Allow me to offer a brief insight into the way Systema has changed or affected the lives of practitioners in Japan.

Japan's cultural and societal heritage is treasured by most citizens in Japan. Societal behavior norms have developed, in part, as way for 127.77 million people to live together in close confines with minimal conflict or overt intrusion.

Even though there are many culturally disenfranchised youth in Japan today, they are still limited by what can be referred to as societal norms. In Japan these are very strict rules revolving around not disturbing those around you, following a hierarchy, and wearing the correct outward face or form.

There is an old Japanese expression that sums this up nicely - the nail that sticks out gets hammered down.

As you may imagine, politely following the established hierarchy and keeping your place is to be expected. The unfortunate side effect of such customs is that often the individual's creativity is stifled. I am speaking in general terms here; there are always exceptions, although the image given is in fact true for the majority.

Here is an illustrative example from the traditional Japanese Dojo or training venue. Practitioners put on their uniform (one form) and proudly or embarrassingly their belt which indicates their position in the Dojo hierarchy.
Before and after class they will line up in the correct hierarchical order and position. Then bow to show respect to their teacher and possibly, depending on the martial art and or teacher, one of the Japanese Gods that may be housed (by representation of a piece of paper with the Gods name or prayer written on it) inside the Kamiza (small wooden shrine) usually located on the eastern wall of the dojo.

Generally, in Martial Arts dojos, beginner students may ask their superiors (sempai) questions, but are traditionally discouraged from asking their teacher (sensei - one who has gone before) directly. The reason I supply these details is so that the reader can contrast with the way a Systema class is run and perhaps appreciate the freedom from the many societal and behavioral confines faced in the average Japanese person's life.

For two hours, three times a week Systema practitioners in Tokyo are able to leave their outward mask off and practice in a friendly, somewhat unrestrained manner that can be clearly seen to have a positive effect on the majority attending.

There are some who find this "freedom" perplexing and even a little frightening (this is not limited to Japan I believe) but what is appreciated is everyone who trains starts to chip away at the wall they have built up during their lives.

Systema Japan members in Tokyo train outdoors at a public park during the day or night, throughout the year regardless of temperature or weather.

Japanese students enjoy the informal atmosphere of training. Things like making a circle to watch demonstrations of the next drill and ending the class with the opportunity for them to express their opinions, fears, successes or failures are totally new to them. One can see the positive effects of being given the liberty to express their views and many times to have that opinion appreciated by others in the group.

In September 2007 Mikhail Ryabko, Vladimir Vasiliev and Mikhail's son Daniel came to Tokyo, Japan to instruct a three day seminar. There was an overwhelming response from the martial arts community with over 100 people attending. While previously Systema had never been formally advertised in Japan, the seminar received magazine and media coverage, and some Japanese martial art masters came to see and talk with Mikhail and Vlad.

One of many interesting incidents during the seminar was when one of the participants received an injury due to an overzealous application of pressure to the spine from his training partner. He actually could not walk and was in great pain.
Naturally, Mikhail became aware of this, in a very calm manner he proceeded to have this person breathe in the most beneficial way, while he massaged and soothed the person all at once. Before long, the injured person was able to move, stand up and walk around, he continued training and enjoyed the rest of the seminar. Mikhail continued teaching, making jokes as if the healing were of no special importance, having given it just the right amount of attention, no more no less, I suppose.

In closing, I must mention that all attendees came away very impressed and with more information than they could digest in a short amount of time. Systema had been in Japan for approximately three years before Mikhail and Vlad visited, the bones and muscle were there, Mikhail and Vlad brought with them the spirit. To this day, most attendees look back often with fondness to that time, still making new discoveries while enjoying the memories those three days provided.

I should also mention the other instructors in Japan. We all work together for the dissemination and promotion of Systema in the land of the rising sun. In Tokyo there is myself, Andrew Cefai and Taka Kitagawa. In Osaka, there is Ryo Onishi, there are also a couple of Systema training groups, one in Mishima and one in Kobe.

Systema, with its unique and universal approach to training and understanding of life, has been accepted and enjoyed by such a different culture as Japan and is now rapidly growing.