Thank you, Ilan, for this excellent program. I was great to have you as a guest. Your high level of experience, understanding, respect and desire to train was very impressive! Feel free to visit Systema HQ Toronto any time.
Well there's plenty of those "bullshido" video people who use clips from Vlad. But they've never felt one of those punches a d don't understand what they are seeing lol
@@willtherealrustyschacklefo3812 it's not very impressive andit requires a specific static set up and compliance. You basically have to allow it to hurt. Anything can be made to hurt that way. It's not practically applicable either.
@@HardHardMaster Not entirely true. I competed in MMA and trained a bit of Systema back in the day along with Sambo. Those punches dig deep. It's not just in the setup any more than an uppercut is in the setup to land correctly. I learned both Fedors casting punch (thrown the same way the ones in the video are thrown) and Khabibs way of throwing the shovel uppecut in systema.
Congrats, you now understand. Systema is the wisest martial art I have ever experienced and I have tried many. Vlad is 64 years old and still moves like he is 30. The more injuries you sustain, the more you will realize Systema is the healthy way to age and still stay capable. I train under Martin Wheeler in LA and I am instructor qualified by Vlad.
Im a black belt in german Ju Jutsu and Judo. I ve also trained Luta Livre, Wing Chun, Escrima and Hema. I took once some Systema classes and had a sparring type match with the Systema instructor. I was able to bring him to the ground, but every ground technique i wanted to execute on him, he was able to escape with his special super relaxed movement. It was like to catch a slippery fish out of the water with bare hands. I think Systema has a lot to offer with their special training to liberate body movements and free it from the chains of strictly following one style or technique. Im sure that everyone can add Systema movement training to his own martial art style. Especially for wrestlers this could be quite interesting. Greetings from germany. P.S. "no movement, no fight"!
@@inside_fighting man its great to hear from you. I observe your channel since two years and i love how tolerant you are. You give all martial arts a chance and the honour they deserve. You are a fighting geek and martial arts are your life. We all were obsessed with the UFC tournaments and the realism MMA brought to the martial world. But i think now its time to realize that MMA has the same problem. It lacks competence for streetfighting ( especially dirty tricks and weapons, but thats the purest form of streetfighting). The most traditional martial arts are capable for streetfighting, because its their territory. I returned to the traditional way and i learned it through Ju Jutsu and through our Sensei who is also a blackbelt in american Kenpo Karate. Its just so much fun to train and gives you a live long thrill, joy, health and happiness. What do you need more? Greetings and thank you for your comment.
@@normanquednau Hallo Norman. Ich habe eine Zeitlang mit Deutschrussen Systema trainiert und mit einem erfahrenem Lehrer ein wenig freundliches Sparring gemacht. Ich habe einige Konzepte übernommen wie Isometric, Ballistik und langsames spielerisches training. Es funktioniert sehr gut und diese Didaktik hat mich überzeugt. Ich mische das jedoch mit meinem klassischen Trainingsstil (Techniktraining, drills und Sparring). Ich komme aus der Ju Jutsu/Judo/ Luta Livre, Hema/Escrima Richtung und war auch lange im Wing Chun dabei. Diesen Stilen bin ich stets treu geblieben..Systema im eigentlichen Sinne trainiere ich nicht, sondern habe nur einige ihrer Konzepte und Methoden übernommen die für mich bereichernd sind. Es gibt ein gutes Netzwerk an Schulen in Deutschland. Vielleicht findest du etwas in deiner Nähe. Liebe Grüsse aus Schwaben.
Too many people denigrate without actually experiencing things, based only on their experience with their own way of doing things. You do a great job getting experience and relaying what you feel
@@inside_fighting It wouldn't be a problem if they just called it mobility training or something. But it is NOT a realistic fight style and that is what they claim. Aka bullshido. It misleads and deludes a lot of people with false claims and pretence and you should not be promoting it. Come on man. You're better than that.
@@HardHardMaster Why don't you give it a try before saying : NO ? Here is what I wrote when sharing Ilan's video : "Here is a testimony from an experienced martial artist with a "classical" consistent background ! Yes, from outside systema may look like Bullshido, but if you taste it yourself and feel it inside, it's another story. I totally understand it looks fake as I thought the same, for over a year I watched systema videos and something looked different, free and intriguing, but kind of weird and like a fraud too. Then one day I saw the light watching a Mikhail Ryabko's video thinking: "wow, it's not fake, it's real" So I went for a trial at Systema Belgium with Koen Vandersteene, it blew my mind and actually my stomach too 😳🙏. Getting punched by an instructor at this very first class, I felt like I was dying, but after recovering with breathing as they showed me, I wasn't physically hurt, my liver was perfectly ok, but my mind was shocked by the fear I just experienced. This happened in 2011, I started martial arts with judo in 1981 and now 13 years after starting, I never stopped, still practicing and teaching Systema. At 51 my mind, heart and body simply feel better then at 38 when I started. If you want to give it a try, don't hesitate to contact me or have a look at our website : systemabrussels.com"
@@jordanrock3494 first of, I'm not afraid at all. I'm a lifelong martial artist and I've been a close combat instructor for law enforcement and military. Second, I have tried it and since one of my black belts is in a system specialising in biomechanics, I do understand what's happening in systema. It's parlor tricks and pseudo science, sold convincingly to laymen. Is it useful for mobility? Sure. But as a fighting system it's a con. It's not realistic nor practical and frankly, hilarious.
