Systema For Life

"That's what so great about Systema - we practice these things in training, and we become better at work, better at relationships...maybe not perfect, but better than yesterday..."For this, the last SFL podcast of 2017, we bring you a deep, honest, and far-reaching discussion with Ryō Onishi of Systema Osaka, Japan.Here, Ryō generously shares his hard-earned knowledge of Systema as a process and how it changes us as people. Along the way, we touch upon his initial reluctance and surprise at becoming an instructor; the perils of being too tehnical; the importance of accepting your limitations, and Systema as an "engine of understanding".You can find out more about Ryō's classes and seminars at http://systemaosaka.jp (http://systemaosaka.jp) (日本語). For information in English and Japanese, check out http://www.systemajapan.jp/aboutsystemajapan/englishinfo (http://www.systemajapan.jp/aboutsystemajapan/englishinfo)

Extended discussion, assisted by health and wellness guru Howard Jacobson, on the subject of stress and fear. Here, we cover the physical anatomy of stress and fear, the differences and similarities between them, the role of emotion, memory and consciousness in the formation of stress, and how Systema functions as a form of stress inoculation therapy. As usual, your comments and feedback are welcomed. Find out more about Howie's health and wellness work at www.plantyourself.com (http://www.plantyourself.com).

Interview with Systema Instructor Mark Jakabcsin, fomerly of Systema Charlotte, now teaching in Atlanta, Georgia, and Jacksonville Beach, Florida. Mark was the only certified Systema Instructor in North Carolina when I arrived here in 2007, and host to the first seminar I attended with Vladimir. Before coming to Systema, Mark served in the US Navy and trained extensively in Judo and Aikijujitsu. Always generous with his knowledge, he has trained several Instructors now teaching in the western half of NC. Here, we talk about his skeptical first experience of Systema, the role of emotions in training, and allowing your motivations to evolve over time. You can find out more about Mark's classes - and read his insight-rich, multi-year blog - at http://www.charlotte-systema.com/ (http://www.charlotte-systema.com/)

"When you play at an elite level, you always know that there is someone better out there. And you're going to run into them. If you don't have another set of toolboxes you can reach into, then...you've already lost."Extended interview with world-renowned Systema Instructor Martin Wheeler, recorded prior to our seminar in North Carolina in October 2017. Here, Martin reflects on a wide range of topics, including his first experience of working with Vladimir Vasiliev ("I meet this guy who...takes me apart in seconds, and was laughing and talking to someone else at the same time"; on training with martial greats like Marc Denny, Rigan Machado and Dan Inosanto; on pathways to enhanced performance; and the surprising benefits of sleep.For more information on Martin's seminars worldwide, visit www.wheelersystema.com (http://www.wheelersystema.com). For info on his school in Los Angeles, visit www.theacademybeverlyhills.com ( )

Interview with Senior Systema Instructor Frank Arias, a 20-year veteran of Russian Martial Art HQ, Toronto, and Founder of Systema Combat Tactical, Ontario (http://www.systematoronto.ca/). Here, we discuss his rocky path into Systema, teaching police and military groups, and the power and versatility of the Systema method. Frank will be teaching a two-day seminar in Tampa, Florida the weekend of Feb 24-25 2018. Register now at tampasystema.com (http://www.tampasystema.com).For general information about seminars and classes with Frank, visit www.systemacombat.com (http://www.systemacombat.com)

This week, I'm joined once again by health, nutrition, and lifestyle guru Howard Jacobson, for an extended discussion on the Systema health practice of cold water dousing. Have no idea what that is? No problem. We cover what dousing is, how to do it, correctly and why you should start doing it today. Also features comparisons and contrasts between the Russian dousing methdology and the cold exposure practices of the Wim Hof Method.Follow Howie and his mega-healthy exploits at www.plantyourself.com (http://www.plantyourself.com)

"Nowadays, especially with all the eyes on the police, they don't need to be getting emotional. They need to just be professional."Interview with police Detective, Systema Instructor, and author of The Bodyguard Enchiridion, Joe Mayberry. Joe has particular authority to speak on the value of Systema in real life-or-death encounters. He is a former US Marine, a former bodyguard with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security, and is currently lead homicide detective with the St Louis Police Department. He is also Founder and Chief Instructor of Systema Vasiliev St Louis (http://www.stlsystema.com/index.html), where he teaches weekly classes and self-protection seminars. I caught up with Joe in August at Systema HQ's Parameters of Power seminar in Toronto. Here, we talk about his path into training, Systema as an operating system, and its critical worth for law enforcement and security professionals. Find out more about Joe's classes at www.stlsystema.com (http://www.stlsystema.com).The Bodyguard Enchiridion is available on Amazon Books and Kindle Books, here (https://www.amazon.com/Bodyguard-Enchiridion-Joseph-Mayberry/dp/1542868769).

