History of Systema

Systema (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.

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: Ryabko, 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).

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