@@HardHardMasterI like your words there seems to be a lot of benefit to the power generation/its correct to exhale when taking a shot. It’s really easy to learn how to strike like that though I don’t think anyone with decent KQ (kinesthetic quotient intelligence) needs much of a class on it other than RU-vid videos and then figuring it out. I used to watch the videos in highschool and can do those dead weight strikes pretty simple. But of course it all depends when to use those types of strikes makes alot of sense using them when you’re dead tired lol
I can't express how thrilled I am that you sought out this experience. I had a similar opportunity here in Brazil with Brazilian instructors from Vasiliev's lineage, and I was blown away by Systema's deep biomechanical understanding. As someone who's been practicing grappling and FMA for a few years, it was fascinating (and a bit shocking tbh) to encounter their fluid, relaxed movement. I absolutely love it. Thanks again for sharing this content, Elon!
Thanks so much for watching!!! It really has to be felt to be understood but it is a great addition for the toolset and training of any serious martial artist in my view. I see it incredibly positively now.
Rogan once interviewed JJ Machado, observing that *every* longtime BJJ person he knew had at least one major injury. Machado said he'd never been injured because he knew how to stay relaxed and flow. I stopped BJJ in my late 30s, not because I had an injury per se, but because going hard in grappling played hell with my joints. Systema seems like a very useful training supplement that can prolong one's grappling career.
"supplemental" this is how I always describe systema, it fills in gaps, systemas movements can be added to any other martial art, the power generation can be adapted to any striking technique, the breathing can be used in not just any martial art but any physical activity, there is so much good stuff that can be found in systema
I am a bjj guy but have had the pleasure of training with Vladimir and he is one of the greatest martial artists I have ever come across. He is 100% legit1
My respect for you just increased tremendiously! I have no affiliation with Systema other then that an old instructor had tried it and demostrated a few techniques, many years ago. My respect comes from your way to reevaluate your earlier stance. Your way to humbly keep an open mind despite an earlier not so good experince. It is very rare. That is why I tip my hat in respect.
I have 30+ years of Martial art training. I had a 3rd degree Black belt when I went to a 3 day Martin Wheeler seminar 20 years ago exactly. It changed the way I move, think, breathe.. and I havent stopped training in Systema. I still go to other training and seminars. But the principles of systema unlock deeper movement in all of these things. Its so frustrating to see all the trolls, and hear all the bashing. Ive always say.. just go try it. Thank you for doing just that! Vladimir wants to help you become a better stronger person. Im 52 now, very fit and in shape and move better than many guys in there 20's and 30's. I attribute tons of that to regular systema training. I hope you are able and willing to keep studying this, the benefits will continue to reveal themselves!
@@HardHardMaster yeah, it really is. Strikes, kicks, takedown, grappling, weapons... it is not always practice this slow. Training slow just builds awareness and sensitivity. All I can say is go try it like this guy did. Speed it up and see what happens...
@@twystedriffs7662 It is not and it doesn't work when sped up, because it completely relies on slow mo compliance with unrealistic one-sided little 'speed ups' that don't happen in reality. You can't do Matrix 'bullet time' in real life. Adding some striking and kicking motions doesn't make it any kind of effective martial art. It just makes it mobility training and silly moves combined with kicks and punches. The awareness and sensitivity drills are present in many martial arts and are generally overestimated even there. Locks and manipulations are even easier in slow mo and even more unrealistic when tried like that at real speed.
I've done about year of systema previously under one of Vlad's (at the time) student instructors. It's a fascinating practice for body and movement exploration, recovery and healing, as well as putting into practice the ideas of flow and play in combat. My grievances come from two main places: first, the problem of being able to (or rather, NOT being able to) explain or provide intentionality behind the exercises. Some things seem straightforward enough, like developing new ways of moving, more consciousness in how you breath, but in a martial art there is always an expectation of what you're learning having direct applicability in a fight that can be taught and explained. Systema's "depth punch" as I call it is an example of this. Both the hit and method of absorbing it is great, but how much of it is a matter of being able to move and absorb it on the fly vs. the participant being able to anticipate the strike before it lands? Is it even something that is even usable or SUPPOSED to be used in a fight, or is just a fight-themed exercise meant to teach other, tangently related skills? That's just one example of the broader problem, you also find it with all of the knife stuff. And the other issue is that, unfortunately, a LOT of Systema leans into mysticism and cultism. I don't know if it was a marketing decision, I don't know if it just sprang up as a result of the complacency of the students, but stay long enough and look long enough and you will find almost every current systema teacher peddling some brand of homeopathy, alternative medicine, or psychic powers (yes, even Vlad). This shouldn't be surprise, it's happened with Kung-fu, Karate and Silat for similar reasons, but it's still a problem. If you're still in the Montreal area you should try to find Kevin Secours. He's got experience in both the Vasiliev and Kadochnikov school's of systema (the latter is supposedly a lot more scientifically-focused, but take that with a grain of salt) and a background in various other martial arts, including Kenpo Jujitsu. Very smart man, very well-studied and wealth of knowledge and perspective.
