"Systema isn't the martial art you learn, it's the martial art you've forgotten..." -Martin Wheeler

What is Systema?

Systema, or Russian Martial Art, is a unique method of practical self defense and personal development. It stresses:

• Relaxed, natural, instinctual movement

  These movements are the quickest and most efficient; The focus is developing the precision and creativity of these movements as opposed to overlaying technique.

• Breath

  Breath fundamentally drives all movement in systema, removing the emphasis on contraction and effort.

• Freedom from tension and aggression

  Systema is non-competitive; the goal is to maintain your freedom to move and respond, even in stressful or dangerous situations. Tension and aggression limit available perception and movement.

• Integrity and health of the body and mind

  Training is progressive and designed to build up the body and psyche by developing freedom, relaxation, and physical integrity. Training removes tension, strengthens connective tissue (ligaments and tendons), encourages creative thinking and uses controlled stress to unlearn habitual fear responses.

The literal translation of the original russian term for systema, poznai sebia, is "know thyself".

• Vladimir Vasiliev (a senior student of Mikhail Ryabko) brought Systema to the west, and certifies Instructors of Systema.
• "10 reasons to train systema".
• Here's a good (long) overall description.
• Descriptions of a typical class:here and here.
• Some philosophy:this broad piece from Vladimir, and On Vulnerability.
• Video clips: from Vladimir's school, and a good friend in DC.

Systema is a wonderful and appropriate introduction. The focus on movement over technique makes prior history in technique development unneccessary. De-emphasis of aggression helps the art remain relevant to our daily lives. The creativity and conditioning developed in training have application in every scope of life.

Whether you are happy with your current style(s) or not, Systema has some unique things to offer. The fundamental emphasis on instinct, freedom, relaxation, and the psyche, as well as our movement-first training methods, will ensure a new perspective on what you're doing at the moment. You will come away with some new ways of thinking about and developing your chosen skills.

Here's a forum post that offers some insight. Also, check out the video clip on systema from an MMA perspective.