Systema For Life

"You can find anybody who's managing a company, and it's the guys who run towards problems, the people who run towards discomfort. And not because they crave conflict. But because there's a problem that needs (to be) solved."Musings, obersvations, and hard-earned lessons from business manager, investor, CEO and NC-based Systema practitioner Bryan Johns. Here, Bryan offers his vision of Systema for Business Executives, and how martial arts training - and Systema in particular - has helped him progress from ne'er-do-well kid to USAF engineer to President of a global engineering company.  Why black belts and MBAs matter less than you think The power of fast, iterative problem solving The dangers of outsourcing responsibility, and the benefits of assuming it And Bryan's 3 cardinal rules of Systema and Life (TM) 1) Practice the principles, and the techniques will take care of themselves 2) You don't have to go to every fight you're invited to 3) Where you're at (emotionally) matters A long one, but a good one if you're interested in leveraging you training for all asepcts of life and work.

"You have to find an internal point of support for your work. The floor is a very obvious point of support...but if you're on one foot, or your heel is lifted, you have to find a point of support within the body somewhere."Fun and enlightening interview with Rob Poyton, Chief Instructor at Cutting Edge Systema, based in Bedford, UK. Rob became highly proficient in T'ai Chi and other Chinese internal arts before finding Systema, and is the former Editor of Tai Chi & Alternative Health, and of Tai Chi International magazine. His articles on martial arts have been published in Combat, Martial Arts Illustrated, Men's Health, Maxim, and elsewhere.Rob is also the presenter and producer of an extensive series of Systema training DVDs designed for solo and group use, and teaches Systema workshops and seminars throughout Europe.Here, we discuss his path into Systema; commonalities and differences between Systema and other "internal" arts, the value of form (vs formlessness), principles of grounding and mobility, and discovering freedom within structure.Find out more about training with Rob - and order his solo training DVDs online - at systemauk.com. Tell him Glenn sent ya :)www.systemauk.com (http://www.systemauk.com)

"Sometimes we do want to leverage our higher cognitive selves over these (intuitions)...But sometimes we need to get out of the way and trust them, because they're very, very good at making sense of, and flitering down, highly complex systems. As long as we're applying the right rules of thumb."Glenn Murphy talks with health and wellness guru Howard Jacobson about the power of gut feelings and intuitions. An wide-ranging conversation that delves into: why intuitions are generally underrated how intutions can both help and hinder us in life situations in which intuitions work better than anlaysis how a core function of Systema is to remove or rewire unhelpful intutionsMentioned in this episode: Gut Feelings, by Gerd Gigerenzerhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B000TO0T8U/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahnemanhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B00555X8OA/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 The Gift of Fear, by Gavin de Beckerhttps://www.amazon.com/dp/B0036Z9U2A/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1Black Box Thinking by Matthew Syedhttps://www.amazon.com/Black-Box-Thinking-People-Mistakes-But/dp/1591848229/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1528731049&sr=8-1&keywords=black+box+thinking&dpID=41cMiQ%252B%252Bw%252BL&preST=_SY291_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srchFollow Howie's healthy exploits online at www.plantyourself.com (http:// www.plantyourself.com)

"The fight is not just about the fistfight. It's about how you perform, how you prepare, what are your feelings before you start the game - the psychological aspects."Short conversation with martial artist, master coach, bodyguard and combat tactics trainer, Andrey Patenko. A lifelong athlete, Andrey came to the USA from Russia more than 25 years ago, after training in competitive boxing and sambo, earning his degree in Physical Culture and Sport, spending several years in Special Opertions (Spetsnaz) Units, and becoming a combat tactics instructor for Russian army and police teams. He began training Systema in earnest after moving to the USA and meeting Vladimir Vasiliev in 1998, eventually becoming one of the strongest and most formidable Systema Instructors in the nation. Here we discuss how Systema differs from other physical sports, how Systema has influenced his training methodology with professional athletes, and the importance of teaching Systema to kids, through play. Learn more about training strength, conditioning, firearms, and Systema with Andrey at his private facility in Philadelphia, PA at http://www.russiansystemacombat.com (http://www.russiansystemacombat.com)

"The biggest gift that Systema, Vladimir, Mikhail have given to me is to know how to take a deep breath, exhale, and transform myself...What a gift that is."Extended interview with Matt Hill - veteran martial artist and one of Europe's foremost instructors of Systema. Here, we discuss his path from wannabe Robin Hood to Aikido pilgrim, to Captain of an army parachute regiment, to professional Systema Instructor. Along the way, his experiences training in Japan, his pivotal first experience of Systema with Mikhail Ryabko, and his enormously popular famliy class. Find out more about training at Matt's Systema Academy, at http://www.matthill.co.uk/ (http://www.matthill.co.uk/)Mentioned in this episode -Living Systema, and Matt's other excellent books - available on Amazon.com here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077S7Q3VN/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1 (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B077S7Q3VN/ref=dp-kindle-redirect?_encoding=UTF8&btkr=1)Matt will be leading a 5-day Systema Fundamentals camp in Wiltshire, UK on the weekend of 4-8 July. Register online (space permitting) at http://www.matthill.co.uk/systema-fundamentals-camp-2018/ (http://www.matthill.co.uk/systema-fundamentals-camp-2018/)See Matt in action here:https://youtu.be/wzIMkYqetfo (https://youtu.be/wzIMkYqetfo)

