The
word "systema" can simply be translated as
The System. It's most well known use in recent years
has been through certain special operations units of
Russian Spetsnaz special forces, where it has been refined
and developed for body guarding, covert operations,
hostage rescue and anti-terrorist activities.
This can mean that, on first look, comparisons are drawn
with other military arts such as Krav Maga, US Navy
SEAL training, and so on. However the military application
is only one aspect of The System.
In it's purest form the art has been described as "a
system of breathing and movement". In this respect
Systema is infinitely adaptable and can be practiced
for many different purposes, from athletic or sports
training through to health and well-being.
Our
main focus is on applying the principles of The System
to modern self defence. This means giving people the
means to defend themselves and their friends and family
should the need arise. Our work is also geared towards
law enforcement and security professionals. As such
all our work is practical and takes all the necessary
physical, psychological, ethical and legal factors into
consideration.
There are no direct sporting aspects to our work (other
than enhanced health and fitness), nothing is based
on animal stances or states of mind and there is no
formalised ritual or pre-set movement routines.
The
training methods are clearly thought out and have been
developed by professionals in order to impart maximum
knowledge in a relatively short time frame - importantly,
with no harmful effects on health (in fact there are
many health practices incorporated within Systema).
The
System draws on the rich cultural and spiritual heritage
of Russia. This huge country has, over the centuries,
been invaded from all borders. Wars and battles have
taken place in all types of imaginable conditions, from
the frozen steppes to the heat of the Crimea. Many of
the huge number of ethnic groups within Russia had their
own fighting traditions. These are the roots of The
System, nurtured in tradition and, until relatively
recently, held in secrecy by the Communist state. Russia
today is becoming a much more open country and we are
fortunate that skilled individuals are willing to come
forward to share their knowledge for the benefit of
all.
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