Karate doesn't. Your criticism is refreshing here among so many delusionalfanboys and absolutely right on the mark. It is a pseudo scientific cult and while it has some mobility benefits it's not at all a martial art, let alone a realistic one.
@@Raiden4019 Everything in this world is tied to the God Stream, The system is an ancient knowledge from The Vedas. Remember Martial Arts is for the Mind, Body, and the Spirit. When properly used it's a tool to understand thy self and the I AM. To help you ascend to a higher being.
Thank you for posting your experinece with Vladimir. What comes to my mind is the following quote: "Anyone who intends to improve or thinks about improving himself, uses effort. Then movement does not go well and this disrupts the process of improvement more than anything else. If you move within your range of ability without trying to achieve a goal, you improve at the fastest rate possible." - Moshe Feldenkrais (20th century smoatics pioneer) Best wishes
Vlad and systema changed my life and the way I move through this world. The principles will enhance every aspect of your life and improve every style you know. Glad to see you finally go to the source and break the stigma all the keyboard warriors instill and see for yourself.
I hope you continue to learn and practice, it's an insanely deep art that covers every aspect of the mind and body. Do it long enough and it damn near gives you superpowers.😂 🐉
Trolls have closed minds and comment from a position of ignorance. I've done Wing Chun which doesn't suit ring fighting because that's not what it's about or was developed for. There's a saying about a fight you might change the way they look but you won't change the way they think
interesting side note. Martin Wheeler produces movies too. He produced a few Stephen Seagal movies and I believe did the fight scenes @@inside_fighting
Oh my god, this video is like a dream come true. It is so hard to explain these things to people who see the soft work videos and immediately think bullshido. I now have a video to send them to explain. Everything you are saying is extremely on point. And it means a lot that it’s coming from you. By the way, there are a couple of the og students of Vlad and Mikhail that kind of broke from the Ryabko systema line because they wanted to do more hard style stuff to actually teach a complete self defense or combat art. Please check out Alexander Kostic’s Systema Homo Ludens, and Kevin Secours’ Combat Systema. You won’t regret it. I promise. (I can link to videos if you want.)
I will definitely check it out. I really enjoyed the experience. When I see the soft stuff I immediately thought the same but when you experience it and then keep an open mind to how it can be applied and benefit your training it has immense potential. I see it as one of the best supplemental styles for someone who does a hard combat sport to be honest. If i lived in Toronto i'd be going to the school weekly. Also they hit sooooooo hard it's crazy... I just want to work on that hahahaha. I thought I hit hard but I apparently do not.
I’m so happy you had a good experience! Completely agree that regular systema is best as a supplement if your goal is fighting or self defense. On its own it’s great for play and health, and to practice something martial with a bit of contact while injured. I’ve been recovering from a head injury for a long time, and Systema was one of the few things I could train for a while. I started training Kyokushin this fall, since I’m finally well enough.
ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-p6yn7PmQsxM.htmlsi=LGnTW-xHV_Bd7e2L This video gives a good impression of what Alex Kostic’s systema is about.
ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-FKQcH0rDEkU.htmlsi=D8b5Qqiur3yuAn5J And here is a video from Kevin that is just talk, but which is very helpful in understanding the history and varieties of systema, and where Kevin’s variant belongs.
Thank you Ilan for another amazing breakdown. You remind me of my first Systema class back in 2009. I had trained in different disciplines including karate, boxing, aikido, ninjitsu, jujitsu. At first I thought I would just borrow a principle or two from Systema. As I got deeper into the system I began to understand that Systema is the system behind the systems. It is the methodology of how to train, how to give over knowledge. How to imprint movements into the nervous system. I guarantee, whatever system one trains in , systema will help you operate at a much higher level within your chosen fighting system. Systema will develop your creativity, spontaneity, fluidity, power, and self regulation under stress. I now use systema to train not only fighters, but treating Parkinsons patients, and survivors of trauma and abuse. It is a truly healing art, on many levels. Ilan, if you ever fancy flying to Israel, please let me know.
