Since the advent of the UFC and the current boom in cross training almost everyone is familiar with the idea of three ranges of combat - kicking, punching and grappling.

For those arts that concentrate specifically on one range it may be necessary to incorporate methods from other styles. So today it is not uncommon to see, say Wing Chun students also practising Ju jitsu, for example.

However, there are arts that fully integrate these ranges into a whole. Systema is one example, where the practitioner will be as comfortable punching and kicking as working from the ground. A typical Systema class will routinely include all three areas. The advantage of this is that you learn to adapt a single set of principles to each range, rather than having to go through the routine of learning the associated trappings of a separate style. It also means you are drilling yourself in that one set of principles rather than having to adopt a different mindset and strategy depending on how far away your attacker is - and lets face it kicking to grappling range can close very quickly.

So does Systema have different ranges of combat? Yes, but they are as follows:

SOMETHING IS GOING TO HAPPEN

SOMETHING IS HAPPENING

SOMETHING HAS HAPPENED

These are the three Systema ranges and each calls for different tactics. Let’s start with the first

GOING TO HAPPEN

This is the range that hopefully we will pick any trouble up at. A raised voice, aggressive body language, a feeling that it is all going to "go off" are some pointers. The aim at this range is to stop it before it happens. There can be three ways to do this:

1. Communication - what is causing the problem? It could be a disgruntled customer, someone who’s had too much to drink, any one of a hundred reasons, but generally they come to one thing - someone is upset and he wants to take it out on someone else. In this case good communication skills are invaluable. Pin point the problem, while you are talking to those involved subtly move them away from each other. Telling people what they want to hear can also work. Of course this assumes that you need to get involved, i.e. you are security personnel or the situation is happening on your premises. If that is not the case we can also consider option two

2. Avoidance - quite simply, get out of there. This can mean not walking down dark alleyways or crossing the road rather than walking through a crowd of lads. I was in a bar in Majorca a few years back having a quiet drink with my girlfriend. A crowd of (not so young) lads came in and within minutes the whole atmosphere changed. They were needling the staff and the staff were needling back. This went unnoticed by my partner who was surprised when I said "time to drink up, let’s go somewhere else". Sure enough 10 minutes later the police were on their way to the place. So if it looks like getting rough and you have no real reason to stay - then don’t, particularly if you have the wife and kids with you. However if there is now way out we move to our next option:

3. Preparation - scan for exits or places where you cannot be surrounded. Keep against a wall maybe. Look around at what you can use - ashtrays, fire extinguishers, tables, chairs, other people. Escape should still be your main aim, particularly in a gang or crowd fight. In the words of Captain Mikhail Ryabko "it’s not about winning it’s about surviving". Dont be half asleep when it goes off. There is also a chance that being in a state of preparation may put off the opposition too.

SOMETHING IS HAPPENING

So now it has hit the fan and fists have started to fly. If you have followed so far, you should at least be prepared. If not then consider this - does any of your current training prepare you for being hit by surprise? Chances are it doesn’t to the same extent as Systema. As we work with no stances or pre-set movements we are used to working with whatever is thrown at us from whatever position. This involves learning to ride punches, how to use your shoulder to deflect blows, working from seated or prone positions, working blindfold and so on. It cannot be stressed enough that no matter how nice your form or kata, it all goes to pieces in real life. Occasionally we finish a session with an "all-in" bundle, each person for themselves. Anyone adopting a stance invariably finds themselves swept away in the crowd of 20 or so people. It’s unrealistic to expect, as I saw recently in a "street self defence" book, that people will "square up" to you one at a time.

You must learn also to deal with pressure. In Systema this is something that is built up gradually - the mass attack scenarios are one way, or we run gauntlets, let one or several partners apply locks, live blade work, or even training with an arm or leg "tied up". One of Vladimir Vasiliev’s favourite sayings is: "you must get used to being uncomfortable". This has repercussions beyond this article and is something I will look at in the future.

SOMETHING HAS HAPPENED

So now you are either on the floor, have been knocked over, or are in a hold or lock, or have the knife at your throat. Again you must learn to work with what is available - there is almost always some way out, it may not even be physical. Can you talk your way out, bluff the other guy, act tough, act scared, whatever it takes to get out with a whole skin. It’s a standard Special Forces tactic - the stereotypical big tough swaggering SAS or Spetsnaz guy man is not that at all - they are trained to blend in, to be the "grey man". Above all - to survive.

I had a guy visit a class who refused to let the knife near him in training. He told me how he would deal with anyone who came close, letting loose a barrage of fast aggressive and jerky movements. His fear was quite apparent and this was in a quiet class situation. How he would cope in real life is anyone’s guess and if he ever was caught with a knife against him I cant imagine it going too well. It’s nice to say in class "I’d never use that in a fight" or "of course I would do this or that". People prefer to think of themselves as being in control of situations and life in general. Unfortunately it doesn’t always work out the way we would like it too, so it always pays to be prepared for the unexpected.

This range also incorporates post fight stress or trauma, as well the implications of what has happened - police involvement and the like. Many of the Russian special operations undercover units were taught techniques that could be executed "in close", where no-one else can really see what you are doing to someone. The subtlety of this work when performed by an expert has to be seen to be appreciated, it is frightneningly efficient. The lesson is don’t be in too much of a rush to be a "big martial artist", let loose your war cry and take up a stance. Odds are 15 people will appear after to say that you started it and beat up that poor young guy who all of a sudden is half your size.

Incorporating realistic training methods into your art is simple enough, just start off steady and use your common sense. Now and then try working from an "inescapable" position. Put yourself on the floor, in a chair, or turn the lights off - see what happens. You may well fell less in control and less of a "martial artist" at first but you will sure as hell be better equipped to deal with the reality of fighting outside of the dojo.