Training Tips

Articles by Vladimir Vasiliev

The articles presented here are for the education and enjoyment of the Systema community. The writers are solely responsible for the content and such content may not completely reflect the views of Russian Martial Art Systema by Vladimir Vasiliev. Any training conducted by you is at your sole risk.

Born in Russia, Vladimir Vasiliev received intense combative training and profound Systema training from Mikhail Ryabko. Vladimir moved to Canada, and in 1993 founded the first school of Russian Martial Art outside Russia - Systema Headquarters.

He has since personally trained and certified well over 700 qualified Russian Martial Art Systema instructors and schools in over 40 countries worldwide, and has produced an Award-Winning instructional film collection. Vladimir holds a number of government medals and awards including the Russian "Order of Duty and Honor" and the "Order of Loyalty". He offers regular training at his school in Toronto, at international seminars and camps, and through the Systema Video Program.

Systema Training Vladimir Vasiliev

The Punch of Calmness

by Vladimir Vasiliev Published: May 19, 2021

I'd like to tell you about a remarkable fight preparation. Back in the old days when I was training with Mikhail Ryabko in Russia, we were invited to demonstrate Systema to some high ranking officials. I had to be in a real full contact confrontation against some famous martial artists and competition champions. Needless to say, I was fairly fearful. To prepare me, Mikhail did not say any encouraging words, there was no cheering up or helpful tips, but instead he hit me very very hard and with extreme calmness. […]

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Systema Training Vladimir Vasiliev

How Hard Should You Train?

by Vladimir Vasiliev Published: November 18, 2016

Your Goal The goal of training is to accumulate power and not tension. I believe that with each training session, while doing the same or higher workload, we should get less tired at the end of the class. We should try to perform each exercise in such a way, that with practice, we are able to do it with less and less exertion. This is achieved by utilizing only the muscles needed for the movement and keeping the rest of the body tension-free. Moreover, if you move naturally and correctly, your psyche also relaxes and your physical and psychological potential will be noticeably enhanced. […]

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Systema Training Vladimir Vasiliev

Tense Shoulders - The Bigger Picture

by Vladimir Vasiliev Published: October 27, 2016

When I observe students in class, at seminars, or when I evaluate instructors through the Systema Video Program (SVP), I see one most common limitation – tension in the shoulders and hips. In this article, let’s look at the tense shoulders. We should understand how it seriously damages our moving and fighting potential. 1. Unfortunately, it is not obvious to many people that with tension-filled shoulders, we are not able to lift the arms freely or maintain good posture. Therefore, everything including balance, power, and precision will suffer. 2. […]

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Systema Training Vladimir Vasiliev

3 Types of Fear - 3 Ways to Breathe

by Vladimir Vasiliev Published: September 18, 2015

We can view our fears on three levels. The first one we can call Personal Fear. It is the type that develops without any physical contact. It has formed inside us as a result of a verbal threat, an aggressive scene, a potentially scary situation. We might be only partly aware of the true causes and the magnitude of that Personal Fear. It is our internal picture that may or may not be accurate. This fear comes along with a specific type of breath interruption - irregular inhale and exhale, constricted breathing, or a choking breath. […]

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Systema Training Vladimir Vasiliev

Defend Disarm Control

by Vladimir Vasiliev Published: September 07, 2015

Tips from Vladimir Defend In Systema, there is no distinction between defense and attack. Any so called \"defensive\" move is also active, decisive and pre-emptive. The secret is in complete freedom of movement, very swift thinking and decision-making. There are practically no limitations, except for the moral ones. Disarm Before practicing techniques of weapons disarming, you should first learn to identify if the opponent is armed and how. Then, study how to evaluate his competence in using a weapon. Each weapon imprints behavior. Knowledge and experience can uncover that for you. […]

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