I also spent many years in MMA, primarily BJJ and boxing and lesser a number of others. I found a Systema exercise video to aid in healing from a torn bicep tendo surgery repair, which like many in BJJ, it was just one of quite a few. I too thought it was not very effective, but heard the movement program would help me heal faster and better and it did. The short of it, I discovered how powerful Systema was and dove straight into it. Everything you said is right. And though it can be a great supplement to MMA/BJJ, it is also in itself all anyone needs for a complete powerful self defense system. It took a while to see this as I was so hooked on boxing and BJJ which of course are great arts. Just the freakishly powerful strikes from any and every position and not needing body movement, or pull all the way back, is enough there to be more than enough to stop any attacker. But it also is very powerful and extremely effective in any situation, even grappling. For many things in Systema, it takes longer to find how this is done. And the weird thing is because it's too easy Vlad always says, it's so easy, it becomes hard . Our minds get stuck with what we've been taught with any form of physical activities. And some of that is prior training in martial arts, weight lifting, or any sport which all teach you how to perform their respective techniques with tension and it takes time to trust what you're being told and stop doing what you may be very good at and it's likely something effective in a fight. At first it's strange to find movement and power without using muscle. But once you accept it, you never can unlearn it, cause it's actual real natural body mechanics. It's imo the most powerful and easiest martial art ever. Anyone curious and lives near NJ, look up system of combat and I would be glad to show anyone who wants to try it. It's the greatest secret in martial arts. Even when people try it, every aspect isn't shown, or learned right away, though they are much quicker than others. But the strikes are easy to show and get something out of it with one class as well as absorbing any strike to the body. For one visit, I think he gave a fair analysis, especially with someone training for years in something else which they may feel partial to. I get it. I at first said it's a good supplemental art. It's got some good take downs It's got a few interesting strong punches. That was me not getting it yet. MMA seemed literally like the ultimate. But eventually, but not too long, something clicked and I got it. I suddenly realized the true no limitations to this art. And I was hooked on the strikes and how easy and powerful they are. I hope this guy goes back again with a continued open mind and test other things. Ask someone to roll. I think Systema is enough for even ground fighting Although I recommend my class learn the basics, or more if they want. It is effective and fun. But not necessarily needed. And all that is too much to explain here. But back to just the striking alone is like nobody has ever experienced outside of Systema students from anyone else ever. And, yep, easy to learn. I would be afraid to teach anyone competing in MMA or boxing, cause it wouldn't be long before someone got unalived I know, sounds impossible. Did to me as well But like I said, in the Jersey area, stop on by and I'll be glad to show you. Nothing to lose. For me it's just endlessly fascinating and a lot of fun.
I knew a Russian Sambo guy who was in the Russian military and asked him about Systema, after he laughed for 5 minutes, he told most people in the military don't even know what it is, including most Spetsnaz (he said Spetsnaz is like the US Marines, there's ALLOT of them, he even told me most are nowhere near as well trained as US Marines) He did say Systema was originally developed for soldiers in the 60s 70s but it was a 'movement training/yoga health thing', the most 'Combat' application was rolling effectively on the ground with an AK or Pistol, that's it. He said he knew some of the more serious Spetsnaz boys and they ALL did Sambo. He did say Systema is great for health and he really liked the breathing relaxation practice. Personally I think its very similar to Bujinkan, the idea of 'let the body move and do the technique naturally' unfortunately the same issue with Bujinkan.. is it effective in combat? What I like about it is the 'slow' quasi isometric calisthenics (1 minute push up/squat) and the breathing practice.
It’s incredible for health, working around injury and exploring new ways to move… also they hit hard as hell and can absorb a ton of damage… that’s what i see its use for
@@davefletch3063 Of cause not! The US Marine Corps is a branch of the US military. "Spetsnaz" is Russian for specialist. There are different types of "Spetsnaz" units. For example "Alfa", the counter terrorism unit of the FSB. Spetsnaz and Marines are not comparable. Not even by a wide margin. To do so is extremely stupid.
Thank you for your honest insight on Systema. I totally agree with you. Systema doesn't teach you a special set of techniques, rather it is a method to learn how to deal with a stressing situation. If you have a background in some martial arts or fighting sport system, it helps you to develop a kind of internal quietness... After I tried the first time, I realised that I practiced many years other martial arts and I missed completely something very important: a kind of mindset, a balance between be focused and stay relaxed...
I get to study Systema one to two times a week. I believe it helps me with other martial arts I study. That was a very good video and thank you for sharing your experience. 👍
Thanks for being open-minded and trying different things; and when something new is good, you share it. Too many martial arts people are extremely closed-minded to anything that is different to what THEY do or believe in. I have never practiced Systema, but I like learning about and can appreciate different approaches that can be effective, if someone can keep their egos in check.
Being open minded and trying as much as possible is definitely a good thing, and it will broaden one's knowledge and understanding significantly. However being open minded does not mean believing everything anyone tells you or falling for parlor tricks poorly disguised as realistic fight techniques. We need to experience some nonsense to recognize it and to distinguish and able to focus on real things. Most if not all the people in the comments saying critics haven't tried it, have themselves not tried anything realistic well enough. Deeper insights into real principles come only after years, and not for everyone. What's clear though with those insights once acquired is that systema is bullshido.
@@rmasystemalondonuk if you read all my comments you would have seen me state more than a few times already that I have tried, it several times in fact.
I love the idea of "supplemental" martial arts that you bring up here and other videos. Never really thought of it like that but it makes a whole lot of other martial arts stand out in a way that wouldn't have before.
Well put. The supplemental value of some things shouldn't be overestimated though. Also there's complete styles around that when practiced correctly at a high enough level, don't really need supplementation. unfortunately this was lost in commerce a lot, and most people don't have the patience and discipline to follow through on those even if they can find a capable teacher. Hence the quest a lot of people like our respected Ilan are resorting to, and meeting a lot of garbage on the way to enlightenment on.
One of my Systema instructors told me Vladimir rattles your entire skeletal structure when he punches you. Learning Bagua whipping and Systema 'wave power' have made my punches way harder. I am from a bare knuckle Karate backround, and these punches are no joke.
