The following is an online conversation that took place on my Facebook wall between myself and Systema Instructor Stephane Beaudin of Club Nagaika (http://nagaika.org) in Montreal.
Justin Ho
Saturday, 13 August 2011
Survive Vs Prevail
During my time here in Canada I had the privilege to meet and receive instruction from Sonny Puzikas. Sonny is a Systema Instructor and former member of Russian Spetsnaz. A very skilled practitioner and amazing teacher he was kind enough to explain a very interesting thing to me.
When learning Systema, we are often told that we are not training to win, but to survive. Often people tend to construe this in a manner which results in them adopting a more defensive mindset in training. For example, excessively waiting for the persons' attack before countering with your own. This particularly becomes a problem when people do this in two or more separate movements rather than one minimal, efficient and continuous movement where escape and attack occur as one. Keep in mind 'we die in the gaps'.
Now here's the interesting thing. The word 'Survive' as it exists in the English language has no direct counterpart in the Russian language. In other words, there is no word for 'Survive' in the Russian language. When Russian Instructors teach Systema in their native tongue, a different word is used. As I am completely inept in matters of the Russian language, I cannot recall, or pronounce this word. However, when directly translated into the English language the expression you will get is to: 'Stay Alive.' A more appropriate word that captures the meaning of the sentiment in English is to 'Prevail'.
In the study of Systema we don't train to win. We also don't simply train just to Survive. You can survive a knife attack and end up complete disfigured, psychologically traumatised, and with your mobility impaired due to damage to the nerves in your spine. Your life will never be the same again. Only surviving is not enough. In Systema train to 'Prevail' meaning to do whatever is required to ensure that you stay alive in every sense of the word. Train in such a way to ensure that before, during and after a confrontation you have the best chances of remaining psychologically, physically, and emotionally intact. Keep your life, including your quality of life, and ensure you are able to return to your loved ones intact. Be willing to do whatever this takes. No more and no less.
When learning Systema, we are often told that we are not training to win, but to survive. Often people tend to construe this in a manner which results in them adopting a more defensive mindset in training. For example, excessively waiting for the persons' attack before countering with your own. This particularly becomes a problem when people do this in two or more separate movements rather than one minimal, efficient and continuous movement where escape and attack occur as one. Keep in mind 'we die in the gaps'.
Now here's the interesting thing. The word 'Survive' as it exists in the English language has no direct counterpart in the Russian language. In other words, there is no word for 'Survive' in the Russian language. When Russian Instructors teach Systema in their native tongue, a different word is used. As I am completely inept in matters of the Russian language, I cannot recall, or pronounce this word. However, when directly translated into the English language the expression you will get is to: 'Stay Alive.' A more appropriate word that captures the meaning of the sentiment in English is to 'Prevail'.
In the study of Systema we don't train to win. We also don't simply train just to Survive. You can survive a knife attack and end up complete disfigured, psychologically traumatised, and with your mobility impaired due to damage to the nerves in your spine. Your life will never be the same again. Only surviving is not enough. In Systema train to 'Prevail' meaning to do whatever is required to ensure that you stay alive in every sense of the word. Train in such a way to ensure that before, during and after a confrontation you have the best chances of remaining psychologically, physically, and emotionally intact. Keep your life, including your quality of life, and ensure you are able to return to your loved ones intact. Be willing to do whatever this takes. No more and no less.
Justin Ho
Principal Instructor
Systema Sydney Russian Martial Art
Tuesday, 9 August 2011
An Inanimate object vs the Human Body (Notice the Feeling)
A real amazing piece of advice from Victor Petrov (Виктор Петров) one of my teachers in Moscow, came to me a while ago via e-mail. Victor advised me of the following;
"You can do easily what you want with many things which are inanimate objects (for example -any ball, stick). You can touch it, observe and explore to start with, and then if you want toss it to the ground or
place it very carefully like very fragile glass, this is also not a problem. When doing this all our movements are all real, calm and just occur naturally. HOWEVER when instead it is human body which we go to place our hands on, we become tense/shy.... and try to invent some sort of sophisticated movements to perform this task."
