Seminar Reviews

very interesting tactics for defending yourself while in or around your car. In addition, confined spaces defense was taught while learning to fight in an airplane. Truly the most unique self defense seminar I have ever attended.

Thank you very much for your teaching on Tokyo. It was very worthy for me to understand the relation between breath and relaxation. Especially,I was teached relux by you,when I was striked to my face and I moved my head along the arm of my opponent.And I was led to breath by you,when I felt the tension. That was good experience for me. By the way,when I was striked with my eyes closed,you striked me quietly.I've got a great impact,but it stay just for a little while. Is it the effect of the relux,isn't it? So,I'm waiting for the next Seminer with preasure. Until then,please take care of yourself.

Many Thanks to Vladimir and to all the guys who made this seminar possible. This was great experience for me (and my daughter). I learned importance happy workout with humor and smile without being hurt. This seminar had best atmosphere of the participants that I experienced till now in Japan. It must be because there is your being. I look forward to the seminar of the next year!

Dear Vlad Thank you for coming to Japan for the excellent seminar. From the series of training I began to understand the importance of breathing from body , not from knowledge. I also understand that if you relax , you can cope with anything. And opponents are not creating problems but person himself are creating problem inside himself. I love systema because systema is exactly same as living in real life. Any systema training can lead you to the happy and better life. Thank you Vlad and members who organize this wonderful seminar. See you in Tronto and we are also waiting for you in Sep 2010. Kaz Okuuchi

This seminar was outstanding. I learned a lot about how to devolop continous movement and its application in a combat scenario. We also did a lot of work on how to develop the sensitivity needed when dealing with armed opponents and multiple attackers. It was also a great exeprience to work with people from all over the world and to see the skill of senior students and instructors. In my many years of martial arts training, this is with out a doubt the most fun and worthwhile seminar I have ever attended.

I attended your semilar May 16 - May 18 and I would like to say in 30 years of doing martial arts. I have never had such a great experices. Thank You

Doing something that makes you happy stimulates your body. It is as if your body is rejuvenated in a special fashion. Doing something that brings joy stimulates your heart. It goes beyond the physical and provides needed fuel for your heart, your emotions, your psyche. Doing the thing that brings passion into your life is the only way to communicate with your soul. It is as if your soul says, “This is it. This is why we are here. Not necessarily to do this but this is the vehicle to learn your life lessons and to help others.” Mission accomplished Toronto was the place. Systema is the vehicle. My trip to Toronto was one of the most enjoyable activity I have ever done. It was jammed packed with adventure, meeting people from around the globe, interacting with others, speaking with 2 of the greatest martial artist and having more fun than I ever imagined. My expectations were sky high. They ended up being far exceeded. After settling in the day before and getting a peek at Toronto, our training began on Saturday. Vladimir Vasiliev, co-founder of Systema and Sergey Ozherelyev, special forces trainer were the stars of the show. To say these men are talented is like saying the ocean holds a few gallons of water. Aside from the talent off the scale, one thing that struck me was the humility each one has. No titles such as sensei, shihan or even a Mister was required. First names will work. No bowing. No anything. Just 2 very special, very skilled individuals who wanted to teach us what they could in the time that we had. It was the personification of leading by example. They also treated everyone — from the beginners to the most senior of students — with the utmost respect. No exceptions. Unfortunately, I have not seen this in many arts or schools. Dan Linden Sensei was one exception as was my first karate teacher, Gary Michak. Other than that, the “big fish in a small pond (like Orlando)” is way too common. Here was Vladimir, the best martial artist I have ever seen, once again, setting the perfect example. I will always remember this and am committed to applying this valuable lesson. Saturday’s lessons were hand to hand combat and a major emphasis on relaxation and proper breathing. The 2 latter issues would be THE theme throughout the 3 action packed days. To watch Vlad and Sergey in action was a thing of beauty. They were as loose as a Cirque du Soliel performer yet would strike like a cobra wielding a sledgehammer. The speed and power was outright scary. For them, it was normal. As mentioned, amazing skill and humility were inseparable. Sunday’s theme was knife fighting. I have never seen or participated in any art that deals with knife defense so effectively as Systema. (I would put Silat #2.) A number of us, particularly yours truly brought home a number of “souvenirs” from that day. They heal fortunately and even more so, act as a powerful reminder of what TO do and what NOT to do. I will get it eventually. . . . Monday was working against multiple opponents. Again, the image that stands out was watching these 2 masters working in concert against 2, 3 and 4 opponents. Despite being out numbered, they never stood a chance. Overall it was beyond spectacular. I loved every second of it, though time passed much too quickly. I learned a great deal and was highly inspired to continue my path of training. A few thoughts really stood out in addition to the aforementioned. Firstly, I appreciated training and going to Canada with my friend Carlos. Via this art, we have developed a close friendship and for this, I am most appreciative. Secondly, though I already knew this, I was once again reminded how exceptional my teacher truly is. David Merrell is someone who is a master of the art of Systema. It is an honor to work with him and to be his friend. For this too I am most grateful. Finally, Lisa really pushed hard for me to attend this event. She knew even before I did, how much this would impact me. Thank you once again. You have made my life so much sweeter. I left with expectations and returned with a bunch of bruises, improved skills and an aware of my passion, a direction that I will follow ad finitum. I have never been more happy in my life!

Toronto: Part 2 After this past experience in Toronto, I have drawn the following conclusion: When we do what we love, what we are deeply passionate about, we awaken to the infinite world of possibility and magic. In the world, we create exactly what we want and swim in the ocean of the magnificent feelings resulting from our creation. We achieve, we excel, we express the highest and best version of ourselves. When we operate from the lens of fear or boredom, we are enslaved in the world of routine. Each day is like the last and the next. Gray is the only color we see, not because others don’t exist but rather as a consequence of our choice. This is what is meant by free will. It is the responsibility that shadows freedom. This is the most magnificent gift our Creator has given us – the opportunity to take our day and together, mold it how we wish. This is really the only choice we need to make but make no mistake, we need to make it. If we pretend that we “can’t” make it or if we lie to ourselves saying it it “out of our control,” it will be made for us by us, or at least the lower version of us. How will you create your d

The best seminar of martal arts I have ever been. Simple, very complete and acurrate. Full of real thing and an opportunity to be aware of our own flaws in order to improve it. Congratulations to Mr. Vasiliev and all the staff. Thank you very much !

As a former military officer and a team leader of urban operations training, and a second generation martial arts instructor I recommend that all instructors as well as martial artists no matter what style ...attend seminars presented by Vladimir. Knowledge is an ongoing experience and you can learn something different each time you train. Those of you that are skeptical or critical need to train with an open mind and absorb what is useful. During the seminar and breaks, Vladimir answers questions works with people and leads by example. He always makes time to assist others.