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| General Information |
Systema was originally created for the Russian Special Operations Units and gradually spread throughout the world after the fall of the Soviet Union (DeMarco 2016: iv) Systema is heavily influenced by Asian martial arts both through migration and research by the Soviet Government with the goal to seek the most effective techniques. The Cossack roots ensure a strong emphasis on flexibility and unorthodox tactics. Systema is still used by the Russian Special Forces and widely practiced by law enforcement and military personnel (Secours 2016: 1).
The core of the system is composed of the following four points: breathing (correct breathing is essential), movement (dodging a punch or kick is better than blocking), structure (stability and posture are important), relaxation (when accepting blows they are less effective while relaxed).
There is no grading system or hierarchy when training systema. |
| History/Development |
The earliest roots go back to the 10th century but it is with the rise of the Soviet Government in 1917 systema starts to develop. The Russian government invested greatly in combat techniques (Secours 2016: 4). |
Transmission
(Policies/institutions) |
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| Relevant Organisations |
- The International Combat Systema Association
http://www.combatsystema.com
- Systema Russian Martial Art |
| Additional Materials |
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| References |
- DeMarco, M.A. (2016). Sambo and Systema: Russia’s Prominent Martial Arts, Santa Fe: Via Media Publishing.
- Secours, K.R. (2016). “Takedown and defenses of Russian Systema” in: DeMarco, M.A. Sambo and Systema: Russia’s Prominent Martial Arts, Santa Fe: Via Media Publishing. | | |