It's funny. When I think about all the activities I do throughout my day; opening doors, brushing my teeth, picking up and carrying my bag. All of these things are done without thinking and with just the right amount of force, the right pressure in the right place in the right time. I also don't get angry or apologetic when picking up my bag (i.e. F#%K YOU BAG!!!!!!! Or OMG I'm so sorry bag), I just pick up my bag or perform the required activity.
The great thing is that this just occurs naturally and unconsciously, and without the need for contrivance. Now the trick is to be able to replicate this but not by TRYING TO MANUFACTURE this when working with a person. A better way would be to REMEMBER THE FEELING, then keep it when you begin to work with a person. In this way you ALLOW IT TO OCCUR.
The Work
Grab yourself a partner. Walk up to your partner, place your hands on him comfortably and take the person to the ground exploring the biomechanics of the human body. NOTICE THE FEELING.
After doing the above several times to get a good feel, go find yourself an inanimate object of some sort. Preferably something not too small. Something like a chair, box, bag, etc.
Now this is important. Don't get all weird when you go to move this inanimate object. Don't TRY to feel something strange and remarkable. What you want to NOTICE instead is just completely ORDINAIRY. Something just NORMAL and UNREMARKABLE. Just move your object around as if you are just doing it in your day to day life... Because this is exactly what you are doing. While you are doing this don't try to force a feeling. Just NOTICE THE FEELING.
Now go back to your partner. REMEMBER THE FEELING from when you were moving the inanimate object. All you need to do. Now work with your partner as previously described, but now move him as if he were an inanimate object.
See what happens...
Both people should feel all what happens with their bodies (inside and outside). In the future be able to do what you want with your body and partner's body too. The key is to NOTICE and REMEMBER THE FEELING.
"You can do easily what you want with many things which are inanimate objects (for example -any ball, stick). You can touch it, observe and explore to start with, and then if you want toss it to the ground or
place it very carefully like very fragile glass, this is also not a problem. When doing this all our movements are all real, calm and just occur naturally. HOWEVER when instead it is human body which we go to place our hands on, we become tense/shy.... and try to invent some sort of sophisticated movements to perform this task."
It's funny. When I think about all the activities I do throughout my day; opening doors, brushing my teeth, picking up and carrying my bag. All of these things are done without thinking and with just the right amount of force, the right pressure in the right place in the right time. I also don't get angry or apologetic when picking up my bag (i.e. F#%K YOU BAG!!!!!!! Or OMG I'm so sorry bag), I just pick up my bag or perform the required activity.
The great thing is that this just occurs naturally and unconsciously, and without the need for contrivance. Now the trick is to be able to replicate this but not by TRYING TO MANUFACTURE this when working with a person. A better way would be to REMEMBER THE FEELING, then keep it when you begin to work with a person. In this way you ALLOW IT TO OCCUR.
The Work
Grab yourself a partner. Walk up to your partner, place your hands on him comfortably and take the person to the ground exploring the biomechanics of the human body. NOTICE THE FEELING.
After doing the above several times to get a good feel, go find yourself an inanimate object of some sort. Preferably something not too small. Something like a chair, box, bag, etc.
Now this is important. Don't get all weird when you go to move this inanimate object. Don't TRY to feel something strange and remarkable. What you want to NOTICE instead is just completely ORDINAIRY. Something just NORMAL and UNREMARKABLE. Just move your object around as if you are just doing it in your day to day life... Because this is exactly what you are doing. While you are doing this don't try to force a feeling. Just NOTICE THE FEELING.
Now go back to your partner. REMEMBER THE FEELING from when you were moving the inanimate object. All you need to do. Now work with your partner as previously described, but now move him as if he were an inanimate object.
See what happens...
Both people should feel all what happens with their bodies (inside and outside). In the future be able to do what you want with your body and partner's body too. The key is to NOTICE and REMEMBER THE FEELING.
