Systema training

In Russian martial arts, Systema training can look different form other styles from around the world. There are no katas or fixed forms for instance. There are no exacting drills. There are no hand to hand combat situations that are not thought about.

Systema will prepare you and give you a useable solution for almost any confrontation.

Fighting techniques
Moving the body, redirecting attacks, evasion and subduing your opponent are aspects of Systema fighting techniques. There is a focus on mobility, tactics and the capability of reacting to the unexpected with clarity, poise and punishing effectiveness. “Bio-dynamics”, pressure points destabilizing an opponent using the six levers of the human body are covered.

Relaxation techniques
The emphasis on relaxation as an aid to learning hand to hand combat may at first seem out of place. On further examination however a relaxed body and mind is better able to cope with danger and unexpected crisis. A psyche under too much stress is liable to snap or make ill informed strategic decisions leaving one open to harm. The practice in Systema training of deliberately relaxing the body builds a foundation in conscious control over our nervous system which. Similar effects are achieved by Yoga practitioners. Being able to relax at will will not only serve you in a street fight situation but is a valuable skill that will permeate all areas of your life.

Breathing techniques
The breathing techniques go hand in hand with the relaxation element in Systema. It is widely known that how you are breathing at any given moment is both a reflection of your inner mental sate and the means of controlling it. By altering our breath pattern we can induce immediate effects on our physiology. Every martial artist who wants to progress to a high level should be encouraged to study breath control. Systema focuses on breathing techniques to increase awareness of the body and one's environment and the dangers therein.

Creative/intuitive strategy techniques
Students have different body types and mentalities and systems takes this into account through an open, spontaneous approach to dealing with aggressive attacks. Being free from set routines, katas and drills frees the mind from rigidity and limits and allows defensive self expression which can deal with the unexpected. In a way it's a little like non-attachment to a technique that allows the body to flow and react in the moment without hindrance.