Systema has been a major influence on my thought processes for Threnergy. It has both validated some of the stuff I already knew about and it has introduced me to some new concepts and ideas. And it has forever changed the way I think and feel.
The articles here are my opinions, and not necessarily those of other Systema practitioners or teachers. However, I believe Systema is like any other practice you want to learn. You can learn 80% of it with 20% of the effort.
But the finer points, the real art behind Systema, the 20% that makes it special – takes 80% of the effort (the Pareto Principle).
What is certain, is that if you don’t start to learn and practice the principles behind Systema you will only be able to judge it from books, videos and other people’s opinions.
Most of what I believe is special about Systema is hidden, not as in secret but as in indirect, internal and mind based. In other words hidden in plain sight.
I hope you like the posts if you haven’t read them before, and if you are inquisitive enough please do have a read of my book on Threnergy.
Mindful Energy, Connection, Flow and Systema – A Reflective View
We hold regular workshops focusing on the principles behind flowing, structured powerful movement. The principles are useful for any form of exercise or self development but are particularly relevant to the flow and power in Systema. We make a distinction between training (drilling), application and flow, with flow incorporating the principles from both the training…
Systema – Neutral Points of Contact and Subterfuge
Systema Principles In Systema, the four main principles may be relatively simple and straight-forward, but the nuances are subtle and complex. One of the nuances that has taken me many years to understand (and I'm still going) is the concept of a Neutral Point of Contact. By neutral, I mean contact that gives your opponent…
I’m in a Systema State of Mind
Centred and Calm I was chatting with a friend and fellow Systema practitioner the other night. After a few drinks, one inevitably becomes a little bit more lucid than normal. So, when he asked me what I felt Systema was, this was my reply, 'feeling calm and centred as my default state for any of…
50 and fit!
The average age of our Systema class must be around 50. Yet Systema has a reputation for being a little ‘harder’ than many martial arts. Are we all just a bunch of delusional, ageing masochists and sadists? No. The reality is that Systema can be very ‘useful’. But that is not its prime function. Its…
Natural Born Power
Many of us marvel at the abilities of extraordinary people. It is in our nature as we are inherently tribal and look for, and up to, leaders. In the sports arena, think of Bruce Lee, Mohammad Ali , Mo Farah, Hussein Bolt, Bradley Wiggins or Chris Hoy. We all look up to them and their…
Systema – Applied Mindfulness?
Having recently written a book on Mindfulness, I often get asked, ‘so what is the relevance to your Systema training?’ and conversely by non martial artists, ‘so what is the relevance of Systema to Mindfulness?’. Mindfulness is defined in many different ways. This one is from mindful.org: “Mindfulness is the basic human ability to be…
Thumping Therapy
It’s an odd concept for many martial artists let alone lay people, but thumping (done the right way) is good for you. In my old karate training days we used to call it blooding. The concept of hitting you to build up resilience and harden you up. In some martial arts, avoiding getting hit is one…
On being Humble … and Systema
On being Humble … and Systema When people say that a certain Martial Artist is humble what does that actually mean and why is it relevant? Here are some definitions of humble (from dictionary.com) and some observations on the Systema ways that go with them: 1. not proud or arrogant; modest: to be humble although…
Categories: Archived, Systema
Acceptance
Acceptance A large part of Systema is about acceptance – some call it humility or lack of ego. This is part of other martial arts and is taught, but after a lengthy focus on defensive approaches. So acceptance comes in much more at the higher end of training and after many years – the ‘do’…
Categories: Archived, Systema
It’s not about winning – it’s about not loosing
It's not about winning - it's about not loosing I thought about this topic some time ago when somebody told me I was highly, even aggressively, competitive. Not that that is necessarily a bad thing for some but it’s just not how I think of myself or want to be. I was genuinely surprised -…
Categories: Archived, Systema
Why Systema is like Cake and Kids
Why Systema is like Cake and Kids Having practiced Systema for a few years now. I thought I’d reflect on some recent events and thoughts. Over the years, my Systema Instructor, Glen has often given me advice about being too stiff: Firstly I was too stiff because of my Karate training (not the softest of…
Categories: Archived, Systema
Ranting and Reacting
Ranting and Reacting Our Systema instructor tells a story that proved to be very useful for me. He relates about travelling by car through the UK and stopping off at a motorway service station. As he was driving off the slip-road he got cut-up by another Brit and had a small altercation - but thought…
Categories: Archived, Systema
Stress is Good
Stress is Good Every now and again you get some information that fills in a missing piece of the puzzle. A fellow Systema practitioner recently recommended a video on, ‘why stress is good for you’. As I watched the video, the penny dropped. I had also read some time ago that a problem with older,…
Categories: Archived, Systema
Perception is Reality
Perception is Reality A common expression is that nine tenths of reality is perception. A great bit of research I've recently come across (video link below) is that your perception of what is around you and happening to you is heavily influenced by: your energy levels, your belief in your own ability and your social…
Categories: Archived, Systema