
Systema? Martin Wheeler www.wheelersystema.com Over
the recent years I have read with interest on the internet back and
forth as to the validity of training in Systema by observers who have
only viewed experts in the art on YouTube or video. Usually a
comparison is made to the most visual of fighting arts, mixed martial
arts or MMA. The same types of questions are posted over and over
again, "Why do they train slowly? Why does this look way too easy? Why
did that guy fall over and seem unable to get back up?" [More...]
Systema:
Priciples of the Russian System James Williams www.SystemOfStrategy.com If
someone had told me a few years ago that out of a western Christian
tradition would come a martial art as deep, sophisticated and evolved
as the best of the oriental arts I would not have believed them. Yet
there is such an art coming out of the ancient Russian culture with
deep roots in the Russian Orthodox monasteries. At its root in the
present day is an exceptional man, Mikhail Ryabko. Trained by one of
Stalin's Falcons from the age of five and beginning his operational
career in the Russian Spetsnaz (Special Forces) at the age of 15,
Mikhail Ryabko was not only given the secrets of this ancient art, he
was put in the position of repeatedly applying both the art and its
principles in life and death combat on, what for much of his early
life, was a day-to-day basis. This System, taught by Mikhail Ryabko, is
not a shadow of what once was, it is a living practical art that even
now is being applied by warriors in combat. [More...]
Taking
Strikes Jim King Some
questions were posed in a recent thread asking how to absorb strikes.
References were made to a video, I assume Strikes, where different
individuals were taking a variety of hits, some of which were landing
in the high solar plexus area. This inquirer stated he tried to
practice on himself and with others striking him with little progress
or enlightenment and wondered if being relaxed was really the best
answer as being tense seemed to offer a little more protection (Even
though he admitted he had a difficult time with the strikes regardless
if he were tense or relaxed.). In response, a second poster added he
too was having limited result with experimentally striking himself and
later wondered if twisting the body at the moment of impact would be of
greater benefit. While I am not the final authority on the subject, I
can speak as one who has been touched a bit by the best. [More...]
What
is Systema? Frequently Asked Questions Marc Bresee We
teach Systema as taught by Vladimir Vasiliev and Mikhail Ryabko.
This Style encompasses every aspect of conflict, from the psychological
aspects of conversation and posturing as violence arises, thru all
aspects of hand to hand fighting, grappling and groundwork and group
attacks, and weaponry, including work with a handgun or rifle, and work
in special environments, against a wall, in a chair, car, stairway or
in the water. You name it: we work with it. [More...]
Form, Flinch,
or Flow Kevin Secours www.MontrealSystema.com In
trying to understand a specific style of martial art, the temptation
always exists to judge it based on how it looks. In looking at Russian
Systema, many have noted that some elements resemble Aikido. Others
find similarities between it and Bagua, Hsing-i or Tai Chi. Some notice
moves that are similar to Kali or Indonesian Silat. Others see
something entirely different. The fact is, the human brain is
image-driven. [More...]
10
Common Misconceptions About Russian Systema Kevin Secours www.MontrealSystema.com The
Russian martial art of Systema is a relatively new art in Western
consciousness. Having been previously classified during the Soviet era,
it was only first revealed beyond the country's borders in 1993. Even
then, early promoters needed to work to establish its credibility as
even many government and military officials refuted its existence.
Today, it is widely established and has grown exponentially beyond its
borders but still in the youth of its expansion, it suffers from many
misconceptions and misinterpretations. [More...]