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For men, women, law enforcement, security professionals

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systema_in_russianSystema (The System) is a military fighting art based on the training of the Elite Russian Special Forces. It is a comprehensive system of defence and protection, which was only declassified, and made known to the public with the fall of the Soviet regime.

Throughout the cold war it grew and adapted to the varied needs of the elite Soviet Special forces (Spetsnaz), and the KGB. As a result, it is a system that goes far beyond the scope of most martial arts, making it the consummate martial art for the modern world.

Specifically designed to be quickly learned, and easily employed, in even the most dangerous of situations, Systema is ideal for those in immediate need of a truly viable form of self defence.

The Russian fighting system makes no distinction between blocks, strikes and holds, believing that every movement is multifunctional. Techniques are based on the natural movement of the body resulting in unique, unpredictable, and highly effective moves. This fighting art uses different parts of legs, arms and body to strike, kick, slap, drill, pinch and push to disorient, shock, disarm and destroy opponents. Applications can be done from uncomfortable positions, angles and against one or multiple attackers.

In accord with this naturalness, Systema conforms to the individual, rather than asking the individual to conform to it. This allows people with differing abilities, and what some would call disabilities, to excel. The individual develops movement and technique which is not only suited to their apparent deficiencies, but stronger because of them!


Our main focus is on applying the principles of The System to modern self defence. This means giving people the means to defend themselves and their friends and family should the need arise. Our work is also geared towards law enforcement and security professionals. As such all our work is practical and takes all the necessary physical, psychological, ethical and legal factors into consideration.

There are no direct sporting aspects to our work (other than enhanced health and fitness), nothing is based on animal stances or states of mind and there are no formalised ritual or pre-set movement routines.

The training methods are clearly thought out and have been developed by professionals in order to impart maximum knowledge in a relatively short time frame - importantly, with no harmful effects on health (in fact there are many health practices incorporated within System. Return to top

History
It is said that Russian styles of martial art date back to the 10th century.
Throughout the history of this huge country, Russia had to repel invaders from the north, south, east, and west. All attackers brought their distinct styles of combat and weaponry. Battles took place on different trains, during freezing winters and sweltering summer heat alike, with the Russians often greatly outnumbered by the enemy forces. As a result of these factors, Russian warriors acquired styles of fighting  that combined strong spirit with extremely innovative and versatile tactics.

Russia is comprised of many ethnic groups, most of which had their own traditional fighting methods. Many of these fighting traditions, incorporating martial methods, health practices, folk traditions and more, were handed down within families or communities in much the same way as in the Oriental arts.

When the Communists came to power in 1917, they suppressed all national traditions and those practicing the old styles of martial art were severely punished. However, the authorities quickly realised the viability and potency of the Russian martial art and thus reserved it for the elite military units. At around the same time the art of Sombo was formulated. Combat Sombo was taught to regular military units - and still is today. It has also become the basis for a popular method of sports fighting. The older methods were developed and refined according to the specialist needs of various elite units.

Since the collapse of the Soviet system, many Russian fighting styles have re-emerged through training, competition, and media publicity. These styles include: Slaviano-Goretskaya Borba (StormWarrior Style), the military style of A. Kadochnikov, plus a variety of folk styles (e.g. Busa, Skobar, Forest Warrior, Kozachiy Sploch, fist fighting by Gruntovsky).

SOKOLI STALINA (Stalin's Falcons)
These were Stalin's bodyguard while he was in power for almost 30 years until his death in 1953. On Stalin's death these personnel were transferred to  Special Military Operations Units for the highest risk missions in KGB, GRU and other government bodies.

Close protection has always been the most vulnerable and challenging area in martial arts. The goal of Stalin's Falcons was to have a system that combined all the best components on all levels of human ability. - but most importantly, the aim was to develop tactics that would not look like martial actions, that would remain so subtle, that when they were applied it would be barely possible to see what happened and how.

Needless to say, this System was kept away from the public by the Russian authorities. It is only since the late 1980s, with the fall of the Communist era, that these martial styles started to become available.

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The Training

Self Defence
Learn tactics, strategies, techniques and skills to deal with a full spectrum of self defence. Emphasis is on real world applications.

Hand To Hand Combat

Learn offensive and defensive methods concerning the deployment of all manner of physical assault. Skills will be developed in the areas of striking, kicking, throwing, locking. All skills are practiced from both standing and lying positions, as well as everything in between. Tactics assume the need to overcome skilled opponents and multiple assailants.

Conventional Weapons

See unique methods of use and defence with and against, conventional weapons. Primary emphasis will be placed on knives and sticks

Improvised Weapons
Soviet Special Operations Units are renowned for their ability to turn just about anything into an effective weapon. We will teach you how to have this ability as well Learn to utilize a belt, credit card, keys, clothing, glasses, anything, even your wallet to defend yourself!

Conditioning Exercises

Unique exercises for warm-up, conditioning, flexibility enhancement, functional strength gain, pain and fear control.

The Principals of Systema

The Russian martial art 'Systema', or 'The System' is not easily described because it does not readily compare with the more publicised and widely practiced martial arts. 

The main aspect which differentiates Systema from other martial arts is the approach with which it is learnt. Systema students train in such a way as to develop their fundamental ability to function as a human being. In order to do this, learning must be undertaken in a completely natural way to rebuild the abilities that already exist in us but are 'deprogrammed' from an early age. 

Everybody is different and has different strengths. These differences are reflected in the way people do everything, whether in a conflict situation or not. Although some martial arts force people to go against their nature by learning 'set' moves or methods of doing things, the real most effective action is always the easiest and most natural way. Therefore training in Systema is not done by repeating set moves and stances, but by gradually finding solutions to the problems each training exercise presents. These solutions are powerful tools; they are not easy to forget. The non-competitive aspect of Systema is especially important here because rather than attempting to 'win' in class, the whole class work together to refine each others responses to varying combat stimuli. In time the student discovers very strong innate sensitivities to the intent, force, and physical and mental condition of others. 

Finding the solutions to challenging physical situations becomes easier if one adheres to four basic principles:

1. Form
'Form' means to make yourself comfortable and to align your body by supporting it using the balance of the skeleton rather than muscular tension. This puts the body in the strongest, steadiest position and allows ease of movement, relaxation and normal breathing.

2. Movement
The body is designed to move and should do so continuously when you seek to physically take action with others. You must be able to move each part of the body precisely and independently, but with the whole body and psyche working together as one unit. This makes it possible to keep the form of the body, helps relaxation and aids circulation and breathing.

3. Breathing

The way we breathe affects us physically and mentally. This becomes obvious when mental or physical changes coincide with changes in breathing. Understanding and control of breathing processes allow constant movement, correct form through control of mental stress (pain or fright) and aid relaxation. Once you start to understand breathing, it is even possible to control the heart beat and blood pressure in different parts on the body.

4. Relaxation

The natural tension of the body is different in every person. Precise, creative and economical movement is only possible within a relaxed body. Good breathing is also only possible in a relaxed body. Thus we can restore normal breathing by relaxation and vice versa. Constant movement and proper form are achieved by relaxation and ridding the body of unnecessary tension.

How can one prepare for real life? The answer is to make the training environment correct. For example if someone falls over it is likely be on concrete - so one must learn to fall safely on a hard floor without mats. This allows development of an accurate approach to falling and avoids the mental unpreparedness of transferring skills from an artificial to a real environment. The use of boxing gloves, pads and other protective equipment is also avoided. Every opportunity should be taken to experience things in a way that is as close to reality as possible.



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