Systema - Russian Martial Arts
I have had the priviledge of working with Val Riazanov (Val's Blog)by promoting the Russian martial art of Systema. Systema (as defined by Wikipedia) is a Russian martial art designed to be highly adaptive and practical, training using drills and sparring instead of set kata. It focuses mainly on the six body levers (elbows, neck, knees, waist, ankles, and shoulders), while also teaching pressure point application and takedowns. However, to me it is so much more and the punches are down right brutal.
The biggest thing that I have learned from Val thus far, is that it doesn't take physical strength to overcome an attacker. Mental strength and clear thinking will enable you to do things that will amaze. This is one of the principles that has helped me in my business ventures and in my personal life. A clear mind that is focused can achieve great things.
I had never really been into martial arts before Val, although I do participate in sports such as running and soccer. I was raised to believe that fighting is not the answer, to be the bigger person, blah blah blah, so I never participated in martial arts. Now that I am older, I realize that personal protection is a skill that everyone should have, especially if they are the head of a family. Val has shown me a way (that I feel is not as violent as other martial arts) to stop anyone from doing me physical harm. And now that I have learned about the martial art of Systema, I don't feel as threatened by suspicious or threatening people getting up close to me and surprisingly have a greater deal of confidence in all that I do.
I think that this training is something that everyone should look into. It is great for people well studied in martial arts as well as those like me who don't have a clue. Being able to protect yourself and assert yourself in all situations is liberating and gave me a new sense of power. It has also pushed my confidence up in all aspects of my life, even if I never have to use a ballistic strike to stop a confrontation.
Comments
I discovered Systema a couple of years ago after years in other martial arts. It really is effective, and as you know, Mark, its instructional method is unlike anything else you're bound to encounter. The lessons sort of skip right past your brain and go straight into your body. That's one of the big angles in Systema - you free your body up to use its own "wisdom" and find kinetic solutions to "problems" (i.e. attacks).
Yeah, a good Systema punch doesn't look like much to a casual observer, but it *sure* is effective - ouch!
Posted by: Travis | July 29, 2007 07:01 PM
Interesting stuff, I train in Krav Maga which you might want to check out some time. It's also a 'reality based' system. I don't have any experience with Systema but would be good to see it in action one day.
Posted by: Krav Maga | April 28, 2008 10:16 AM