What is Systema?

Systema originates in Slavic traditions dating back to the 10th century, including monastic breathing techniques, cossack fighting, and Soviet military combative arts. The lineage we train in was developed by Michael Ryabko and Vladimir Vasiliev.

The fundamental tenant of Systema is non-destruction — the desire for health and wholeness for oneself and for others. Originally, Systema was referred to as “poznai sebia” or “know thyself”. This is  the foundation of Systema’s health and combative applications, giving each person an opportunity to become safer from the inside out.

Systema Principles

The four core principles of Systema are Breathing, Relaxation, Structure, and Movement. 

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Why train Systema?

• To heal and regulate the nervous system by integrating the mind and tissues

• To expand your adaptability, resilience and awareness under any conditions

• To develop real combative skills that keep yourself and others safe

• To enjoy the experience of learning and moving with other people
   

What makes Systema different from other martial arts?

In Systema, there are no ranks, no uniforms, and no fixed techniques or forms. It deepens access to your natural responses, and helps you learn to maintain agency and be more authentic when encountering stress or violence. It broadens your capacity to stay present amidst intensity and chaos.

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Who is Systema for?

Anyone can train Systema, it meets you wherever you are. Any physical constraints or limitations are an opportunity for adaptation and learning, rather than a barrier to practice. You do not have to have a specific level of fitness, or a prior familiarity with martial arts. Those with martial arts backgrounds are welcome too, as Systema can enrich and expand on your previous experience. All that is required is a willingness to challenge yourself, and a desire to develop yourself more fully and explore your capabilities.

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What does training look like?

We train collaboratively. Everyone, no matter their level of expertise, does the same drills, and each person works at the speed and intensity that challenges them and allows them to learn. We train using movement, breath, physical contact (including striking), ground work, weapons, physical constraints, and many other tools. 

Training is focused on developing and refining awareness and expanding capacity more than accumulating technique. We don’t train forms or katas, and instead focus on the ability to return to a regulated nervous system state which can respond creatively and responsively to the situation at hand. Systema emphasizes principles over techniques.