Interesting Systema Videos

[Jonny Say]

Just thought I'd share these interesting Systema (Russian Martial Art) Videos, I wonder has anyone on the forum practiced Systema at all?

Some internal demonstrations:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uCMtW0kZRL0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zrazQji2If8

Some techniques:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iQyxC0tjlwk

And what interested me the most was endorsement from the world famous judo master Gene Lebell, for a master of this level to be impressed I found it quite interesting:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WQwk9pXDttc

[George]

Hi Jonny,

I briefly practiced Systema (and my little brother still practices it) and I can confirm that it is indeed very impressive. I'd go as far as to say that if it wasn't for Shaolin Wahnam, Systema is what I would be practicing now.

The training is external, but with some internal elements (emphasis on relaxation in physical exercises with controlled breathing). I have heard that some of the top people can demonstrate internal skills.

The origin of Systema itself is very interesting. It was scientifically designed (in proper a lab and everything) and used a lot of eastern Martial Arts for inspiration. It was designed to be taught to a soldier completely in 6 months.


Hope this is useful,

[Jonny Say]

Hi George

Thanks for information, I read somewhere that they traced their lineage back to medieval Russia, is this a Myth then?

All the best

[George]

I read somewhere that they traced their lineage back to medieval Russia, is this a Myth then?

As far as I know, yes. They may well have incorporated elements of older Russian martial arts (of which I know nothing) but the system itself was put together in the 20th century.

I think there is a tendency to try and romanticise something that is really just a martial art system taught to the military. It is a very effective fighting system, but that's all it is.


Best wishes,

[Chiahua]

I wonder if they tried to mythicize the origins of krav maga.

[Adam Kryder]

Which Systema?

Dear Johnny and George,

From my research, it seems that there are two different Systema's

https://www.systemaspetsnaz.com

and

https://www.russianmartialart.com

What do you think?


Best Wishes,

Adam

[George]

Hi Adam,

I only know about www.russianmartialart.com, headed by Vladimir Vasiliev.

It could be entirely possible that the other school teaches genuine material though - it is something that is taught to quite a few members of the Russian Armed forces - but I couldn't say.


Best wishes,

[KungFuMän]

I like systema alot, it's like chinese internal martial arts but without the structure in the body . I have also heard good things about their knife defense. Read somewhere that there was alot of smack talk on Bullshido.com (surprise ) about systemas knife work, but the systema guys showed up at a throwdown and convinced everybody .
But it's sad when they have to blend in these tricks with no toch felling and standing on eggs, i don't understand why, those are all just tricks . Maybe it's for the money..

[Adam Kryder]

Vasilev Lineage

Here is a video from the Vasilev lineage

http://jp.youtube.com/watch?v=mKJ5hPL_gJ4

[George]

OK, looks like my knowledge was a bit limited.

Turns out there are 2 "Systemas".

1) Aleksey Kadochnikov's Systema, which was designed in a lab based on principles of biomechanics etc.

2) Mikhail Ryabko's Systema, which claims a much longer history and goes beyond just being a combat system. Vladimir Vasiliev is one of Mikhail Ryabko's senior students.

My brief training was in the latter, but I guess I wasn't there long enough to get exposure to the more internal components.

Interesting stuff.