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Systema :: Russian Martial Art

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Russian Combatives

"No rules. No belts. No nonsense. The system – a fighting art without all the needless baggage." Black Belt Magazine. Systema is a phenomenal full-spectrum martial system, rooted in ancient Russian Orthodox monasteries and the Rus, Slavik and Cossack warrior traditions. It is survived today by the elite Russian special operations units who have brought this amazing martial art to the world. A devastatingly effective combat system, relying on natural body movements, universal principles and adapting one’s inherent qualities to any combat situation – “the System” is truly that. Systema is an ancient Russian martial art adapted for use in modern warfare by the Russian Special Operations and the Soviet spy network. Needing the fastest and most effective training regime for their elite fighters and undercover operatives, the Soviets experimented with many combat arts, only to rediscover the most deadly and sophisticated among their own traditional Slavic hill-fighting roots.
Until recently Systema was hidden by the highest levels of Soviet classification only to be opened up to the West by Russian Masters Vladimir Vasiliev and Mikhail Ryabko.
Subtle, brutal and uncompromising it covers all aspects of combat training from hand-to-hand to the use of weapons in any and all combat enviroments. With no forms or kata to memorize, no techniques, no belts, no predetermined attitudes to conform to, just natural movement that can be practiced for a lifetime. Resulting in the development of a deep understanding of human nature, Systema is truly a unique and boundless art.

Systema Philosophy

There is a reason why Russian Martial Art is called CИCTEMA ("the System" in Russian). It is a complete set of concepts and training components that enhance one’s life. In this case, acquiring martial art skill as a way to improve the function of all seven physiological systems of the body and all three levels of human abilities the physical, the psychological and the spiritual.
The key principle of the Russian Systema is non-destruction. The goal is to make sure that your training and your attitudes do no damage to the body or the psyche of you or your partners. Systema is designed to create, build and strengthen your body, your psyche, your family and your country. In Systema, the synergy of three components creates a TRUE WARRIOR - Combat Skill, Strong Spirit and a Healthy Body.
The body has to be free of tension, filled with endurance, flexibility, effortless movement and explosive potential.The spirit or psychological state has to be calm, free of anger, irritation, fear, self-pity, delusion and pride.The combat skill includes movements that are powerful and precise, instant and economical, spontaneous, subtle and diverse, the signature of a true professional.
Systema has another name “poznai sebia” or “Know Yourself”. What does it really mean to Understand Yourself? It is not just to know what your strengths and weaknesses are, that is good but fairly superficial. Training in Russian Martial Art is one of the sure ways to see the full extent of our limitations – to see how proud and weak we really are. Systema allows us to gain the true strength of spirit that comes from humility and clarity in seeing the purpose of our life.
As the roots of the Russian Systema are in the Russian Orthodox Christian faith, the belief is that everything that happens to us, good or bad, has only one ultimate purpose. That is to create the best possible conditions for each person to understand himself. Proper training in the Russian Systema carries the same objective – to put every participant into the best possible setting for him to realize as much about himself as he is able to handle at any given moment.

History of Systema

The Russian style of martial art dates back to the 10th century.
Throughout the history of this huge country, Russia had to repel invaders from the north, south, east, and west. All attackers brought their distinct styles of combat and weaponry. The battles took place on different terrain, during freezing winters and sweltering summer heat alike, with the Russians often greatly outnumbered by the enemy forces. As a result of these factors, the Russian warriors acquired a style that combined strong spirit with extremely innovative and versatile tactics that were at the same time practical, deadly, and effective against any type of enemy under any circumstances. The style was natural and free while having no strict rules, rigid structure or limitations (except for moral ones). All tactics were based on instinctive reactions, individual strengths and characteristics, specifically designed for fast learning.
When the Communists came to power in 1917, they suppressed all national traditions. Those practicing the old style of fighting could be severely punished. At the same time, the authorities quickly realized how viable and devastating the original combat system was and reserved it just for a few Special Operations Units. You will learn this fascinating style and see for yourself why Russian Systema is said to open a new page in the world of martial arts.

The Four Core Pillars or Principles of Systema

There are four core pillars or principles in Systema: -- Breathing -- Relaxation -- Freedom of Movement -- Structure Breathing is deliberately listed as the first and primary pillar, as the remainder are fully dependent upon the breathwork. These four pillars are also dynamically and permanently interwoven as an integral whole: the sum being far greater than the parts. Over time you will see that these four pillars, a continuous, collective and dynamic interplay, where one’s movements and behaviors become an integral resultant, uniquely expressed at each slice of time.

Systema Quick Reference Guide

CORE PRINCIPLES:BREATHWORK – RELAXATION – FREEDOM of MOVEMENT – STRUCTURE MOTTO:STRENGTH. COURAGE. HUMILITY. “KNOW THYSELF” KEY TENETS and CONCEPTS:RELAXATION VS. TENSIONPRECISION VS. SPEEDFUNCTION VS. STRENGTHINTERNAL VS. EXTERNALSUBTLE VS. GROSSCALMNESS VS. AGGRESSIONPROFESSIONAL VS. EMOTIONALREALITY VS. CONTRIVEDDEFEND & SURVIVE VS. COMPETE & WINSKILL VS. RANKHEALING VS. DESTRUCTIONFLUID VS. RIGIDCOMPETENCE VS. (FALSE) CONFIDENCEFREEDOM VS. CONSTRAINTS HUMILITY VS. PRIDEFAITH VS. FEAR

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