The BEST analysis of Systema I've seen!!! You bring out some of the fundamentals of it with honesty and humility!! Vladimir understands energy on a level that's lost on most people!!! I've not taken a Systema "class" but I understand the principles and I have to be careful of when and on whom I use them!! For instance... I did a very small requested demonstration of relaxed energy flow on one (untrained) kid and he almost collapsed!!😳
Those hits to the sternum will hurt no matter how hard someone hits. I'm impressed by how they learn to take hits like that but I cannot see how those hits to the sternum are as powerful as you describe.
I used to practice systema during my mma career and as you say it's not a singular system but it's a great addition. No BS I stopped checking kicks and started front kicking the shin of my opponents leg kicks and without putting my foot down turn it into another front or side kick into their supporting leg or gut. Drove my partners crazy. PS. True what you say about sports and self defense. While boxing would certainly help people abusing the rules like Floyd Mayweather by turning around and bending over until the ref comes between between is probably not the best way a woman should deal with an attacker. Or Jone Jones's can't touch me my hands down can't touch me my hands down approach to opponents is probably not how to approach someone yelling at you in a bar.
What most people who practice mainstream traditional martial arts don’t realize (and it’s probably because they either don’t practice long enough, or they don’t think long & hard enough about what they practice) is that the way mainstream traditional martial arts teaches its students is that they teach techniques first, then after you learn all the techniques in that system & achieve a high level of fluency in those techniques, then take it to the next level (be it becoming a sifu, getting your black belt, or how many black belt degrees in order to be considered sufficiently proficient to be a master in that system), you need to discover the principals behind those techniques you’ve learned & grinded away at in order to be fluent. That’s true in BJJ; once you get your purple belt & qualify to teach bjj, you need to develop the principals behind the techniques you’ve learned in order to be at a level that is representative of a bjj brown or even black belt. So like with Iian’s previous video with his friend talking about Karate, whether you are learning kata, or you are learning how to armbar in bjj class, or jab/cross/hook/uppercut in boxing class, being fluent in those techniques is like being fluent in the alphabets, or all the various type of notes on a music sheet. But to metaphorically be able to write/read music or a passage; or even a full sentence, you need to understand the principals behind the metaphorical alphabets you learn. & in traditional mainstream martial arts, that understanding comes from sparring; which is essentially a high stress trial & error process. Systema teaches in reverse order; it primarily teaches principals, & through these principals that the students familiarize themselves with, the students either develop their own techniques or apply the techniques they’ve learned from other systems more effectively. So in a way, Systema teaches the student the song, & after learning the song the student can take the time to look at the individual notes & musical structure of the song; rather the traditional mainstream martial art way of learning all the type of notes, rifts, chords, etc. & then putting the song together.
I liked your analysis, professor, we don't need to accept the set of martial art techniques as a whole, especially in martial arts like systema, however we can absorb something useful to complement our martial art. My muay thai teacher, who also learned muay chaiya, teaches us meditation and a little yoga also precisely to control the mind and body, body awareness. He says that in Thailand this is common in some muay chaiya schools.
Glad to hear that. It’s one of those things that so many people miss out on because they are unwilling to feel it. I’m glad i had a chance to experience it. If i lived here I’d train it.
@inside_fighting I agree. But like aikido one can only use it if they already know how to fight. Like a judo guy could enhance his practice with aikido but alone aikido doesn't teach you to fight. This is what I've come to believe. Thank you It's interesting that Vladimir trained in Sambo and he is a military person as well. So he is real
@@jasoncaine7829 he trained boxing and karate as well. I agree fully. This helps people who already know how to fight tremendously as a supplemental system. It’s not a Foundational system
@@jasoncaine7829I always thought that with Aikido,.my understanding was that in Japan they'd learn Judo and Karate and then Aikido and those tree together blended hard and soft.
You should get Kevin Secours on your channel. His take on Systema proves it's real and he's a Canadian, so you know he's not trying to con anyone -- I think he's incapable of fakery.
Its not bullshido. Systema is one of my 7 MAs through life. Also tried a lot of others at seminars and more. But 7 as trained over longer amount of time. Systema made me look at MA differently. Changed me. Also in everyday life. FMA is my main MA today but train Systema movements and breathing still today. Four Systema instructors that helped me with the transition. I will recommend you to seek up Sonny Puzikas in Texas. He will teach you about the realism of violence. Former student of Vasiliev, also background from FMA/Silat and other stuff. Inside Fighting with Sonny would be a highly interesting episode.
@@TheKitchenerLeslie @inside_fighting Second that. Would also recommend you take a class or seminar with Martin Wheeler (he's LA based but does seminars all over the place).
Sorry Ilan, it's still bullshido and while your mentality is admirable, you could have known that already and probably should have been more critical. I get why you wanted to do this on your channel and all but there is a cost to that too. Why are you into these fringe bullshido styles now, and this way? Maybe you could just isolate some working techniques or principles from them and discuss the ins and outs of those, rather than offering your platform and acting as a promotion for overall bullshido styles.
I totally get what you’re saying, bro. I’m a former amateur boxer and have spent my whole life in the gym, so I know the grind. I’m also a black belt in Kyokushin karate. I went to a seminar with Vladimir because a friend dragged me along, and honestly, I just couldn’t understand it. It was so foreign to me. But then, at the end of the seminar, Vlad let everyone experience his strikes. When he hit me in the stomach, it felt like he broke my spine-I've never experienced anything like it before or since. Now, this isn’t a full endorsement because I don’t know enough about the art….but that guy definitely has something special- can’t deny it. I’ve told many people over the years… If you doubt it show up to a seminar… And they never will.