"The definition of habit is something that has worked in the past...in a fixed situation. Whereas real freedom means that you're in the moment."Glenn Murphy joins health and wellness guru Howard Jacobson as they explore the benefits and pitfalls of habits and routines. Here, we cover: triggers, rewards, and habit loops the futility of "fighting" habits the connection between discipline and freedom why all habits are - in some sense - badMentioned in this episode:The Power of Habit, by Charles Duhigghttp://charlesduhigg.com/the-power-of-habit/ (http://charlesduhigg.com/the-power-of-habit/)Triggers, by Marhsall Goldsmithhttps://www.marshallgoldsmith.com/product/triggers-creating-behavior-that-lasts-becoming-the-person-you-want-to-be/ (https://www.marshallgoldsmith.com/product/triggers-creating-behavior-that-lasts-becoming-the-person-you-want-to-be/)Follow Howie's healthy exploits online at www.plantyourself.com (http://www.plantyourself.com)

"What is scary to you?  You are affected by your fear of pain, or your fear of the situation...So when you say 'violence', I say 'no - you have fear of the emotional state of the other guy'."Empassioned and uncompromising conversation with Josafath Herrera - veteran Systema Instructor, trainer to elite military and police teams, and founder of Systema Mexico. Here, we discuss the concept of congruence in a martial art; the body-mind feedback loop; attitudes toward violence; the fallacy of "pressure testing" with protective equipment; the critical importance of finding the right instructor; and the (questionable) value of experience.A lengthy discussion, but one rich with hard-earned truths. I hope you'll agree.Follow Systema Mexico on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SystemaMexico/ (https://www.facebook.com/SystemaMexico/)Find out more about training with Josafath at https://www.facebook.com/inkoga/ (https://www.facebook.com/inkoga/) View a free video lesson on control and restraint here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBd9oqCmuxk (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yBd9oqCmuxk)

"Look - I'm not teaching you to be a badass. I'm teaching you skills that can help you to be a badass... What I'm really sharing is my own personal development, and tools that have helped me...let's see if those tools can help you..." Conversation with Michael Jad Azkoul (aka Dr Koul) - musician, MC, social activist, and Systema instructor-in-Training. Mike has only been training Systema since 2012, but found it so transformative that he was compelled to make a short film about Systema For Personal Development, which caught the eye of many practioners worldwide, including myself. He is also the co-founder of Systema Brighton (UK),  and the founder of World Wide Connects (http://worldwideconnects.org) - an organization dedicated to improving the world & combatting inequality through peace, unity, creativity, and other core values of Hip Hop Culture. Here, we talk about his motivation for making the film, comparisons between Systema and musical improvisation, and the many ways Systema has affected his life (including tolerance of cold, discomfort, and unfamiliar foods!) Watch Mike's short film here: Visit Systema Brighton at http://systemabrighton.co.uk (http://systemabrighton.co.uk)/Learn about World Wide Connects at http://worldwideconnects.org (http://worldwideconnects.org)

"Natural movement is the emergent property of getting out of your own way...if you just keep yourself open, relaxed, and balanced as a default state, then your body will answer those questions naturally..." Glenn Murphy joins resident health and wellness guru Howard Jacobson as they explore concepts, notions, and principles of balance. Here, we cover: * why people are pendulums * bags and weights vs animate training partners * physical, physiological, and psychological balance * the necessity of finding, monitoring and restoring your balance, in all things. Balance will be one of the themes explored in this month's Lessons From HQ workshop at NC SYSTEMA, on Saturday June 9th. Locals, sign up at: www.ncsystema.com/eventsFollow Howie's healthy exploits online at www.plantyourself.com (http://www.plantyourself.com)

"There can be barriers with people when they're learning this...because they have to walk through doors they really don't want to go through. And in order to *fit* through those doors, they have to leave that backpack of junk behind." A fascinating, wide-ranging conversation with 20-year veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces - and founder of Systema Kingston (Ontario) - Pete Rogers. Pete has been training at Systema HQ Toronto for more than a decade. But in addition to this, he has trained extensively in karate, Muay Thai, Filipino Martial Arts, and continues to train BJJ and military combative styles.Here, we cover perceptions of "reality" in martial arts; breaking the pride barrier; and how he uses Systema in his post-military life to work with dogs, horses, combat veterans and PTSD sufferers.  Learn more about training with Pete and his group on Facebook, at https://www.facebook.com/systemakingston (https://www.facebook.com/systemakingston)