.... I can't think of a relevant picture. Here's a far side cartoon I found funny.
Justin Ho
Principal Instructor
Systema Sydney Russian Martial Art
Monday, 8 August 2011
Use what destroys you to restore you
Since I have arrived in Toronto Vladimir has repeatedly instructed us to do the following when running in class:
"Don't look down,
run because you breathe,
run because you are relaxed,
speed up and stay relaxed."
There was a lot more to these things than I realised when I first arrived. It has been interesting to play with these ideas, seeing the effects that they have on the body, and how you can keep yourself in a calm and neutral state when undergoing a physically demanding activity.
One of my teacher's here Emmanuel (Manny) Manolakakis has explained it to me in several helpful ways:
A person can run or jog slowly and remain relaxed. There is nothing particularly amazing about this. A person can become quite tense, and run faster, expending vast quantities of effort and energy. There is also nothing particularly amazing about this. HOWEVER: If a person is able to run faster, or perform a task at a higher intensity, whilst still being able to remain relaxed, minimise their tension and maintain a stable/neutral psyche... Well then we really have something here ;)
Manny being quite the cycling enthusiast used the analogy of the riders in the Tour de France. The race covers more than 3,600 kilometres (2,200 mi) and lasts three weeks. These guys will have to ride for several hours every day, and cannot afford to be frivolous with their energy. In this race these guys will have to constantly push themselves to keep going, and at the same time still be able to rest without stopping (for quite a lot of the race). Pushing non-stop with nothing but tension is probably not going to be a good idea given the duration of the race. The ability to work at an increased intensity whilst maintaining relaxation is essential here.
Study how to use what destroys you, to restore you instead. In this way learn to keep your energy, and to use it wisely. Study to the very best of your ability to make what is your extreme begin to feel like your normal. Don't just become good at suffering.
The work
Begin with walking and breathing. Pick a comfortable count of steps per breath. Be mindful of your physical, emotional, and psychological state. Remember what "Normal" feels like. Your goal will be to maintain this state. Once you are comfortable, begin to jog lightly, whilst still keeping yourself as free of tension as possible. Don't look down. The human head is approximately the weight of a bowling ball, and deviating from a neutral position for extended periods will create and accumulate excess and unnecessary tension which will burden you in this (or any) endeavour. (i.e. your form will be broken, your breathing will become laboured, the tension from your neck and shoulders will spread to the rest of your body restricting your movement, and ability to dissipate any further development of tension, and also there will be implications for your psyche etc...)
Only speed up if you are able to do so whilst remaining relaxed. Breathe to remain relaxed and use the movement of your jog/run to feel and clear out any unnecessary tension in your body. I find speeding up is easier when I think of projecting my head and spine forwards as one unit with my shoulders, arms, hips and legs remaining relaxed and attached to this unit. When I do this it feels as if I relax into my run, almost falling into my run. Then it is just a matter of adapting my breathing in order to minimise the tension. I find also trying to cultivate a feeling of lightness with the breath also helpful.
You can also do this work performing the core exercises (push ups, squats, sit ups and leg raisers). Do these exercises at comfortable pace and as relaxed as possible, then speed up whilst maintaining this relaxation.
It is simple work, but very deep when you perform it correctly.
"Don't look down,
run because you breathe,
run because you are relaxed,
speed up and stay relaxed."
There was a lot more to these things than I realised when I first arrived. It has been interesting to play with these ideas, seeing the effects that they have on the body, and how you can keep yourself in a calm and neutral state when undergoing a physically demanding activity.