@@HardHardMaster Spoken like a true abuse victim. Who beat you or felt you up when you were a young lad? Might want to seek some counseling for that, buddy.
Dang it Ilan, why do you keep doing this to me?! You have a talent for taking martial arts styles I don’t like or dismiss out of hand and then making me actually appreciate them!
all systems should use the approach of "play" to sparring. Hard sparring in training is eventually going to shorten your martial arts life. Especially if you are into competition. If you approach sparring as play, not completely gentle but controlled contact, light to med, this give you the ability to think while you sparr without the worry of getting your head or legs ripped off. Now having said that yes contact sparring is good for the "reality" of being hit.
The hard sparring has to be kept for times where it's worth it... I agree. It can't be an every day thing. I love sparring but have learned to really enjoy the playfullness of movmement that isn't intended to cause harm.
Henry Akins a Rickson Gracie black belt comes to my mind when you talk about relaxation and softness. Even what you call stickiness Henry and Rickson calls it connection which is also found in Taichi and worded as such.
@@inside_fighting ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Fk1oULbfdSc.html Thats just on example but Rickson's black belts, particularly Henry have the internal elements of breathing, relaxation, softness etc.
I have trained in systema since 1998 under and with Vladimir and at HQ travelling from England several times and I have been an instructor since 1999 I have also trained in 13 martial arts over 52 years starting at 11 years old in judo. I won’t go through them all. But I agree with everything you said and after 25 years of Systema I have no injuries from it! Now coming up to the age of 65 years old my body is in very good condition. I do have some issues with my body, but that was down to multiple sclerosis not systema in fact systema is what I used as a physio theotherapy for my illness and yes, I’ve had martial artists come to me showing me there wonderful stomach muscle rack and one punch. I’ve had them almost puking on the floor. Completely gutted from one punch obviously I don’t do that to everybody but he wanted to know.???! If you meet me on the street, I am nobody just a friendly guy. I just Happen to have multiple black belts which mean nothing to me anymore.. So to conclude, if you want to train learn how to fight and I’ve had several street fights that ended for the other people very very quickly. I’m talking three seconds.! and I don’t care what martial art you do system is a fantastic attribute to any martial artist. But don’t take my word for it go and train in it without any conclusions beforehand.. you don’t know until you’ve done it, Experience is the only learning. Great video by the way!
@@Kinotaurus I live in Cumbria UK but I don’t teach anymore. I retired after 52 years of martial arts a couple of years ago and I just practice myself now. I’m heavily into Buddhism at the moment. Training for a flexible mind!
Vladimir Vasiliev is in his 60s. The System by Ryabko and Vasiliev covers much much more than self defence or fighting. It is in its first appearance an healing therapy for the body but much more for the soul. Mikhail said Systema is the right approach to life. The more a soul has humility, the more powerful is its movement, the more the things and situations turn out to end well. God bless you on your journey.
This would be such a great art to try. Adding this to your arsenal is a definite benefit to your fight game. I wish we had one in our town. Thanks for sharing this video and your input about Systema. Much appreciated.
I learned Karate in the 80s , when it mattered , got my black belt from the Shotokan tiger himself, Sensei Enoeida , and drank whisky with him afterwards 😅, then over the years I did 5yrs of Aikido , and then I discovered systema , I love it , I am but a student but trained with Daniil Ryabko, it's a fantastic system, depends on what you want.
Great video, as always! I was on the fence for Systema, always alternating between "that's neat" and "Bullshido". Very nuanced sensible take. Thank you!
I am glad you touch on the true aspects of the art. Such as the body mechanics and proper movement, even with going to , moving around on and getting out of the floor
I started systema a year back and was really impressed by the discipline, and when I searched online I did not understand all the shitstorm about systema. I was getting pretty wrecked, hit hard, developing new skills, the omfg 20 minutes planck on fists is still carved in by body lol, and I saw that people were vastly laughing at systema. But my training mates who've been practicing for many years told me a key element : systema is not unified, it's not the same in every club. Since the discipline has a lot of breathing, relaxation, etc. some clubs have been focusing more on this and less on the martial aspect, leading to some really degenerate "systema" clubs where people forgot about fighting. In my club we say that martial leads eveything. All the bizarre things we do that sometimes even I have some difficulties to understand how useful it is, in the end of the session it all comes to this : now focus on these feelings, this relaxed stance, and fight.
!. relaxed force = Sung Chin - its a Traditional Chinese Martial Art principle. 2. The punch 'victim' is also "Yielding' another TCMA principle. Having said that Systema is a good system of self defence. This teacher is clearly very good and has been taught well.
Thank you for the Systema review, very interesting stuff. My art is Taijiquan, but always interested in other Martial arts as well. Much appreciation❣️ 🙏☺️
You are probably one of a very few who I would believe saying this about systema. And I think the McGregor comparison also stads. The concept of off-pattern in fighting comes up with many people who do the pattern fighting (whichever, i also do 3 diferen types) for many-many years. Apparently systema does explore it the best as that is its main concept. Thank you for this video.
