Systema

A Brief Introduction to the Russian Martial Art

By Stash Capar

When I first heard of Systema, I didn't quite know what to think. It sounded great and everyone was telling me that it's amazing, but at the same time it was getting blasted on a couple forums and the training clips looked ridiculously fake.

I decided to reserve my judgement and check it out. Before I go on, I'll tell you guys a little about Systema. Systema is a Russian martial art whose origins date back to the 10th century. Systema is "System" in Russian and that's exactly what it is, a system of many Russian martial arts including Sambo and Slaviano-Goretskaya Borba, specially adapted to fit the needs of the Spetsnaz (Voiska Spetsialnogo Naznachenia), an elite military outfit which basically translates to "Russian Special Forces".

The founder of the Toronto school is Russian born Vladimir Vasiliev, a top student of Mikhail Ryabko, who is a Spetsnaz commander (and personally trained by one of Stalin's bodyguards). Vladimir left Russia and came to Canada, where in 1993 he founded the first school of Systema outside of Russia.

I'll tell you a little bit about my first class. I got to the school about 15 minutes late, the regular students were doing their warm-ups. Mr. Vasiliev noticed me immediately and gave me a short polite nod. He asked one of his assistants to take over and then approached me smiling. Within a few minutes I was on the mats doing some choking defence drills with an assistant instructor.

Many people like to ask what styles or systems are similar to Systema? The answer is none. Most styles of martial arts follow prearranged patterns or combinations of techniques, in Systema everything is based on freedom of motion. Systema isn't so much about individual techniques; rather, it's about improvising and attacking unpredictably and continuously. There are no pre-determined patterns, no belts, no uniforms (most of the students wear t-shirts and army pants), no katas, no stances, no formalities and no rituals. Students are trained to stay calm, relaxed and mentally alert. Vladimir believes that one can react much quicker while relaxed in a real situation.

Systema students train at all ranges (including weapons). The majority of the class is slow (although it speeds up gradually) no holds barred sparring. Vladimir and his instructors watch and take part, giving guidance and advice. The striking system is very diverse, including both closed fist and open fist strikes. All kicks are below waist level and tactics such as chokes, stomps and neck cranks are common. Everything is done from a passive, natural stance.

By the end of the class I had taken my fair share of hits and had had several up close and personal encounters with the training mat. My partner, a philosophical, military looking guy, twice my age, had taken a couple hits as well. We shook hands and both admitted that it had been an interesting and pleasant experience. He patted me on the back as I was walking away, saying that he hoped to see me soon. After class I spent a few minutes talking to Vladimir Vasiliev about the philosophy and psychological side of Systema.

I was surprised to hear that at the foundations of this Russian martial art was the Russian Orthodox Christian faith. The founders believed that everything that happens to us, good or bad, has only one ultimate purpose…to create the best possible conditions for each person to understand himself. This led to a conversation about fate and free will that went on for quite a while. Personally, I felt that there was a lot of mysticism surrounding the Systema philosophy and I didn't like that aspect of it, also it was at a loss when it came to the psychological side of fighting. The founders (Vlad and Mikhail) and the early practitioners of Systema were mostly elite soldiers who already had an in-depth understanding of the psychological side of combat and I guess it was simply lost somewhere along the way.

Nonetheless, the passive stance, improvised movements, conditioning, tactics and training atmosphere are an excellent addition to the arsenal of any person who trains for his or her own protection. Systema is a unique and excellent art, which will definitely get you to think outside of the box. Vladimir Vasiliev is a great instructor and a nice guy. However, because of the way Systema is taught it may be difficult for people with no previous martial arts background to pick up. Many of the students at the Toronto school have some previous martial arts experience or are of military background. Personally, I see Systema as an excellent support system and after taking a demo class and studying the tapes, I have decided to join and train twice a week.

Home ¦ Articles ¦ Calendar ¦ Forum ¦ Journal ¦ Chat ¦ Photos ¦ Clubs ¦ Arcade