One of my teacher's here Emmanuel (Manny) Manolakakis has explained it to me in several helpful ways:
A person can run or jog slowly and remain relaxed. There is nothing particularly amazing about this. A person can become quite tense, and run faster, expending vast quantities of effort and energy. There is also nothing particularly amazing about this. HOWEVER: If a person is able to run faster, or perform a task at a higher intensity, whilst still being able to remain relaxed, minimise their tension and maintain a stable/neutral psyche... Well then we really have something here ;)
Manny being quite the cycling enthusiast used the analogy of the riders in the Tour de France. The race covers more than 3,600 kilometres (2,200 mi) and lasts three weeks. These guys will have to ride for several hours every day, and cannot afford to be frivolous with their energy. In this race these guys will have to constantly push themselves to keep going, and at the same time still be able to rest without stopping (for quite a lot of the race). Pushing non-stop with nothing but tension is probably not going to be a good idea given the duration of the race. The ability to work at an increased intensity whilst maintaining relaxation is essential here.
Study how to use what destroys you, to restore you instead. In this way learn to keep your energy, and to use it wisely. Study to the very best of your ability to make what is your extreme begin to feel like your normal. Don't just become good at suffering.
The work
Begin with walking and breathing. Pick a comfortable count of steps per breath. Be mindful of your physical, emotional, and psychological state. Remember what "Normal" feels like. Your goal will be to maintain this state. Once you are comfortable, begin to jog lightly, whilst still keeping yourself as free of tension as possible. Don't look down. The human head is approximately the weight of a bowling ball, and deviating from a neutral position for extended periods will create and accumulate excess and unnecessary tension which will burden you in this (or any) endeavour. (i.e. your form will be broken, your breathing will become laboured, the tension from your neck and shoulders will spread to the rest of your body restricting your movement, and ability to dissipate any further development of tension, and also there will be implications for your psyche etc...)
Only speed up if you are able to do so whilst remaining relaxed. Breathe to remain relaxed and use the movement of your jog/run to feel and clear out any unnecessary tension in your body. I find speeding up is easier when I think of projecting my head and spine forwards as one unit with my shoulders, arms, hips and legs remaining relaxed and attached to this unit. When I do this it feels as if I relax into my run, almost falling into my run. Then it is just a matter of adapting my breathing in order to minimise the tension. I find also trying to cultivate a feeling of lightness with the breath also helpful.
You can also do this work performing the core exercises (push ups, squats, sit ups and leg raisers). Do these exercises at comfortable pace and as relaxed as possible, then speed up whilst maintaining this relaxation.
It is simple work, but very deep when you perform it correctly.
Saturday, 6 August 2011
Pride
Pride can be a lot like fire.
Useful in moderation.
Destructive when not kept under control.
It can help you stay warm in a cold night.
It can help you find your way in the dark.
It can help you cook your meal.
Or,
It can roar out of control.
It can burn down your home.
It can destroy other people, and yourself.
A little bit in the dark can help you find your way.
Too much at once, especially when in the dark, can blind you.
But in moderation. The right amount at the right place, at the right time...
It can be a great comfort.
It can be a great attribute.
It can help you keep yourself, when the world doesn't make sense.
It can help you to go on.
..................................................................................................................................................................
Pride, Ego, Anger and Fear, are not necessarily bad things. Not always. They just need to be kept in check. A little bit to help you prevail, to stay alive. But not so much as to destroy you.
In the study of Systema, to learn this balance is important. To simply shun something which is ultimately part of yourself will only create inner conflict that will burden you and your training.
Rather than shunning these things and seeing parts of yourself as ugly, seek to understand them. Seek to understand yourself.
Useful in moderation.
Destructive when not kept under control.
It can help you stay warm in a cold night.
It can help you find your way in the dark.
It can help you cook your meal.
Or,
It can roar out of control.
It can burn down your home.
It can destroy other people, and yourself.
A little bit in the dark can help you find your way.
Too much at once, especially when in the dark, can blind you.
But in moderation. The right amount at the right place, at the right time...
It can be a great comfort.
It can be a great attribute.
It can help you keep yourself, when the world doesn't make sense.
It can help you to go on.
..................................................................................................................................................................
Pride, Ego, Anger and Fear, are not necessarily bad things. Not always. They just need to be kept in check. A little bit to help you prevail, to stay alive. But not so much as to destroy you.
