Systema For Life show

Systema For Life

Summary: Join scientist, author, and Systema Instructor Glenn Murphy for weekly musings on all things Systema. Featuring interviews with top instructors from around the world, seminar reviews, topical discussions, and much, much more. Whether you're just dipping a skeptical toe into Systema, or you're an experienced practitioner with a few million pushups under your belt, there's something here for everyone. Many thanks to Vladimir Vasiliev and Russian Martial Art HQ Toronto for their approval and support of this podcast.

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  • Artist: Glenn Murphy, NC SYSTEMA
  • Copyright: Copyright 2018 Systema For Life

Podcasts:

 Episode 58: Adrienne Harvey | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

  This week, a spirited conversation with Adrienne Harvey - Systema student, fitness guru, and master trainer in Russian kettlebells, hardstyle kettlebells, and progressive calisthenics for strength and conditioning. Adrienne has been a serious student of strength and conditioning for many years, has a hefty online following, and regularly writes articles on fitness, nutrition, and conditioning for DragonDoor.com. She counts among her friends and mentors such legends of strength and conditioning like Dan John, Jon Bruney, Al and Danny Kavadlo. Here we talk about: * how she discovered Systema (with the formidable Alex Popescu in Florida) * how Systema can enhance the practice of kettlebells and calisthenics - and vice versa * the value of breathing and efficiency in conditioning * how balancing tension and relaxation is essential to mastery of any physical pursuit Follow Adrienne online at giryagirl.com (giryagirl.com)

 Episode 57: On Defense | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

This week, another freeform conversation with health and wellness guru (and happy Systema advocate) Howard Jacobson. In this episode, we talk principles of defense. Much has already been said about defense from a physical or legal standpoint. So instead, we look at the very idea of defense, asking questions like: * are self-defense and pacifism mutually exclusive? * "the best defense is a good offense" - True? False? Why? * how confidence in defense provides options beyond conflict * extending the concept of defense to diet, lifestyle, relationships Find out more about Howie's healthy antics at www.wellstarthealth.com (https://www.wellstarthealth.com/)    

 Episode 56: Nelson Wagner | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

Conversation with Nelson Wagner - physical educator, martial artist, and chief instructor at Systema Brazil. Having studied a wide range of martial styles - including kungfu, kendo, aikido and krav maga - Nelson was first exposed to Systema in 2003, and became an instructor at the 2008 Summit of Masters event. He now teaches defensive tactics to military, prison, and federal agent groups, along with regular classes at his school in São Paolo. Here, we discuss: * his first, friendly impressions of Systema and its masters * the universal applicability of Systema to life and relationships * instructor tendencies - both good and bad * the value of sitting back and letting students solve their own problems * similarities between Systema and gymnastic training * the necessary balance between stabilization and mobilityFind out more about training with Nelson at http://www.artemarcialrussa.com.br (http://www.artemarcialrussa.com.br)

 Episode 55: David Merrill | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

In-depth conversation with David Merrill - veteran Systema practitioner, and the first American to be granted an Instructor qualification by Systema HQ Moscow. Here, we discuss Dave's early experiences in Systema, and how his concept of the style has changed over many years of training and teaching. Along the way, we also cover: * his (critical) motivation for learning Systema knife defense * his first training trip to Siberia and Moscow * his tough intitiation with Mikhail Ryabko * returning to form, and the tension-free state * the value of changing the way you thinkSee a clip of David in action here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2faL58tSGj0 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2faL58tSGj0)

 Episode 54: Misha Karlov | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

Interview with Systema Instructor Misha Karlov of Tidewater Systema, Virginia. Misha is an emergency / disaster response professional, a father of 9 (!), and a deeply thoughtful disciple of Systema. In the line of duty, Misha has dealt with dangerous fires, natural disasters, and the aftermath of terrorism. He was on federal response teams at the Pentagon crash site on 9/11, and in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. As such, his views on the psychological / emotional uses of Systema are based firmly in reality.Here, we discuss: * His experiences training in Moscow and the USA * How Systema has permeated his life and work * Internal control in chaotic situations * Using Systema to calm shocked, panicked, and terrified people * Systema in family relationships Find out more about training with Misha at https://www.facebook.com/TidewaterSystema/ (https://www.facebook.com/TidewaterSystema/)

