Fight Like a Russian Spy with Systema

Michael Chin Worcester Systema Russian SpyMartial arts are generally known as a tradition of combat practices specific to self-defense, physical and mental strength, fitness, entertainment, and spiritual development. Most of the martial arts we are familiar with in today’s society have a long and storied history. These practices are often associated with eastern Asia and various locations throughout Europe. Judo, Jujitsu, Karate, Gatka, Aikido, and Muay Thai are merely a small example of a long list of traditional arts.

Occasionally a new type of martial art or new interpretation comes along and attempts to combine a number of existing styles. The Russians have developed a new method known as Systema. Founded among the Russian military elites, Systema has become a widely respected and practiced martial art.

Systema is an intuitive, zen fighting style that emphasizes spontaneity and relaxation. This martial art does not come with rules, repetitive movements, or any particular classification of skill like blue or black belts. Systema has even become a favorite of the United States Military, as Navy Seals and Green Berets alike have begun to adopt the methods offered by this martial art.

In this article ozy.com article, participants meet with Martin Wheeler, a well-known practitioner of the art. Wheeler describes Systema by four main pillars – breathing, relaxation, movement, and structure. One of the most intriguing points he makes about Systema is in his difficulty in giving it an exact definition. According to Wheeler, his concept of the art is constantly changing. At the root of this style is a fluidity that comes from mental awareness and relaxation in the moment.

The art resembles a type of dance when in motion. Wheeler demonstrates his ability to effortlessly exist in the moment, control his breathing, and react without panic. According to Vladimir Vasiliev, one of the founders of modern Systema, you are eliminating fear in the body.

One potential and obvious application of Systema would be with the police. Many police officers and the citizens they serve and protect would prefer a less lethal approach. As noted by Nate Morrison, a special ops veteran and police instructor, this type of training would be a great public relations asset. Systema’s founders, however, are a bit hesitant to put themselves out there and advertise the art. Many believe it is a discipline that could thrive in today’s society.

Be sure to check out the video here.

The Russian Martial Art of Systema Fighting Technique

Michael Chin Worcester Systema TechniquesThe Russian Martial Art of Systema is different than your everyday martial arts. Rather than learning how to attack, Systema’s training is more focused on learning how to respond to an attack. The existence of Systema is believed to predate back to the cold war era in the Soviet Union, but actually has roots in ancient Russian fighting styles that existed more than a millennium ago.

The style is a fluid, reactionary style that focuses on individual strengths and characteristics. The main focus is to erase physical and mental tension from the fighting equation so that the fighter is prepared for the next move. There is also a fair amount of importance on the starting-stance in Systema. The starting stance should be straightforward and natural; there should not be any immanence of a threat. The stance should reflect the position at which your opponent is in, acting as a preventative method for your opponents next attack.

For example, Vladimir Vasiliev demonstrated the starting position. His attacker came at him, and Vladimir swiftly kicked him in the thigh and punched him in the back of the neck while falling to the ground. This was all done in one swift motion. The purpose of striking in Systema is to hit the attacker unexpectedly, causing un-balance rather than pain. This manipulation of the attackers body is premeditated so that the Systema fighter has the ultimate control. With this kind of control, the Systema fighter is able to work with moves that disorient his attacker without injuring him.

The next critical proponent of Systema is being able to move in a manner that is undetectable by your opponent. When the opponent is ready to strike, he gives a tell and begins the full movement of either a kick or a punch. Here, your opponent is already committed to the move at hand, making him vulnerable at the time of the attack. This is when you strike in Systema.