In the study of Systema, to learn this balance is important. To simply shun something which is ultimately part of yourself will only create inner conflict that will burden you and your training.
Rather than shunning these things and seeing parts of yourself as ugly, seek to understand them. Seek to understand yourself.
Sunday, 24 July 2011
Paradox, Analogies and Chaos....Just Be
Paradox
Every time I learn a principle, I always find that somewhere along the line in a different situation the exact opposite is also true. To me the universal principle at play here is Paradox, and when learning Systema there are always many of them. I have found that when met with paradox, it is often good to just accept them as they are, when they present themselves. By all means explore and test them. But remember what is.....Is
Analogies
One of my teachers here told me that the thing about analogies, is that they never completely reflect how things are always going to be. Analogies can be good to help people understand things, and the right one at the right time one can shave years off of training and slingshot your development exponentially. However an analogy is often only good at that specific time, place and context. At another time when the situation is different and you are in a different part of your life, the previous analogy may no longer apply, and a different one may be more appropriate. To say or do the right thing, in the right place at the right time is a difficult skill to learn. Almost a year ago when I asked how to learn to do this the response I got was "It's hard to learn to do this" :p
Chaos
Last week (and at the right place and at the right time) somebody told a group of us something very important. Stop trying to control the chaos. Accept it for what it it is, and work off of it.
Just Be
Being human is an amazing phenomenon in itself. To be able to summarise or describe this is never a true reflection of what this is really is. Whether experiencing paradoxes, analogies in the moment, or chaos, just be. I was told a year ago by another Systema practitioner something which sat in my head, and has continued to grow and take shape for me ever since. Don't worry about getting it. There is no it to get. Just Be.
Also: Yes I'm aware of the haphazard format of this post....it's late. Goodnight.
Every time I learn a principle, I always find that somewhere along the line in a different situation the exact opposite is also true. To me the universal principle at play here is Paradox, and when learning Systema there are always many of them. I have found that when met with paradox, it is often good to just accept them as they are, when they present themselves. By all means explore and test them. But remember what is.....Is
Analogies
One of my teachers here told me that the thing about analogies, is that they never completely reflect how things are always going to be. Analogies can be good to help people understand things, and the right one at the right time one can shave years off of training and slingshot your development exponentially. However an analogy is often only good at that specific time, place and context. At another time when the situation is different and you are in a different part of your life, the previous analogy may no longer apply, and a different one may be more appropriate. To say or do the right thing, in the right place at the right time is a difficult skill to learn. Almost a year ago when I asked how to learn to do this the response I got was "It's hard to learn to do this" :p
Chaos
Last week (and at the right place and at the right time) somebody told a group of us something very important. Stop trying to control the chaos. Accept it for what it it is, and work off of it.
Just Be
Being human is an amazing phenomenon in itself. To be able to summarise or describe this is never a true reflection of what this is really is. Whether experiencing paradoxes, analogies in the moment, or chaos, just be. I was told a year ago by another Systema practitioner something which sat in my head, and has continued to grow and take shape for me ever since. Don't worry about getting it. There is no it to get. Just Be.
Also: Yes I'm aware of the haphazard format of this post....it's late. Goodnight.
Wednesday, 18 May 2011
Brendon Zettler Systema Seminars in Australia
Senior Instructor Brendon Zettler from Systema Headquarters in Toronto will be heading Down Under (aka Home Sweet Home) for two Systema seminars in both Sydney and Melbourne. Having had the opportunity to meet and train with Brendon (and his brother Adam) at Systema Headquarters, I can say that what we have here is a fantastic bloke and excellent Intructor coming down to Australia to share his knowledge of Systema with the people.
When I asked Brendon if he had anything he wished to convey to seminar participants he indicated the following; It's a real honour to be able to come down to Australia and teach Systema. Everone of varying skill levels are welcome to come and learn.