I did one year of Systema almost 20 years ago, didn’t benefit much beyond the breathing and relaxation aspect (already good in our stressed modern world tbh), and then went through my MMA/Muay thai years and I reached to the same conclusion that Systema must be an amazing complementary martial art for someone who already built his technique to some level.
Nice, like any martial art I incorporate systema techniques especially breathing and relaxation within my training. I find it useful for boxing and Muay Thai especially
It really is fully translatable in to hard combat sports which is where I think it would shine the most given the opportunity. It's too bad it gets a bad rep.
@@inside_fighting agreed 💯, great video! Yep lot of stuff in the 80s w camouflage cargo pants and Russian only VHS tapes through blackbelt magazine gave it a bad rep. I like Val Riazanov a lot too, some of his stuff is on RU-vid.
@@itsleo9096 It is a Russian martial art. Though? And it is standard close combat system for special forces and officers. What we see here is a TRAINING METHOD, that is not the fighting method. If you are to poor to buy a Judo Gi, then you have two options: waste your standard pullover and jeans, or take cheap army gear. It is the same misconception about Aikido. You see guys in Fancy gear? Guess what: that was standard street gear when the art was incepted (transformed/adapted from other Ju Jutsu styles). A guy called "The Seagull" made Aikido famous in USA. And guess what: he is only an actor. He has no real clue about Aikido. And now everyone thinks Aikido is a joke ... Because they take an actor for real ... haha.
@@angeloschneider4272aikido is a joke and so is Seagal. Hakama were not street gear. It was worn only by samurai and priests. They were formal dresses originally used on horseback, which was only available for nobility. Aikidoka wear it because it is equal to LARPing. Aikidoka in their mind believe they are just like samurai (how they imagine samurai to have been, not even how samurai actually were). It's the equivalent of a grown man dressing up and acting like (how they imagine) a cowboy or a knight. Similar to how systema practitioners wear combat fatigues or BDU's without ever having been in the military.
@@HardHardMaster Hakama were worn by every one, who could afford one and wanted so. For example farmers. If you think Aikido is a joke: find a better teacher. I agree: Seagull is joke.
I think it's also noticeable that as you share this reflection you sound at peace. Most of the culture of martial arts videos on youtube are not at peace, they're usually very critical, constantly comparing and criticizing and competing. Your experience of Systema left you remarking at how everyone there were good people with no ego. That says a lot.
I loved this interview and your point of view. I experienced the same things you did when I tried some Systema myself, and I too think that Systema can become an excellent supplementary training to enhance and explore beyond other martial arts or combat sports. Kudos.
The relaxation of Systema reminds me of Aikido but much harder. The stickiness reminds me of Chinese martial arts like Bajiquan and Tai chi since all TCMA has Shuai Jiao incorporated. I think Shorinji Kenpo has that too when they do their throws
I'm sure I commented on this before, but Sonny Puzikas did the System punch demo on me to the gut and I ran to the bathroom and puked. It was weird, of course the initial impact hurts, but it was like 'Yeah I can handle that, not too bad." Then you get a overwhelming sick feeling, like getting kicked in the privates a couple seconds later. The relaxed play part was very cool and fun, having fun and enjoying yourself is an important aspect I believe. I learned a lot of movements that I would not have, if I was put under the pressure like heavy knife sparring.
Just being a weisenheimer with the comment. That said i know of Systema and I know of the controversial view. I think you’ve laid out a reasonable defense of this system. Appealing to me are obviously generating and absorbing power better, but the adaptations and healing aspects. Cheers for highlighting this one!
@@dmcc1703thanks very much :) there’s certainly no other martial art quite like it tbh and if i lived near this school I’d train there as a supplemental system for what i do… even just for longevity and health as you said.
@@dmcc1703 As someone who's trained Systema on and off for years (sadly very little since the lockdown as some of the best classes in my area closed down and never re-opened), the explanation is pretty straightforward. If you hit with tension parts of the body chain that creates a strike, work against each other so the net sum of output is diminished. Relaxation removes that friction so power output is increased. Also there are nuances about adding a secondary push / strike while your initial strike is still ongoing. The first one opens up the body tissues and the second one transmits power deeper, into the internal organs. But that's a fairly simplistic explanation.
It's been a little bit since I last trained Systema but when I started doing it, things just clicked well with me. I'd done boxing, some judo and military unarmed combat and the way you learned to move with your body was unlike anything else. Your comments about training techniques in mainstream combat styles had me recall a description that I was given to highlight the different approaches. One is like going to the kitchen and declaring that you're going to make a chocolate cake and then you start looking for the ingredients. The other is opening up the cupboards and fridge to see what you can make.
Thank you Ilon, for a really objective video on Systema. Seeing what I call closest weapon to closest target strikes is what attracts many experienced martial artists to study Systema. To me it is the embodiment of what Bruce Lee referred to as "formless form", no formal techniques or stances but the ability to effectively strike from any position and angle. Moving like the grey man and not looking like a physical threat has its advantages. Those ballistic strikes put kinetic energy into the internal organs, not just smack skin or muscle. They are much like the strikes of so-called internal, or "soft" Chinese martial arts. Armchair UFC types don't understand Systema origins were a complete military art that was taught to and practiced only by Russian Special Forces (Spetznas). When the Soviet Union broke apart in 1990, Vladimir Vasiliev was a Major in Spetznas, and one of the founding members of their Alpha group - the anti-terrorism unit intended to neutralize hostage situations. I have attended one of his seminars in Toronto, and multiple seminars all over the US with his senior student, Martin Wheeler. You are 100% correct, Systema has to be experienced to be appreciated.
