Systema - Russian Martial Arts

Systema (or "The System") is a martial art based out of the heartland of Russia. Not only is it a complete "system" of martial arts training (unarmed, standing, grappling, knife work, gun disarming, blindfolded work, one-armed, one-legged, you name it!), it is also a "system" that combines physical, psychological, spiritual, and health benefits.

Theories of its beginnings are varied, but most agree that it dates back centuries ago, and that it was created out of the need for a fighting style that could work anywhere, in any situation, against anyone. Russia's history is full of wars against many different nations/tribes, every one having its own unique style of fighting, hence the importance of a combat style that is versitile. Also, Russians employed a "part-time army" (or "citizen soldiers"), and so there was also a need to create a fighting style that was easy to learn.

In my personal opinion, I see great similarities in Systema and the fighting style of the Cossacks. The fundamentals have stayed the same for centuries, but as time has progressed, so have weapons, and the "techniques" of Systema have evolved with them. If you're looking for "real-world" effectiveness, a way to get into great shape, the means to cut out the stress in your life, or to open yourself to your "higher power," Systema brings the goods to the table . . . And then some!

That looks painful! Well, I can't say it's sunshine and kittens, but the great thing about Systema is that there is a great learning curve. When in class, things start at a VERY basic level, and are done in a "slow-sparring" fashion.

In the first drill, there is likely no "technique," only a drill to help conceptualize the movement. Once you have proper foundation in the movement (and as you progress, you notice how often the movements are really the same), you can slowly start to build on technique, again in a slow and controlled environment.

All effort is made for your body to have sufficient time to "learn" before you will EVER practice drills at a speed resembling "live." Simply, it is too easy to "hide" mistakes at a fast speed (and too easy to get HURT if you don't know what you're doing!), and doing things at a slower pace allows yourself the possibility of really LEARNING what's going on in your body, as well as the person you are currently "working" with. The power of slow-speed sparring CANNOT be underestimated!