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.
Below is a list of articles with the most recent ones listed first.
by Vladimir Vasiliev Published: October 08, 2007
We'd like to get you familiar with this most essential self defense topic, and here is the first preparation glimpse into the CAR FIGHT DVD. Professionals in this line of work know that dangers associated with a car can be divided into 3 categories. […]
by Vladimir Vasiliev Published: August 28, 2007
We all know that breathing is our best tool to eliminate tension. We have done numerous great drills at Systema classes and seminars. Many of these exercises are outlined in the book Let Every Breath and DVD on Systema Breathing I would like to share a very useful drill with you. Mikhail Ryabko and I recently used this drill during our training sessions in Moscow. You will enjoy it as it gives you an accelerated way to clean out your tension: 1. Begin by lying on your back relaxed, and exhale. 2. Inhale smoothly and fully. 3. […]
by Vladimir Vasiliev Published: July 31, 2007
In Systema conditioning, we try to create all the exercises so that they lead us directly into the highest levels of fighting skill. Training drills are not distinct from the martial art but rather form the intensive energetic foundation for all defensive and offensive movements. One of the variables that interferes with our effective movements in any fight is tension. I'd like to present you with some useful physical drills that help you control your tension, while you are strengthening your body and developing your breathing at the same time. […]
by Vladimir Vasiliev Published: July 17, 2007
How to breathe to prepare yourself for a fight? When an untrained person perceives danger, his heart rate and blood pressure go up, while the breathing gets disrupted - he usually holds his breath for a short time. As a result of stress, there is tension and restriction of movement so full breathing becomes impossible. Thus, the heart is working harder, the blood flows to the muscles, while there is not enough oxygen supply. […]
by Vladimir Vasiliev Published: October 31, 2006
THOUGHTS FROM CLASS by Vladimir Vasiliev A human being is a complete system and for this reason we have to make our training a complete and whole system as well (thus, the Russian word for our training approach is Systema). Many sports and martial arts assume and presuppose that the person entering the training is healthy. In fact, this is almost never the case. The physiological parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, lung capacity, posture, mobility and strength of the joints and muscles, condition of the nervous system are rarely ideal. […]