The first seminar will be hosted in Melbourne, Victoria, on 4 & 5 June 2011, by Dougall Robenn of Inner City Systema (http://www.systema.com.au/). Dougall Robenn is the Principal Instructor at Inner City Systema having trained extensively with, and been Certified by Vladimir Vasiliev at Russian Martial Art Headquarters in Toronto Canada. While in Toronto he also trained regularly with Emmanuel Manolakakis at FightClub in Toronto.
The second will be hosted in Sydney, New South Wales, on 11 & 12 June 2011 by Kalvin Smith of Warriors Path Systema (http://www.warriorspathsystema.com/). Kalvin Smith is the Principal Instructor and founder of Warriors Path Systema in Sydney. A unique and positive individual, veteran of the martial arts, and all round top bloke, Kalvin is a truly brave soul who jumped in head first with next to no hesitation to live the Systema dream and share it in my home town of Sydney.
Good luck Brendon and have a great time teaching the seminars in Australia, and Thankyou for taking the time to come down and share your knowledge and experience. Dougall and Kalvin, thanks very much guys for putting in the effort to arrange these seminar for the Systema communities in both cities.
Saturday, 2 April 2011
Just Be Yourself
I have been in Toronto now for just under a month now, and an obvious but important thing has just occurred to me.... I'm not Mikhail. I'm not Vlad. I'm not any of my training partners. I'm me, Justin. As such things that the previous parties are going to be capable of doing aren't necessarily going to work for me all the time. Seems simple, but easy to forget sometimes.
In the first day of the seminar (Escape from Holds Seminar - Short Staff and Knife Seminar) systema Headquarters today, I was working with one of my training partners. I was amazed at his ability to draw me in when I would attempt to grab his arms and keep total control of my motion as I was taken down. This particular partner also had an uncanny ability to tie me up with my own arms in order to take me to the ground. However when I attempted to replicate this, by "copy catting" him, my work kind of crumbled and was not very effective. I found myself getting anxious and frustrated. Fourtunately my partner was quite a good natured fellow who did his best to help me out. What I found was when I stopped trying to replicate his movements, and simply appreciated them as things that he was capable of, then continued to work in my own way, things flowed and and worked much better for me. I would walk around one side then to another in order to find the take down, and work with the limbs as I saw fit. It wasn't perfect (it never is), but it was mine, my movement, me as a person in that situation. And me adapting as the situation demanded.
A few days ago another training partner also pointed out to me that when we work, it's not going to be like Vlad or Mikhail where we will be able to find something 100% of the time. Sometimes we will just have to move and preserve ourselves, and wait until the right moment presents itself. But that is ok because that is where we are at at this point in time of our training and our lives.
Remember; Never try to imitate someone else. Your experience and physical expression of Systema is your own and no one else's. Study the principles and study yourself. Use the drills to learn how your body will move, and don't rely on preconceptions. Don't become disheartened when you are unable to do things your teachers or partners can. Just do what YOU can do. Just be present in that moment and that situation.
The options will present themselves if you just be you.
"Friday night!I'm getting drunk!!!!!!!!!"
In the first day of the seminar (Escape from Holds Seminar - Short Staff and Knife Seminar) systema Headquarters today, I was working with one of my training partners. I was amazed at his ability to draw me in when I would attempt to grab his arms and keep total control of my motion as I was taken down. This particular partner also had an uncanny ability to tie me up with my own arms in order to take me to the ground. However when I attempted to replicate this, by "copy catting" him, my work kind of crumbled and was not very effective. I found myself getting anxious and frustrated. Fourtunately my partner was quite a good natured fellow who did his best to help me out. What I found was when I stopped trying to replicate his movements, and simply appreciated them as things that he was capable of, then continued to work in my own way, things flowed and and worked much better for me. I would walk around one side then to another in order to find the take down, and work with the limbs as I saw fit. It wasn't perfect (it never is), but it was mine, my movement, me as a person in that situation. And me adapting as the situation demanded.
A few days ago another training partner also pointed out to me that when we work, it's not going to be like Vlad or Mikhail where we will be able to find something 100% of the time. Sometimes we will just have to move and preserve ourselves, and wait until the right moment presents itself. But that is ok because that is where we are at at this point in time of our training and our lives.