 Episode 53: On Control | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

  This week, another engaging discussion between Glenn Murphy and your friendly, neighborhood, health-and-wellness sage Howard Jacobson. This time on the subject of motivation, agency, and control. Along the way, we touch upon: * why humans repeatedly make bad choices * difficulties in decision-making under threat * finding our psychological blind spots * the fictions we tell ourselves * how practice builds control Find our more about Howard's most recent healthy venture at www.wellstarthealth.com (http://www.wellstarthealth.com)

 Episode 52: Martin Wheeler - Choice, Precision, and Guided Instinct | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

Extended discussion with world-renowned martial artist and Senior Systema Instructor, Martin Wheeler, on the morning before his 2018 seminar in Durham, NC. Some true pearls and gems of martial wisdom in this one. * the juggling act of spontaneity, creativity, and precision * the value and danger of “go-to” techniques * the necessity of losing, failing, and “dying” in training * developing “guided instincts”, versus “natural movement” Mentioned in this episode:

 - On Fencing (https://www.amazon.com/Fencing-Aldo-Nadi/dp/188452804X), by Aldo Nadi
Find out more about Martin's seminars and workshops worldwide at wheelersystema.com

 Episode 51: On Tension and Structure - with Mark Jakabcsin | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

Special episode recorded at a private training event in South Carolina last month, hosted by veteran Systema Instructor Mark Jakabcsin. Mark, recently returned from the 2018 Structure of Freedom camp, brought together Instructors from across the Carolinas to train for two days at a private lakeside location near Rock Hill, SC. Here, muse on Mark's insights from the camp, and on the relationship between tension, power, and structure in Systema. Apologies for the variable sound quality on this one. The recording started outdoors by the pool, and was aburptly moved indoors when a sudden downpour arrived.

 Episode 50: Funda Gul | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

This week, a thought-provoking conversation with New Jersey based yogi, dancer, traceur, and Systema Instructor, Funda Gul. Born in Ankara, Turkey, Funda began her martial training in Aikido, and found Systema (in the form of Systema Manhattan instructor Edgars Cakuls) after moving to the USA for college in 2009. A PhD in mathetmatics, a talented movement artist, and an endlessly curious student and teacher of Systema, Funda brings a unique and fascinating perspective to our style. Here, we discuss: * her early, counter-cultural experiences as a woman training martial arts in Turkey * similarities and disctinctions between Systema and improvisational dance forms * the essential qualities of touch, connection, and sensitivity in training * the origins of ParCon - her unique fusion of Parkour and Contact Improvisation * her experiences as a woman training and teaching Systema (both good and bad) Find out more about training with Funda at https://www.jiyu.us/instructors-1/ (https://www.jiyu.us/instructors-1/)  

 Episode 49: Vali Majd | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

Deep discussion with veteran Systema Instructor and Founder of Roots Dojo / Systema School of Warrior Arts, Vali Majd. Vali has been training Systema with Vladimir Vasiliev for almost as long as Vlad has been teaching - nearly 25 years. In addition to his security work and training first responder groups, he runs a full-time Systema school on remote Denman Island, British Columbia, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Here, we talk at length about his experiences in training Systema - from the early, brutal dayswith Vlad's orginal Toronto group, to the deep, focused training he explores today. Along the way, we cover: * the shared roots of martial arts, and the importance of training the basics * the importance of periodization, taking the longview in training * why he runs an epic 8-year cycle of instruction at his woodland paradise retreat * the role of spirituality in martial arts * how to ensure that you’re training for the reality of physical violence, while avoiding straying into fighting for pride, vanity, or pleasure Find out more about training with Vali, and the 3-month internship program at Roots Dojo, here: http://rootsdojo.com/systema/ (http://rootsdojo.com/systema/)

