| The Russian martial art known as "the system" emphasizes versatility and improvisation in combat while utilizing brutally effective fighting techniques.
No stances. No training forms. No formalities. No rituals. No belt levels. No colorful name.
It's a Russian martial art known simply as "the system," and it dates back several centuries. If you haven't heard of it, don't be alarmed. It has been kept under wraps since Russia's Communist Revolution of 1917, and was taught primarily to members of the Soviet armed forces and special security units.
Since the fall of the former Soviet Union, the system has re-emerged and is being taught openly not only in Russia, but in North America as well. Russian immigrant Vladimir Vasiliev, who used to instruct Soviet Special Forces in the system, currently teaches the style to approximately 70 students at a school just outside Toronto, in Thornhill, Ontario.
According to the 35-year-old Vasiliev, the system is basically a compilation of techniques Russians have historically used to defend themselves in hand-to-hand combat and against weapons. It combines a strong spirit with creative, intelligent and versatile fighting tactics. Natural and free of structure, the system allows practitioners to readily adjust to virtually any circumstance.
Before the fall of the Soviet Union, the style was most commonly employed in the covert military operations and by bodyguards of high-ranking government officials. Vasiliev's exposure to the system came during his stint in the Russian army from 1977 to 1979. He was eventually chosen as an instructor, a position he held until 1985 .
The system stresses a realistic approach to self-defense, recognizing that real conflicts bear no resemblance to what occurs in the comfort of a training facility. Techniques are based on the natural movement of the body rather than a prearranged pattern of moves, such as a karate kata. Students act on instinct, rather than memory, when responding to an attack.
The system is perhaps best described as a close-range style that combines wrestling maneuvers with practical street-effective techniques. The hand strikes are circular and whip-like, there are numerous takedown techniques, and kicks are rarely delivered higher than waist level due to a belief that it is more efficient to kick to the opponent's shins, knees and ankles.
Vasiliev claims the system makes no distinction between blocks, strikes and holds, believing that every movement is multifunctional. Practitioners possess tremendous mobility during the execution of techniques by utilizing a principle called the "flying center of gravity," in which the exponent's body sways up and down enabling his pelvis and shoulders to spin on their axis during punches. The system's sliding footwork is similar to skating, and power for the strikes comes from the hips.
The system's punches generally follow an elliptical path. The arm is relaxed as the punch begins to move toward its target, but the muscles are gradually tensed as the technique approaches the point of contact. Upon completion of the technique, the arm is quickly retracted and muscle tension decreases. The overall effect of that punch is a whipping action that carries great force at the moment of impact. This motion can be used to deliver short, quick tichok punches, side elbow strikes called podchlest, face slaps known as opleucha, limb-entrapping strikes (oplet) with the inner portion of arm, or elbow strikes delivered with the entire forearm which are called obuch. Other hand techniques in the system include a short, quick fist to the face called a gichok.
Because its emphasis is on infighting, the system includes a few kicks higher than waist level. Vasiliev claims low kicks require less energy, time and flexibility to execute, and do not leave you unsteady and vulnerable to counterattack upon completion of the technique.
The system includes about 10 version of the front kick, including the podseka, which is delivered with the toes pointed toward the opponent like a spear, while the kick shoots out like an arrow to the target. To perform the brik front kick, the practitioner raises his leg and bends the knee, bringing his weight forward as he uses the sole of the foot as the striking surface.
When delivering a kick from the side, called a tregubetz or pritop in the system, you must step beyond the opponent with the kick so that you land on him afterward. And, rather than striking with the blade or heel of the foot, the practitioner employs the entire surface of the appendage against his adversary.
To initiate a takedown, practitioners of the system often use the blade of one foot to strike the back or inside of the opponent's knee. Such sweeps are commonly executed immediately after an opponent has attempted a kick and is replanting his leg on the ground. The hammer fist is also part of the system's arsenal and is often employed as a finishing technique following a takedown.
In terms of philosophy, the system can be readily compared to Bruce Lee's concept of jeet kune do, whereby you use what works and discard the extraneous material. The techniques a student chooses to employ should suit not only the situation, but also the practitioner's capabilities. Students are therefore encouraged to use some initiative and be creative in training.
The emphasis in the style is on practical responses to realistic situations. The techniques are based on natural movements and individual strengths and limitations. The system includes no formal stances, only a "conversational stance," which is whatever posture the practitioner happens to be in when a confrontation occurs. The system is not a fancy martial art, but a street-oriented brand of fighting. Hair pulling, neck grabbing, kicks to the back of the knee joint --- they're all fair game in the system.
Although tournament fighting is not encouraged in the system, sparring is indeed an integral part of the students' training. Practitioners concentrate on close-range sparring methods and joint locking techniques, with an emphasis on simplicity and efficacy. The sessions are conducted in street clothes, and afterward, each student offers a critique of the lesson.
The system also places a heavy emphasis on self-defense against weapons, especially the knife. In old Russia, the knife was considered a symbol of a man's dignity and signified both honor and freedom. It was therefore deemed dishonorable to use a knife or unjustifiably threaten someone with the weapon.
The techniques in the system used to defend against a knife attack are as quick, efficient and brutal as the style's empty-hand moves. Practitioners rely on mobility to avoid being struck, then counterattack with joint locks or quick kicks to the back of the assailant's knee to affect a takedown.
Students also learn various chokes and holds, wrestling tactics and ground fighting measures, as well as defenses against multiple opponents. Practitioners are taught how to restrain an aggressor and disarm him, making the system a perfect supplement to law enforcement training.
Toronto police officer Rob Berezowski has been training in the system for approximately a year and is impressed with the simple practicality of the art. "You don't have to be a contortionist to learn and execute the techniques," he notes. "All of the techniques are very devastating."
Even when a system stylist is attempting to escape from an opponent's assault, he is thinking of attacks that could disable his adversary. For example, while ducking a straight punch to his head, the defender has been schooled to execute a counterpunch to the opponent's arm. "You're not cowering in fear, but rather making a productive movement as you get out of the way," explains student James Pomerants.
In addition to physically preparing a student for an attack, Pomerants points out that the system also includes psychological training, philosophy and knowledge of body language, making it a truly complete martial art that addresses all aspects of self-defense.
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No rules. No belts. No nonsense. The system - a fighting art without all the needless baggage.
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