Remember; Never try to imitate someone else. Your experience and physical expression of Systema is your own and no one else's. Study the principles and study yourself. Use the drills to learn how your body will move, and don't rely on preconceptions. Don't become disheartened when you are unable to do things your teachers or partners can. Just do what YOU can do. Just be present in that moment and that situation.
The options will present themselves if you just be you.
Wednesday, 30 March 2011
Some memories of Moscow May of 2009
Ahhhhhh Moscow. What a town. The trip in 2009 was life changing (and I mean that very literaly).
What occurred in the following clip was a very interesting experience indeed.
With regards to our time there, David and myself had the chance to express the following:
Thanks a million to those who looked after us. Victor Petrov, thankyou for your guidance during this trip and also in September 2010. Your advice "Be Alive" still gives me much to reflect on even today. Andrei, thanks for the stick massage. Both occasions taught me new things about myself, and helped heal me just a little bit more...and yes the second time round is much better. Daniel Ryabko, thanks for an awesome day during our first trip, and thankyou for introducing me to Banya (Russian Bath House). And of course thankyou to Mikhail Ryabko...pretty much for everything.
What occurred in the following clip was a very interesting experience indeed.
With regards to our time there, David and myself had the chance to express the following:
Thanks a million to those who looked after us. Victor Petrov, thankyou for your guidance during this trip and also in September 2010. Your advice "Be Alive" still gives me much to reflect on even today. Andrei, thanks for the stick massage. Both occasions taught me new things about myself, and helped heal me just a little bit more...and yes the second time round is much better. Daniel Ryabko, thanks for an awesome day during our first trip, and thankyou for introducing me to Banya (Russian Bath House). And of course thankyou to Mikhail Ryabko...pretty much for everything.
One last thing. When you make trips like this, remember to listen to your body. Remember there is only so much information your nervous system can integrate at one time. So pay close attention to yourself and know when to take a rest. Otherwise by the end of your trip you will look like this:
Until next time.
-Justin
Systema at Full Range - From Soft to Devastating on June 25th and 26th 2011
Wooooohhooooooooooooooo, I'm going to this one:
Systema at Full Range - From Soft to Devastating.
by Vladimir Vasiliev and Systema HQ instructors.
DATES: June 25th and 26th 2011
LOCATION: Russian Martial Art School
39 Glen Cameron Rd. Unit 2, Thornhill, ON Canada
directions to Toronto School
TRAINING TIMES: Saturday June 25th and Sunday June 26th
11:15 am to 12:45 pm - Systema in-class training
1:30 pm to 4:30 pm - Seminar
Learn the all-encompassing spectrum of Systema, from soft work to devastating action.
Control your power, intensity and speed in all situations.
FEES: by May 1st, 2011
2-day Seminar, no in-class training: $160
2-day Seminar with in-class training (Saturday and Sunday): $185
FEES: after May 1st, 2011 (if any spots remain)
2-day Seminar, no in-class training: $195
2-day Seminar with in-class training (Saturday and Sunday): $225
Ages: adults 16 and up.
No previous experience needed.
Required equipment:
Short Staff and Training Knife
If you are not able to bring these please indicate in comments section when submitting your order.
Recommended preparation - instructional DVDs:
Systema Breathing Package, DVD and Book.
Systema Hand to Hand
Dynamic Joint Breaks
Contact, Impact and Control
Knife: Unconditional Mastery
Russian Stick Combat
Stick Seminars
Out of town visitors who wish to come a few days before and/or stay a few days after the seminar are welcome to join the regular group classes. Additional visitors training sessions with the Systema HQ instructors, Max, Adam and Brendon can be arranged.
Instructorship evaluation and renewal can be arranged with Vladimir Vasiliev.
http://www.russianmartialart.c
Systema at Full Range - From Soft to Devastating.
by Vladimir Vasiliev and Systema HQ instructors.
