Of the common human values Freedom is pretty high on my list. When I moved to Colorado in 1997, after training in Kenpo et al since 1984, and opened my own martial arts school I felt free to explore any martial art I could get my hands on, and I did. Upon arriving in Colorado Read More …
The End Circle at the close of Systema class yields some insightful one-liners from students. The above quote, “I know Systema works because I am doing it wrong,” is a paraphrase of a comment routinely given by student Andrew Walton. It is one of my favorite quotes and here is how it originated. I would Read More …
Systema is a martial art that can be practiced safely throughout the entire span of your life. I know many people who are well-past the age of “cage fighting†who are exceptional at Systema. The breathing, relaxation, mobility and strength training keep our bodies going for as long as possible. Within the scope of Systema Read More …
So what purpose do explanations serve and to what extent should you rely on them? As a teacher of a psycho-physical discipline my rule on explanations is just enough to improve performance. Anything more is simply too much talking and not enough work. Enter the “Karate Nerds.†The Karate Nerds are the guys who want Read More …
One of my fondest Systema memories is the first day of the first training trip I took to Russia. There was a small group of us with a scholarly translator who never dealt with the military or martial arts. I didn’t speak Russian and none of the Russians spoke English very well either. Yet we Read More …
All too many times I have been on the floor with a high-level Systema instructor (Mikhail, Vladimir, Martin Wheeler), watched them demonstrate beautiful movement and then stood there scratching my head as I observed students not only using far too much tension, but deliberately doing so. Were they seeing the same thing I was? Where Read More …
by Vladimir Vasiliev When an untrained person perceives danger, his heart rate and blood pressure go up, while the breathing gets disrupted – he usually holds his breath for a short time. As a result of stress, there is tension and restriction of movement so full breathing becomes impossible. Thus, the heart is working harder, Read More …
On Systema by SSgt. Nate Morrison (reprinted from Dragon Door Forum) “Comrades, I do study Systema as well as the old Samurai arts. I come from a background in Ninjutsu. (I have also done a good bit of grappling and MMA with various SEAL and SF teams who really liked it.) All three are very Read More …
Yes You Can Watch, But Get on the Mat! Before I became a Systema Instructor I was like most people new to the art. I had years of both previous training and previous notions of what martial arts are supposed to look like. Luckily for me, the particular training-history I had along with my own Read More …
Thursday was my “triumphant”(?) return to teaching Systema after the birth of my daughter Petra. Time away always make me think long and hard about both Systema and how I can best help my students improve their Systema. I get a good laugh at what has become the standard Systema talk, e.g. “breathe”, “relax” or Read More …