 Episode 48: On Parenting | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

This week, one for the hardworkin' parents out there, as Glenn Murphy and wellness guru Howard Jacobson address the challenges, similiarities, and reciprocal benefits of Systema and parenting. Along the way, we delve into: * what Systema can teach us about being good parents * command and conquer vs engage and redirect parenting * the role of movement in managing overwhelming emotions * avoiding the traps of stubbornness and pride * why too much praise is harmful to kids, and to Systema trainees Mentioned in this episode:The Whole Brain Child by Daniel Siegel and Tina Bryson
http://www.drdansiegel.com/books/the_whole_brain_child/ (http://www.drdansiegel.com/books/the_whole_brain_child/) Nurtureshock by Pø Bronson and Ashley Merryman
https://www.amazon.com/NurtureShock-New-Thinking-About-Children/dp/0446504130 (https://www.amazon.com/NurtureShock-New-Thinking-About-Children/dp/0446504130) Leading with Emotional Courage by Peter Bregman http://bregmanpartners.com/books/leading-with-emotional-courage/ (
http://bregmanpartners.com/books/leading-with-emotional-courage/)Enjoy! As usual, your feedback welcomed.  Thanks for supporting the podcast.

 Episode 47: Pasquale Antonio | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

This week, a spirited discussion with Pasquale Antonio, founder of Jiyu Movement (https://www.jiyu.us) and Head Instructor at Jersey City Systema. Among the many topics we cover, we touch upon: * the benefits and limitations of specialization in sports and movement * the tangled relationship between speed, strength, and skill * how he uses Systema to explore and teach a wide range of movement disciplines, including yoga, dance, gymnastics, calisthenics, parkour and contact improvisation * why Systema is the free jazz of martial arts! Find out more about training with Pasquale at https://www.jiyu.us (https://www.jiyu.us)/  

 Episode 46: Q&A with Emmanuel Manolokakis | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

"The most important thing in life is not just to know what your wants and needs are. The deeper picture, here, is meaning."Extended Q&A with Senior Systema Instructor, and founder of FIght Club Toronto, Emmanuel Manolokakis. In this characteristically deep and broad discussion, Manny offers his insights into the psychological, emotional, and spiritual aspects of Systema, with concrete advice for instrcutors and practitioners on staying true to your path in life. Topics include: - why meaning is more important than mindfulness - finding harmony with strength and power - the essential role of fear and angerEmmanuel will be leading a unique 2-day exploration of deep Systema principles here in Durham, North Caorlina on January 26 & 27th, 2019. Advance discount pricing available for those that sign up early. Visit www.ncsystema.com/events (http://www.ncsystema.com/events) for details and online registration.Find out more about training with Manny - and read his online articles and musings - at http://www.fight-club.ca/ (http://www.fight-club.ca/)

 Episode 45: On Mastery | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

Extended chat between Glenn Murphy and health and wellness guru Howard Jacobson (WellStartHealth.com) on the subject of striving for mastery. Includes:- is mastery something worth pursuing? 
- what does mastery entail, and what does it look like? - what is the most practical and efficient path to mastery?
- Vladimir’s 10 Guidelines for mastering Systema (you may not have heard these before)Many thanks to Howie for his regular contributions, and to Adrienne Harvey for her pro-grade editing and production. Check out Howie's healthy exploits at www.wellstarthealth.com and www.plantyourself.com    

 Episode 44: Tommy Floyd | File Type: audio/mpeg | Duration: Unknown

"What is real life? My understanding of 'real life' is that it's the degree of tension you have within your body...What will change in a real situation if a guy grabbed (that kid) and threw him in a trunk? It's that his mind, his body, his internal state are going to be on a whole different level of processing." Eye-opening interview with Tommy Floyd, owner and Chief Instructor at Systema Floyd (http://systemafloyd.com), based in Palm Beach, Florida. For more than a decade, Tommy has been teaching Systema to kids as young as 2 years old, and now has over 300 students attending regular classes and camps at his schools. He has recently garnered a lot of attention on social media, following coverage of his advanced level camps for kids - which included such hot-button topics as abduction escape and active-shooter survival. Here, we talk about what motivates his focus on teaching kids; how he strikes the necessary balance between "serious" and "exciting"; how working with kids has taught him much about the concept of training for 'real-life'; and his plans and ambitions for the future. Visit Systema Floyd online at www.systemafloyd.com.

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