The Russian Martial Art

Testimonials

I had trained at Brad’s Systema school for 10 years and learned principles that have been very beneficial since moving away. I have attended seminars for various martial arts including Systema and have been able participate at a comfortable level with whomever I am working with. I always am asked as to where I learned to move so well. My thanks to Brad and all the training partners over the years. I look forward to coming back to Colorado for one of Brad’s seminars.

Mike Wurm

Thank you for the confidence you have given me from the heart that I spent in your school; the go-with-the-flow attitude that I learned at Systema has helped me avoid conflicts and stay level-headed while dealing with the less than ideal personality of the people who surround me. The relaxation techniques that you thought me as allowed me to succeed during tests which then allowed to get into the Colorado School of Mines. I am sure these things will allow me to keep succeeding in life. I h… Read more

“I’ve been taking Systema classes for four years at SMAA. When friends ask me what Systema is, I find myself sometimes at a loss for explaining the art in a way that is meaningful to them. Mostly, I tell them that Systema is the reverse of other martial arts that teach you an arsenal of techniques so that when you are in a situation where you need to act defensively, you have the tools in place to respond accordingly. On the other end of that spectrum, Systema teaches you strength, relax… Read more

Strength, Relaxation and Presence of Mind

Any concern of how Systema class would be degraded during these physically-distant times was put to rest since classes started back up. Those that study Systema know that the more you study, the more ever-expanding amount of things you can do (up close) presents itself- it never ends and is why we keep coming to perfect our craft. And so it seems that there is also an unending amount of drills, exercises, and practical self defense movements that can be done while maintaining a reasonable distan… Read more

An Unending Amount of Skills

“I found my way to Brad’s class from Canada when I was in Denver for a conference. I’m sorry to say that up to this point my experience with Systema has been limited and wanting, compared to what I see in Vladimir’s DVDs. I don’t think anyone who’s met Brad needs to be convinced, but judging from the hour and a half I was there, I saw the Systema that I had hoped was out there. I left feeling bruised but buoyant. This class focused on kick defense. We began with some pushups, squats, and stre… Read more

James Underwood

“It’s not a regular martial arts, it’s not memorized movements or anything like that; it’s bio-mechanics. You have to have an understanding how to move the body and with your center of gravity, and to adapt to what’s going on, versus something like karate or kung fu where there’s patterned movements and things of that nature. Here it’s simply moving the body as one System, as one unit to adapt to situations.”

Jovan HillFlorida

I have been a student at Scornavacco Martial Arts Academy for over a year. I have been impressed with the quality of the instruction and the insight that Mr. Scornavacco provides to the real-world applications of the techniques. As a physician, I am keenly aware of the CDC guidelines. Mr. Scornavacco has implemented social distancing policies in compliance with federal and state guidelines. These policies have allowed the students to practice skills in a “no contact” manner. F… Read more

Real-World Applications, Not Sport

I have had the opportunity to train with Brad Scornavacco several times over the last four years. On each occasion, Mr. Scornavacco demonstrated a remarkable level of skill and subtlety. Brad’s physical prowess alone would have been sufficient to distinguish him among martial artists, but additionally he is one of the best teachers and most effective communicators that I have personally encountered in any field of endeavor. He conducts his classes with a unique combination of humor, wit, an… Read more

Jeff Kestin

“Do not choose a studio according to the style taught there. Choose the very best teacher you can find, and learn what that person teaches. A great teacher is the most important element for students. Mr. Scornavacco is a wonderful man, a talented practitioner, and a caring and gifted teacher.”

Rabbi Benjamin Sendrow

“I’ve done Systema for a number of years and I’m already sold on the value. It’s very practical, it’s easy to learn, it works off of your natural sort of inclinations, and it makes me happy. And I’m also learning a ton, so I’m really happy to be here. Brad’s an amazing teacher. He just has this really amazing way of explaining things, and he’s a really engaged teacher and we also do new things all the time. So he’s always pushing us, he’s always challenging us, and he always keeps it intere… Read more

Brad's an amazing teacher