"You have all the answers you need already. And that's the value of what we call 'Systema' - it's not knowledge that is injected into you...it belonged to you from the start...it's your birthright." Anyone who has ever met him will attest: Sergey is a force of nature. A mountainous man with legendary, Samson-esque strength, you might assume he has little need of subtle fighting skills. Yes his skills are as immense as his stature. Sergey is a veteran martial artist - well versed in competitive wrestling, judo, karate, sambo, and other combat arts - and is a powerful practitioner and Instructor of Systema.He is a highly eloquent and astute observer of martial arts practice, and of what sets Systema apart in this regard. In this deep and wide-ranging conversation, we discuss the differences and parallels between the most popular martial arts; the primacy of continuous change and development (versus copying and mimicking); the advantages and *dis*advantages of being bigger and stronger than most; and his Systema-mediated recovery from a debilitating spinal infection that threatened his very life.  Sergey will be leading a two day seminar at Systema Greenville, SC on June 15 & 16 2018. Find out more and register online at https://systemagreenville.wordpress.com/events/ (https://systemagreenville.wordpress.com/events/)See clips of Sergey in action here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ac21c7TiPw (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ac21c7TiPw) Learn more about training with Sergey and his group at www.norcalsystema.com

"Either you control the messages that you're sending out, or you just send random messages...and that  creates effects in the conversation, the interaction, or the conlfict that you didn't intend."Glenn Murphy is once again joined by NC SYSTEMA's resident health and wellness guru Howard Jacobson, for a chat about all things relating Systema to human communication. Including (but not limited to): * why facial expressions are unreliable signals of intent * how the feet and legs indicate attitude and engagement (in fights, and in conversations) * movements that indicate dominance, nervousness, and comfort * how we can become better receivers - and transmitters - in order to communicate more clearly Mentioned in this episode: What Every Body Is Saying (https://www.amazon.com/What-Every-BODY-Saying-Speed-Reading/dp/0061438294), by Joe Navarro The Elephant in the Brain (https://www.amazon.com/Elephant-Brain-Hidden-Motives-Everyday/dp/0190495995/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525905004&sr=8-1&keywords=the+elephant+in+the+brain), by Kevin Simler and Robin Hanson Never Split the Difference (https://www.amazon.com/Never-Split-Difference-Negotiating-Depended/dp/0062407805/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1525905089&sr=8-1&keywords=chris+voss+never+split+the+difference), by Chris Voss Follow Howie's healthy exploits online at www.plantyourself.com (http://www.plantyourself.com)

"That's the magic of Systema - it allows you to dismantle the prison that you've built for yourself...We've all built our own prisons - we've done it to ourselves - and gradually Systema dismantles that for you."This week, a change of perspective from Instructor to student, as I talk with Marcia Walker - Principal Industry Consultant for Manufacturing at SAS, and Systema student here in NC since 2014. Here, Marcia talks about her experiences as a woman training Systema; the insight Systema has given her into life, work and relationships; and how Systema has helped her become a stronger and more courageous person. This month, Marcia will be presenting at the Raleigh Convention Center on the subject of parallels between Analytics and Martial Arts - accompanied by Glenn Murphy and Jeff Sodeman of NC SYSTEMA. Locals - find out more, and register online (for free) here (http://www.mfgtechshow.com/mts18/Public/SessionDetails.aspx?FromPage=Sessions.aspx&SessionID=1020695&SessionDateID=1001216).

"Internal training...it's very important, because you study timing...you become more meditative...which means you sense yourself." Extended interview with veteran Instructor and founder of Systema New York City, Edgars Cakuls. Before beginning Systema, Edgars had an extended martial background in sambo, karate, kungfu, and other arts. But in Systema, he found something entirely different. Through regular pilgrimages to Russia and Japan, anddedicated training under Mikhail Ryabko and Vladimir Vasiliev, Edgars has acquired an uncommon depth of knowledge and understanding. Here, we discuss the meaning of 'internal work', the necessity of patience, cultural differences between Systema students worldwide, and Systema as a kind of 'Zen in the body'.Find out more about training with Edgars - and the other fine Instructors of Systema NYC - at https://www.systemanewyorkcity.com/ (https://www.systemanewyorkcity.com/)

"Cultivating humility is one of the key characteristics of a good teacher, or of becoming a good teacher..." This week, we're joined once again by health and wellness guru Howard Jacobson, for a discussion of the perils of pride.Along the way, we touch upon what pride is; whether there's such a thing as "good" pride; moral/religious injuctions on pride; humility and realism as the anitdote to ego; and why bees are assholes :)Mentioned in this episode:  Ego is the Enemy, by Ryan HolidayFollow Howie's healthy exploits online at www.plantyourself.com (http:// www.plantyourself.com)