Systema: Principles of the Russian System
By 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. Click here for full article.
Why Systema?
By 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?” Click here for full article.
10 Common Misconceptions About Russian Systema
By 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. Click here for more.
What is Systema? Frequently Asked Questions By 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. WHAT IS TRAINING LIKE? Our practice sessions are usually is a series of drills, with some freestyle work on occasion. Most drills are done at a slow speed. Slow study creates a fear free environment so the body and mind can learn thoroughly. Speed ultimately becomes somewhat irrelevant when one simply matches the speed of the incoming event. Since Systema is based on training concepts, laws of motion, and sensitivity to the moment, there is no "technique" to do right or wrong and the learning curve is shortened. The immediate feedback makes this truly effective. Throughout all training, the primary focus is on good form, relaxation and breathing. Click here for full article.
Links to other Systema articles:
Black Belt Magazine: "...Systema Teaches Drills for Stopping Elbows, Knees and Head Butts!"
Black Belt Magazine: "...Systema Teaches Drills for Stopping Elbows, Knees and Head Butts!"