Looking to add a few new moves to your exercise routine? Well, may the Force be with you - and your workout.
Formerly used by the elite Russian Special Forces, "The System" is a one-of-a-kind self-defense program with no holds barred, serious sweat sessions and practical instruction to boot. Everything from street fighting to fending off a knife attack is part of The System taught by Vladimir Vasiliev. It's a Russian martial art and he runs the only school of its kind in North America. Vasiliev used to train the elite military, similar to our emergency task force, in Russia. No, it was not the KGB.
Unlike traditional martial arts, there are no fancy uniforms, colorful belts or complex katas. "No routines to learn. It's all based on natural reaction," Vasiliev explains. The System relies on instinct because in a panic situation you'll forget rehearsed moves, says Vasiliev, 35 who brought the thousand-year-old fighting form to Canada 3 ½ years ago. He opened his Thornhill school a year ago and now he has more than 70 members.
The premise sounds good --- turn natural reaction into effective action. Students swear by its effectiveness. Offensive tactics are taught, as well as defense against all forms of attack, including kicks, punches, chokes and holds; even overcoming several attackers at once, and fighting sitting, lying down and blindfolded. And they work against attacks with weapons, including knives (real ones are used), axes, stocks, bats and guns.
"Even against chairs. You learn to defend yourself against any possible weapon," says Metro Police officer Rob Berezowski. He's a believer in The System, and joined a year ago after hearing about workshops Vasiliev presented to Metro-area police departments. "It's totally unique and effective for anyone of any size, gender or age." The System is not based on strength, explains Berezowski, 27, but on body positions and leverage. He attends four sessions a week, driving an hour from Burlington. "It's awesome and excellent exercise."
Yvette Nesry loves the sport. The 32-year-old human resources manager took up the fight two years ago after a scary date. She started with Vasiliev one-on-one and now trains twice weekly at the school. Nesry benefits from practicing on male students all of different shapes and sizes. "I can take care of myself," says the 5-foot-3, 125-pound North York resident.
According to Vasiliev's wife/partner, Valerie, 30, learning to react efficiently in situation that requires defense or prevention of aggression should be on everyone's agenda. "There is violence all around us," says Valerie, a physiotherapist and new mom who also practices The System.
Not only do the Vasilievs train Russian-style martial art, they also follow a century-old Russian health system: dousings of ice-cold water once a day, preferably outside, summer and winter. Their newborn, nine-week-old Melissa, undergoes two dousings a day in the bathtub. Russian tradition reveres cold water and its use as a medical treatment - "it stimulates and strengthens the body's immune system. Even your hair grows better," Valerie says, laughing. Now many of the students at the school practice dousings.
It's all part of learning The System, adds Valerie. "You not only acquire greater power as a fighter but also as a person."
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