DATES: June 25th and 26th 2011
LOCATION: Russian Martial Art School
39 Glen Cameron Rd. Unit 2, Thornhill, ON Canada
directions to Toronto School
TRAINING TIMES: Saturday June 25th and Sunday June 26th
11:15 am to 12:45 pm - Systema in-class training
1:30 pm to 4:30 pm - Seminar
Learn the all-encompassing spectrum of Systema, from soft work to devastating action.
Control your power, intensity and speed in all situations.
FEES: by May 1st, 2011
2-day Seminar, no in-class training: $160
2-day Seminar with in-class training (Saturday and Sunday): $185
FEES: after May 1st, 2011 (if any spots remain)
2-day Seminar, no in-class training: $195
2-day Seminar with in-class training (Saturday and Sunday): $225
Ages: adults 16 and up.
No previous experience needed.
Required equipment:
Short Staff and Training Knife
If you are not able to bring these please indicate in comments section when submitting your order.
Recommended preparation - instructional DVDs:
Systema Breathing Package, DVD and Book.
Systema Hand to Hand
Dynamic Joint Breaks
Contact, Impact and Control
Knife: Unconditional Mastery
Russian Stick Combat
Stick Seminars
Out of town visitors who wish to come a few days before and/or stay a few days after the seminar are welcome to join the regular group classes. Additional visitors training sessions with the Systema HQ instructors, Max, Adam and Brendon can be arranged.
Instructorship evaluation and renewal can be arranged with Vladimir Vasiliev.
http://www.russianmartialart.c
Tuesday, 29 March 2011
Monday, 28 March 2011
Systema Insight Gained: Monday
Remember when you feel pressure, move from the point of contact, in a way that is relaxed but not floppy. it could be just a push, but it could also just as easily be a knife up against you. You never know so make sure you move. But remember don't just fall over at the slightest touch. A person must know how to touch in the right place, at the right time, with the right sensitivity to influence another person. Falling over for no reason does nothing to help cultivate this sensitivity, But breeds a false sense of security, leads to misunderstanding of our training methods, and can result in a lot of pointless debating online. Find the balance between moving with a force, and being honest in your attacks (i.e. don't fall over if you don't have to). It's a fine line and like all things can be a double edged sword.
Training with Rocko and Jason this morning . Thanks for the help guys!!!!!
My First Post
After studying Systema for some years I made a trip to Moscow in May of 2009. I was fortunate to be in the company of Australia's longest serving Systema Instructor, David Quaile (Far Left) of Bundaburg, Queensland. David has always been a good teacher and friend, as well as one of the most skilled and humble men I have ever met. He has always been active in sharing his knowledge and helping with growth of Systema in both Australia and New Zealand. He has been kind enough to guide me in my study of the System, and helped me to understand the lessons during our time in Moscow. During this visit I had the pleasure of meeting Mikhail Ryabko (Middle), and training at his school. The lessons I learned will last me a lifetime. I was fortunate enough to return to Moscow again in September of 2010. The lessons learnt from my second trip, for me, continued from the lessons of the previous trip. Once again; these lessons will last me a lifetime. And no doubt it will be a far better lifetime than if I had not had the chance to learn them.
It is now March of 2011. As I write this I am behind a computer in the city of Toronto, Canada, where I have come to continue my education by training with Vladmir Vasiliev and his senior Instructors. Since I have arrived I have been looked after the by the Systema community here, and have been overwhelmed by the kindness and generosity of my Intructors and training partners who have been kind enough to help me on this journey. I begin this blog today hoping to share what I have learned, and will continue to learn with the rest of the Systema community (and anyone else) worldwide. Some posts may be longer, some may be shorter. My musings I hope will be interesting at least. After all mine is just the experience and perspective of one man. But I hope whatever I post may be of some use in helping you find yours....Perspective that is.
To all my friends, teachers, and training partners (and you all are essentially all of these things to me), who have helped me along the way;
Thankyou. This blog is for you.
- Justin Ho
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