No, systema is not and was never taught practiced or used by the Russian spetsnaz. They practice sambo which is an entirely different and unrelated thing. Systema doesn't have ancient origins either. It's all false cred. Bruce Lee didn't have any realistic fight experience and simply didn't know what he was talking about. At all. Learn the difference between conceptual theoretical martial arts and practical pressure tested ones.
Superb video. It's pretty much impossible to appreciate a proper punch on video. Even when you're the one punching it's difficult, because we're programmed to value effort and the result is not necessarily felt by the person doing the punching. Total mind job! But this so called soft work is effective for developing both power and toughness. And when you train like this the sparring can get insanely hard with very little injuries.
I never thought bad of Systema. Some of the Russian Special forces are taught Systema and if you know anything about the Russian Special forces they go through hell. It's not uncommon to die just from the training.
Excellent video, I've been curious if there was any actual use for systema in actually augmenting my martial arts training. This video answered my questions. Thanks for an honest opinion and discussing the actual benefits of this incredibly odd system.
I think the oddest system ever created... and that's part of what makes it special. Really glad you watched it. If you have a chance to train with someone like Vladimir i would definitely give it a shot. I can say without a doubt it's one of the few "different" experiences i've had in martial arts in a long time.
Systema is extremely similar to Aikido in which I studied for almost 20 years. I'm also have been a big fan of Vladmir for over 20 years and used to mildly talk to him through email a long time ago. I guess I should get down there and meet him in person sometime. His hair had color when I first started watching him.
If you have a good Bujinkan instructor nearby, you will find a lot of similarities to the idea and principles of movement. It is great to see, how you go with the flow and play and explore what the teachings of the systems are. To me this is what a real martial artist wants to experience.
Certain instructions, like in all martial arts, really embody the martial art that they are devoted to & Vladimir certainly does. I live with injuries and now must train by myself to not let said injuries overwhelm me. Used to train with others before. Exercise systems that I learned over the years benefit me in staying mobile and healthy. With my injuries I know that if I were assaulted, it would most likely be natural relaxed systema responses that would come out of me. Maybe some other techniques but it would predominantly be systema
Welcome bro & thanks for your video too. One of the main ‘secrets’ to their deep tissue strikes is the exercise they do in every class & that is the slow fist push up. Slowing it down & burst breathing stabilises the wrist. When I first met Vlad we did a push up seminar all day, just doing the push ups. Collapsing & trying again all day long. Wasn’t tense by the end of the day & had more energy in fact but calm enough to sleep well. I still practice those push ups & now I can do them without even holding a fist. I can do them now with my fingers 90 degrees from my palm, meaning it’s not how tight you can clench your fist but how stable your wrist is when placing the fist on a human & transferring momentum. Unconsciously you then only place punches on a body as if you were placing them on the floor when supporting your body for a slow push up. All that relaxed stuff can’t strike deep without a wrist that does not buckle
Man you look like you had so much fun with this one! Definitely wished to have been there! Love your work, mate! You picked up on so much of the community and fun aspect aside from just the benefits to anyone training martial arts. That aspect definitely is very important to us as well. Greetings from Singapore.
It has it's issues but I've said it for years, Vlad is the real deal. Did a seminar with him probably 20 years ago and when you feel it, there is no doubt that the guy has skill. The energy stuff is not as convincing, but no question from a principles point of view, systema has validity. Great video as usual. The problem is that a lot of the students in systema have never hit a bag. So as you mentioned, if you start with systema, you are probably going to be delusional. Start somewhere else and add systema to your arsenal, you will likely be better for it.
love this video. and i agree to every single word here. however to be honest i study systema for the last 4 or 5 years, from a student of Vladimir and Michael Ribko. and man, i still cant teach a systema class, and i can. its a real dichotomy. i can say that the systema striking is similar to the way i do it with Chinese martial arts, but also different, as same principle, slightly different mechanism. both using heaviness and weight dropping into the strike, using wave motion and power generation, only in systema it can be done also more piston like mechanism, regardless the grounding. hope it make any sense lol
I have been super skeptical of Systema for a while, but this video is the first time I’ve seen it explained in and demoed and seen from the lens of a mma bjj martial artist and I’ve intuitively thought that some of this play concept makes sense but that sticky ness you mentioned from Systema made it click. It actually reminded me of another martial art that gets a lot of flack but this practitioner and the Systema instructor are moving in a similar manner and they have a heavy aspect on healing and movement and play. It’s actually Budo Ninjutsu from a man named Dennis Bartram he’s a osteopathic doctor and was under Hatsumi the famous Ninja master in Japan but he talks about movement learning how the body moves and even demos with a knife similar to what was shown in he video. He talked about the breathing and “cohesion” which now watching this video is just that stickiness concept in action. Great video Coach!! Truly an open minded and eager to still learn.
