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 Combative Body Massage

by Vladimir Vasiliev Published: August 31, 2015

Any good massage is beneficial. The Systema combative body massage that we do in classes has its own unique and practical value. Done in a training session, it becomes an important part of overall development of the spirit and body. Combative body practices usually include: Tissue Impact Bodyweight Massage Percussive Massage Joint Tapping Visceral Pressures Compared to passively receiving treatment from a masseuse, the combative body techniques are done within the spirit of action, training and fighting arts. […]

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Systema Training Vladimir Vasiliev

The Source of Strength and Peace

by Vladimir Vasiliev Published: December 02, 2013

INTERVIEW with VLADIMIR VASILIEV by Rob Poyton, the head instructor of Cutting Edge Systema Academy in UK and the editor of Systema International publication. Systema International (SI): First of all can I say congratulations on behalf of everyone here on the 20th anniversary of your school, it’s an amazing achievement! Did you have any idea when you first started teaching in Toronto that you would be in this position, with schools worldwide? Vladimir Vasiliev (VV): Thank you for your kind words and support. […]

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Systema Training Vladimir Vasiliev

Systema Seminars in Europe – Short interview with Vladimir Vasiliev

by Vladimir Vasiliev Published: May 29, 2012

Reporter: Mr. Vasiliev, you have just returned from instructing at two big seminars in Paris, France and Hamburg, Germany. There were over 150 participants in each event. Before the detailed reviews and videos clips are published, can you share your impressions with us? Vladimir: I find that despite the large size of seminar groups, it is getting easier to teach Systema. This is because many people are seeing the depth of this training. There is less superficial interest in tricks and techniques, rather people think and analyze more. […]

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Systema Training Vladimir Vasiliev

Encounter with Systema

by Vladimir Vasiliev Published: April 01, 2012

Interview with Vladimir Vasiliev recorded at the seminar in Tokyo, hosted by Andy Cefai and Ryo Onishipublished by Hiden Budo & Bujitsu magazinetranslated from Japanese by Tarota Inagaki   Question-When did you encounter Systema for the first time? Vladimir Vasiliev (VV): It's in the early 80s that I met Mikhail Ryabko.   -You were serving in the military at that time. What kind of martial arts were you training in? VV: I was mostly training for a close quarter combat. Those martial arts have good points but Mikhail showed me a completely different approach. […]

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Systema Training Vladimir Vasiliev

Fists and Punches

by Vladimir Vasiliev Published: January 18, 2012

FISTS AND PUNCHES by Vladimir Vasiliev A few years ago, when I was visiting Mikhail Ryabko in Moscow, he demonstrated a slow fist pushup against the wall. I still clearly remember how standing next to him, it felt like a huge beast filled the room, the wall was droning and buzzing under his fists. Pushups in Systema are not just exercises for shoulders and chest, they are a comprehensive method to prepare for fighting and strikes. […]

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