Edward Van Halen, who rightfully earned the title of guitar virtuoso, died this week and garnered universal respect from the music world. One of my fondest childhood memories was hanging out in my grandmother’s basement listening to 8-track tapes of bands like REO Speedwagon, Styx, and Van Halen’s eponymous debut album. Whether or not you Read More …
Negative Space Any middling artistic skill I have owes itself directly to Betty Edwards’ book, Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain, a classic text in the field of visual artistry. Edwards masterfully presented various exercises to overcome my doubts about my ability to draw, such as copying a piece of line art by Read More …
Before you start Systema, it will help to know just what it is. Systema is often explained in negative terms — there are no uniforms, no memorized techniques, no kata, no belts — All the elements that people have come to expect to see in a martial art. So,whenever this explanation is given about Systema, Read More …
Practice Weapons Systema practice includes all sorts of weapons training so you will eventually amass a small arsenal of personal practice weapons. Though all you need to get started taking Systema is yourself, you will want to have, and you will need, some practice weapons. Here’a a quick list: KNIVES First, you will need at Read More …
“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 Read More …
So you’re ready to take your first Systema class. One of the first questions you probably have is, “what do I need for class?” If you begin training at a traditional martial arts school you would need: a uniform, a belt, a groin cup, a mouthguard, protective gear for sparring, etc. One benefit of Systema Read More …
What the rise of peanut allergies in America has to teach us about excelling at Systema Every school event, party or gathering I attend for my children comes with a warning, no peanuts. Peanut allergies are one of the most common food allergies children in the US today develop, and one of the most deadly. People Read More …
To recap, there’s inherent danger in practicing martial arts, where the point is to inflict damage, yet we have to train in such a way so as to not injury each other while we are learning how to injury the bad guys. This raises the question, “How do I stay safe while training, given the Read More …
A student asked me yesterday about what to do as he is being taken down to the ground. He said that when his partner was taking him down, it was instinctive for him to grab on to his partner and continue to fight on the way down. He asked me if that follows Systema principles. Read More …
Many years ago at a seminar, Vladimir told me to lie flat on my back, which I eagerly did, not knowing what he had in store for me. He then instructed another student to lie down on top of me. “Ok, so now what do I do?” I thought. But he wasn’t done. One after Read More …
