Russian Martial Art of Pa.

Where’s the System in Systema?

I just recently saw a article on a web site that really caught my eye due to the night before I was showing some people at work some video clips over the internet and the same question came up. What style is that? There is no system to it. IT LOOKS LIKE A STREET BRAWL. So I thought I should address this question.

At a first or quick glance it could resemble a street brawl. The problem with most people is that they view martial arts as what is known as “traditional martial arts” (TMA). In my opinion the word tradition means out of date when it comes to martial arts.  This would be all of your karate styles such as shotokon or tae kwon do or in a joking manner “take your dough”. It may also include your Chinese’s styles of kung fu.

 Or your next group of people view martial arts as your “mixed martial art” (MMA). Mixed martial arts are a sport-based martial art. This would take in your Brazilian jujitsu, judo, wrestling and boxing type styles. Note: some of these styles could be also in the TMA group of martial arts.  Please keep in mind these styles are primarily based on the sport aspect of fighting.

 That brings us to Systema. Systema is a reality based self-defense (RBSD) meaning anything goes. Some of my favorite sayings are get it over before it starts so I can make it home for supper or don’t play their game.   

 These 3 labels or classifications will provide a quick reference in telling your friends what it is you are training for. But these titles only hit the edges of your form of martial art.

  Typically each of the arts that would be in a TMA or MMA base martial art are taught by learning a particular method or set patterns (what I call connect the dots martial arts), to deal with their situation. This may take in empty hand or weapon self-defense training. Their students start with a base level of learning, starting with stances and working into techniques that develop into set patterns sometimes called katas. You can clearly see a defined system. Each style has their own stances, techniques, strategies and postures. This is how we can distinguish between different styles such as kung fu, jujitsu, judo or karate. Which can then be broken into a more defined style such as shotokan or tae kwon do, etc… Student’s progress by conforming to their style requirements for each level or belt ranking.

 A person could look at a video clip or observe a systema class and find it hard to see any style or technique in the movements that are a part of Systema. They could easily say it looks like a street brawl. They are correct in many ways. Set techniques are not part of Systema. Even a RBSD practitioner could look at Systema only to see slow movements and perceive it to be a less effective approach due to the lack of aggression until it is time to finish the job at hand. This is all depending on the individual they are viewing and his mood or state of mind. Do they just want to walk away or are they a sadist who wants to inflict as much pain as possible.

 Over the years I have trained many people who came from a TMA or MMA style background. All have stated in their own words that they love the freedom of expression that they find in Systema because of having the option to apply as much force as needed to deal with their situation. From asking someone to leave their property to the harsh reality of correction officers, police, swat unit’s, bounty hunters etc. completing their job. All of my students from housewives to military personnel have found a huge benefit in their real every day life work. 

So where is the system in Systema?

 The system is in each individual. We have been created with a number of systems all working together such as –

    1. Cardiovascular system

    2. Digestive system

    3. Genital – urinary system

    4. Lymphatic/immune system

    5. Muscular – skeletal system

    6. Nervous system

    7. Respiratory system

 It could also be said that we posses a physical, psychological and spiritual aspect of our make up. Systema training is designed to work on and through each of these systems of our make up that we have been created with. Often our exercises are designed to accomplish more than 1 thing. This cuts down on wasted time that we never seem to have enough of. Example – even our many different styles of push ups are designed to be performed in a particular way with breathing patterns to work on the respiratory, muscular and psychological systems simultaneously. Systema was designed to bring forth an awareness of your strengths and weaknesses including overcoming handicaps that you may posses. Training in Russian Martial Art will help you find the full extent of our limitations. To see how proud and weak we really are.

 Vladimir states – Systema can be described as “poznai sebia” meaning to know yourself. This on all levels promotes a strong understanding of others by understanding ourselves. When we understand ourselves and others, Systema then becomes aaway to survive and not a self defense in the traditional sense that we may see in your other styles of martial arts. So saying all of this, Systema takes on a much different perspective. Having the freedom to do what is necessary in any situation to survive. Destroying the biggest weakness in all other styles – fear and ego. Both fear and ego may kill you. Learning to protect ourselves with little or no emotions getting in the way of our survival.

 How do we define the system if we have no rank or belts?

 The system can be defined as constant awareness thru breathing, relaxation, perfect posture & constant movement that we refer to as the four pillars. Systema has a core set of exercises that are the foundation for the four pillars. They include many different forms of push ups, squats and sit ups, all designed to work on more than one of our human bodies system. All of Systema’s drills or assignments as I call them have a lesson of applying the four pillars. Either for exercising or self -defense (survival) by helping us to understand ourselves and our limitations. When working on any given situation we build on your first and natural response. We then can understand what is inside of us by our charter make up. We can then learn to deal with what is actually happening around or to us rather than what we would like to happen as a set pattern or technique that you may have learned. Your response will fit the situation of that moment. And you will be able deal with it in a natural and free manor.

 How can we learn without set techniques?

First of all, by learning and understanding the way God designed our bodies to work. Secondly, by learning some basic principles that work in many different situations. For example if you want to know how to choke someone you need to know how to apply pressure at the right location. However there may be hundreds of different situations before you even get to that position. For instance are you standing, seated, in a confined space, drunk, tired, cold, wearing tight clothing etc. Systema drills are designed to explore as many different situations and angles as possible. Creating your own style of self- defense that works for you. There is no perfect technique, just what works and what doesn't.
It is the instructor’s job to provide situations or assignments for the student to respond to.  Every situation is an opportunity to learn. Taking things well past our comfort zone.
The great thing about Systema is that the body of knowledge is adaptable to any situation. Different situations bring new problems and new answers.

Ground Rules for Gunfighting

1. Everyone must bring a gun. Preferably, bring at least 2 guns. Also bring all of your friends that have guns.

2. If you can choose what to bring, bring a long gun and all your friends and their friends with long guns.

3. Bring a gun that works every time. There are no do overs.

4. Anything worth shooting is worth shooting more than once. Ammo is cheap. Life is expensive.

5. Only hits count. The only thing worse than a miss is a slow miss

6. If your shooting stance is good, you’re probably not moving fast enough.

7. Move away from your attacker. Distance is your friend, lateral and diagonal movements are your preferred.

8. Accuracy is relative so be relatively accurate.

9. Have a plan. A good plan executed now is better than a great plan later.

10. Use cover and concealment as much as possible.

11.  Flank your adversary when possible. Protect yours.

12. Don’t drop your guard.

13. Watch their hands, hands kill.

14. Decide to be aggressive enough quickly enough.

15. The faster you finish the fight, the less you will be shot.

16. Win if you can, lose if you must but always always CHEAT. The only unfair fight is the one you lose.

17. Someday someone may kill you with your own gun, but they should have to beat you to death with it because it will be empty and you were not trained in systema.

The story of the Spetznas officer
 A Spetznas Officer was on a bus and it suddenly braked.  This old woman, sitting behind him, goe's flying towards the Spetznas Officer who is only aware when her hand just touches him. Rather than catching her he moves that part of the body out of the way and she ends up on the floor....

"Why didn't you catch her?", he was asked. She might of had a knife or have been trying to  attack me, and besides it wasn't me who reacted it just happened...

Nicholae