What are they saying about us? Here are a few samples...
About our Classes...
I decided to attend a class as a drop-in student from out of town. I was able to get precise directions via communication through the Systema Miami website. The class was a pleasure to attend. We simulated knife attacks in a covered parking lot. Everyone attending was knowledgeable and very friendly. Joe, our instructor, was very informative and organized. I would certainly drop in again, the next time I visit Miami.
Roland Sing, MD
Toronto, Canada
(Roland trains with a senior instructor under Vladimir Vasiliev).
Roland Sing, MD
Toronto, Canada
(Roland trains with a senior instructor under Vladimir Vasiliev).
I recently started taking Systema classes with Joe from Systema Miami, and have to say I'm already hooked. I have had no other martial arts training, and have been searching for a class and technique that is not a sport, but practical and efficient. I'm extremely impressed with Joe's one on one instruction and how helpful and positive the more advanced students are. I've already seen improvements in life by applying some of the principals and techniques to everyday life.
Neil Getker
Miami, FL
Neil Getker
Miami, FL
Joe, I just wanted to express my thanks for the training. I really enjoyed your classes, and look forward to training with you more. You've got a good group of students. Hopefully I'll see you soon.
Sean G.
Toronto, Canada
(Sean trains with Emmanuel Manolakakis)
Sean G.
Toronto, Canada
(Sean trains with Emmanuel Manolakakis)
It was my first experience with Systema and I really enjoyed Joe’s class. The guys there were really friendly and Joe is a really good instructor who can show and explain things in very comprehensible and professional yet easy-going manner. It was a really interesting combination of various techniques to get control over your mind and body i.e. natural body movements, breathing techniques and even internal organs’ massage. It was a whole system of techniques to learn and improve yourself. And I did have lots of fun doing that :)
Marina
Miami, FL
Marina
Miami, FL
About our Seminars...
It was really an experience meeting everyone. Dave, Rick and Joe you're a lot of fun. I learned more about breathing and using my body's natural movement instead of using my brute strength to fighting and defend myself. The few hours I spent with you guys will help me at work and as a correction officer you must expect the unexpected. I am really looking forward to training more and becoming proficient in Systema. It is one of the only fighting styles that you relax and strength, size, age is not a factor in your ability... Thank you!
Kenny M.
Corrections Officer in Florida
Kenny M.
Corrections Officer in Florida
Mr. Gehr,
First, let me say that I really enjoyed the seminar despite my lack of familiarity with Systema. The initial 'warm up' exercises were a good introduction to staying fit without the use of extraneous equipment, the breathing techniques and their implementation into the drills was a bit of an eye opener,like I mentioned previously to you, I never thought breathing could be hard to do! The drills and techniques were 'cave man simple' and effective, sorry I didn't have time to take notes! The demos by Mr. Merrell were performed slowly, with near perfect fluidity, and patiently repeated for those of us who are not kinesthetic learners :)
It was also refreshing to have the seminar outdoors as opposed to a more sterile 'dojo' environment. A brief introduction to knife work and the use of improvised weapons would have been welcomed but I suppose time constraints prevented that.
Overall a great training experience and look forward to learning more from you and Mr. Merrell in the next seminar.
Sal.Behar, MD
Pembroke Pines, FL
First, let me say that I really enjoyed the seminar despite my lack of familiarity with Systema. The initial 'warm up' exercises were a good introduction to staying fit without the use of extraneous equipment, the breathing techniques and their implementation into the drills was a bit of an eye opener,like I mentioned previously to you, I never thought breathing could be hard to do! The drills and techniques were 'cave man simple' and effective, sorry I didn't have time to take notes! The demos by Mr. Merrell were performed slowly, with near perfect fluidity, and patiently repeated for those of us who are not kinesthetic learners :)
It was also refreshing to have the seminar outdoors as opposed to a more sterile 'dojo' environment. A brief introduction to knife work and the use of improvised weapons would have been welcomed but I suppose time constraints prevented that.
Overall a great training experience and look forward to learning more from you and Mr. Merrell in the next seminar.
Sal.Behar, MD
Pembroke Pines, FL
I could take that exact same seminar a few more times, and still get a lot out of it! I would most definitely suggest this or any other Systema seminar to anyone. It will definitely open up a new world order of thought to them - even if they stick to their own styles, it will give them a new outlook. It is more about "surviving" than "fighting", and even more so, it takes legal ramifications into account during the engagement.
I loved it, and I would like to continue participating in some seminars, travel and my physical problems allowing, I definitely "went a little out of the box," but I would like to "Break down the walls".
I didn't seem too enthusiastic about it, my chronic pains get in the way, but internally I was exuberant! Thank You Joe!
David Thompson
Gainsville, FL
I loved it, and I would like to continue participating in some seminars, travel and my physical problems allowing, I definitely "went a little out of the box," but I would like to "Break down the walls".
I didn't seem too enthusiastic about it, my chronic pains get in the way, but internally I was exuberant! Thank You Joe!
David Thompson
Gainsville, FL
Thanks Joe for taking the time to organize the great Systema knife seminar. The instruction was great, with a great emphasis on breathing through all your movements. Also I especially appreciate the opportuniy to get together with old and new Systema friends alike from around the state. Had a great time!
Tom
Boca Raton, FL
Tom
Boca Raton, FL
As someone who has no background in martial arts, it was interesting and not too overwhelming because everyone was so helpful.
I felt like I had actually accomplished and learned something after we finished working together. It was a lot more "palatable" for me to throw someone to the ground when you knew the ground was soft. I should probably go take a couple more classes from you just to reinforce the self defense. That is the real reason that I took the class. I have thought about and gone through the motions of just about every move that was taught.
The instructors gave me a lot of theory to think about besides learning physically some basic ideas and techniques of self defense. The exercises at the beginning with the breathing was very important. It sets the basis for the whole training. I am using that idea of breathing in my workouts.
Thank you. It was a blast! Very good to get outside of your comfort zone. It really made a huge impression on me.
Julie Fitzpatrick
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
I felt like I had actually accomplished and learned something after we finished working together. It was a lot more "palatable" for me to throw someone to the ground when you knew the ground was soft. I should probably go take a couple more classes from you just to reinforce the self defense. That is the real reason that I took the class. I have thought about and gone through the motions of just about every move that was taught.
The instructors gave me a lot of theory to think about besides learning physically some basic ideas and techniques of self defense. The exercises at the beginning with the breathing was very important. It sets the basis for the whole training. I am using that idea of breathing in my workouts.
Thank you. It was a blast! Very good to get outside of your comfort zone. It really made a huge impression on me.
Julie Fitzpatrick
Ft. Lauderdale, FL