"As it turns out, we can pretty much construct our lives any way we want to, if we have the courage to step out of the groove a little bit...not even a lot."Part II of our interview with Texas-based Systema Instructor and author, Gene Smithson.Gene has been training martial arts - including Systema, Tai Chi, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - for most of his adult life, and is a certfied Systema Instructor under Vladimir Vasiliev. He teaches adult and youth groups at Austin Systema and Tai Chi Chuan (http://www.austinsystema.com/), and is the author of Shot: Healing Hurt, and Simple, Not Easy: 30 Days to a More Deliberate Life.Gene has a unique story, in that he used Systema to recover from the trauma - both physical and psychological - of a near-fatal shooting incident, and has come back stronger and happier than ever before. In this second part of the interview, Gene talks about why he started writing, how he trains himself, and the perils of arrogance and pride. For more information about classes and seminars with Gene, visit http://www.austinsystema.com/

"Systema is not a fighting system. It's a method for growing a better, more realized human being."Interview with Texas-based Systema Instructor and author, Gene Smithson - a personal hero, and an exemplary human being.Gene has been training martial arts - including Systema, Tai Chi, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu - for most of his adult life, and is a certfied Systema Instructor under Vladimir Vasiliev. He teaches adult and youth groups at Austin Systema and Tai Chi Chuan (http://www.austinsystema.com/), and is the author of Shot: Healing Hurt, and Simple, Not Easy: 30 Days to a More Deliberate Life.Gene has a unique story, in that he used Systema to recover from the trauma - both physical and psychological - of a near-fatal shooting incident, and has come back stronger and happier than ever before. In this first part of the interview, Gene talks about his formative experiences in Systema training, the difference between Systema and other martial styles, and his very personal experience of growth through trauma. For more information about classes and seminars with Gene, visit http://www.austinsystema.com/ You can purchase Shot: Healing Hurt, along with his other books, at Amazon.com (https://www.amazon.com/Shot-Healing-Hurt-gene-smithson/dp/197565692X/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1509033622&sr=1-1&refinements=p_27%3AGene+Smithson).

The second half of a two-part discussion on the nature and importance of dexterity. Inpsired by conversations with Konstantin Komarov, Emmanuel Manolakakis and others, and by the book On Dexterity and Its Development (https://www.amazon.com/Dexterity-Development-Resources-Ecological-Psychology/dp/1138967610) by Soviet era Neurophysiologist Nikolai Bernstein. Here, we discuss how dexterity is built in the brains and bodies of humans and other animals, dexterity types and levels, and the implications for teaching and training Systema.

The first half of a two-part discussion on the nature and importance of dexterity. Inspired by conversations with Konstantin Komarov, Emmanuel Manolakakis and others, and by the book On Dexterity and Its Development (https://www.amazon.com/Dexterity-Development-Resources-Ecological-Psychology/dp/1138967610) by Soviet era Neurophysiologist Nikolai Bernstein. Here, we discuss what dexterity is, why its so important, and how it applies to life, health, and Systema training. Part II to follow next week.

"You see this manifestation in some of the highest levels of martial arts, where they work with very little contact. And it looks effortless. And everybody calls it bullsh*t. But then you watch Michael Jordan going for a layup...he's changing five different directions and sailing up there like a bird, and everybody's like 'WOW'. But nobody doubts it. That's interesting to me."In-depth interview with Senior Systema Instructor and Chief Instructor of Fight Club Toronto, Emmanuel Manolakakis. Emmanuel has been training Systema for more than 20 years, and has trained extensively under masters Vladimir Vasiliev and Mikhail Ryabko. He now teaches adult and youth groups at his own studio on the south side of Toronto, and teaches seminars and workshops around the world. Recorded live at Fight Club earlier this year, this conversation covers a lot of ground, including: why he trains Systema, working with youth groups, building resilience through anti-fragility, and the benefits of quiet time and journaling. For more information about classes and seminars with Manny, visit www.fight-club.ca/

"The idea of the style is to remove tension. When you remove tension, you remove fear. And when you remove fear, you start to be more happy."Short interview with Director and Chief Instructor of Systema Headquarters Toronto, Vladimir Vasiliev - the man credited with first bringing Systema to the West. In this brief chat following an evening class at HQ, we talk about how Vladimir first came to Systema, the power and mastery of Mikhail Ryabko, the pitfalls of pride, and advice for new practitioners of the art. For more information about classes and seminars at Systema Headquarters Toronto, visit www.russianmartialart.com.

Short introductory episode, outlining the aims, goals, and format of the podcast. What to expect, how often to expect it, and how you can get involved. For more information, visit www.ncsystema.com, or contact glenn@ncsystema.com