If wishes were horses then beggars would ride.
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Posted: 10/6/2019 7:45:01 PM EDT
| And if so, do you have a previous martial-arts background? |
"You can ignore reality, but you cannot ignore the consequences of ignoring reality."
Ayn Rand
Ayn Rand
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Yes. But what is it you really want to know?
1. There are different versions of Systema in Russia. Vlads version is sort of a far left wing version. 2. There are several 'spin-offs' from Systema here in North America. Kevin Secours (Canada) version is very good. I strongly recommend his videos. He is able to organize and explain very well. 3. Systema is usually taught in a random fashion, no sequence/progression. That makes it more difficult to learn. 4. Often a 'high level' version is taught but what is not taught is how one got to that level. Again, makes it more difficult for the student. It either 'clicks' right away or it doesn't. 5. OTOH Can find classes where nothing is ever practiced past the very beginner level. 6. The large amount of slow practice is very beneficial, however many classes never speed it up some and 'function test'. 7. Training partners can easily become too co-operative without realizing it. 8. There is much more work with multiple attackers and if the defender is on the ground being kicked, etc. than in other styles. This is a big plus compared to other styles. 9. The sensitivity and awareness work is very good and carries over to training in other styles as well. |
If wishes were horses then beggars would ride.
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I just started with it a couple months ago, and am trying to decide if I'm a "believer" or not. Some of the drills are just starting to make sense. The emphasis on "relaxation" and "tension" is not making sense. It's like the words are being used in an unconventional sense or something. I like the random, un-sequenced progression, because with my bizarre schedule I can only make about half the classes. Love the work with improvised weapons, multiple opponents, and unconventional positions. Am very curious about Vlad. He apparently has a dark past that everyone hints about but no one talks about. What do you mean by "far left wing"? |
"You can ignore reality, but you cannot ignore the consequences of ignoring reality."
Ayn Rand
Ayn Rand
|
No training group near me but I try to attend all the seminars, etc. that I can for the last 10 years. Have a little experience grappling as well. 
Mark made some good points and I've noticed from one class or instructor to the next the work is different. Systema is supposed to be YOUR system. Just like we develop our own "game" in grappling. So what your seeing is essentially your instructor's system- for lack of a better explanation. Unlike other styles like BJJ wherein the learning style is more of a mimic this type of deal, Systema teaches concepts versus rote drills like "He throws a haymaker, I close clinch, take to ground, finish." When I've practiced Systema and I planned out in my mind a mimic type response to an attack, it was always ugly. When I tried to work in the moment it flowed a lot better. I know that sounds like some metaphysical non sense but it's the best I can explain it. I've taken a lot of the Systema concepts and crossed them over to BJJ. The relaxation and working with selective tension has helped me more than a few times fighting guys 40-60 lbs. bigger. |
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If wishes were horses then beggars would ride.
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Originally Posted By Rodent:
Now that I've been involved for a few months, I can say this: a lot of the things on Youtube that looked fake to me are totally real. I wish a couple dozen people that I do combatives with that have asked me about Systema over the years could see your answer!!! At a Martin Wheeler seminar in Atlanta about a decade or so ago- I was wearing fight shorts and he was talking about wall work. He called me over and had me put him up against the wall pressing like you would see against a cage in an MMA fight. His elbow couldn't have been 2 inches above my back but when he dropped it I crumpled to the ground. It was and still is the worst hit I've ever received in my life. I'm sure it looked like nothing, but I'm here to tell, it was fricking murder!!! LOL This idea that you have to have distance to have any power to a strike is false if you know some short work. |
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Thank you for your business!
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Thank you for your business!
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If wishes were horses then beggars would ride.
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Originally Posted By Lowdown3: Yes. I wish a couple dozen people that I do combatives with that have asked me about Systema over the years could see your answer!!! At a Martin Wheeler seminar in Atlanta about a decade or so ago- I was wearing fight shorts and he was talking about wall work. He called me over and had me put him up against the wall pressing like you would see against a cage in an MMA fight. His elbow couldn't have been 2 inches above my back but when he dropped it I crumpled to the ground. It was and still is the worst hit I've ever received in my life. I'm sure it looked like nothing, but I'm here to tell, it was fricking murder!!! LOL This idea that you have to have distance to have any power to a strike is false if you know some short work. My best friend told me it looked fake, like I dramatically over-reacted. He even phoned me later to ask if I was faking it. It was all I could do to stay on my feet and finish the class, and then I felt ill for a couple days. |
"You can ignore reality, but you cannot ignore the consequences of ignoring reality."
Ayn Rand
Ayn Rand