By David Carty 3rd Dan
As a 2nd dan in Iwama Aikido and having trained and taught the art for around 16 years I was well aware of Matt’s reputation as an Aikidoka before I contacted him. It was however the many Systema based articles Matt had sent me that resonated with me and ultimately compelled me to arrange some personal tuition from him. I can now say that this decision was without doubt one of the most influential ones I’ve made in terms of my development in Aikido, and not least because I would consider my training with Matt to have greatly contributed to achieving my 3rd dan not long after.
By the end of the week Matt had shown me how to breathe properly, walk properly, stand properly, identify the points of tension of in my body and more importantly, how to eliminate this tension. These last two points are the ones which I believe are of the most importance to an Aikidoka.
Aikido (especially Iwama Aikido) is known for it’s emphasis on martial spirit and hard training. Whilst this is one of Aikido’s many strengths, it is also the one element which bogs down progression. I don’t think there will be many, if any, Aikidoka who haven’t found themselves attempting a technique and ‘hitting a wall’ due to a combination of ‘trying to look martial’ and ‘wanting it too much’.
Both of these “wants” imbue tension in the body which in turn leads to the use of strength and thus the essence of the technique is missed. Whilst it is true that the removal of these tensions is one of the primary journeys an Aikidoka makes; waiting for the body to learn can be frustrating.
This is where Matt is almost uniquely placed to offer assistance. His vast knowledge and well renowned ability in Aikido coupled with his proficiency in Systema allow him to convey the principles of Systema which ease the tensions of the body and the mind in way that maximise their benefit to an Aikidoka.
Whilst a lot of Aikidoka may not have an actual interest in learning Systema as a separate art I’m sure we can all agree that anything which assists us in softening our bodies takes us one step closer to O Sensei’s Aikido.
Although I would be one of the first people to agree that there are no shortcuts in any of the paths we walk in Aikido; Matt can provide you the opportunity to break into a run and get you down the path just that little bit quicker.
P.S Private sessions can be arranged through this link. Short stay residential and small group sessions are also available.
P.P.S Upcoming courses in Systema for Aikidoka
Marple, Lancashire with Chris Wallace and Graham Harrison
P.P.P.S The relaxation, health and Freedom aspects of Sytema will be covered at the Systema health and conditioning seminar at the end of March. I’d love you to join us and start to improve your enjoyment of movement and therefore life.
P.P.P.P.S For a real immersion into Systema try the Devon or Sweden Camps this year.
Sweden Total Immersion Camp. The complete experience.
Remjäng Forests, Sweden.
Dates: 28 Aug – 02 Sept 2017
Set in the centre of the stunning Swedish forests and lakes the course will take you on a journey of self-exploration into all aspects of Systema. well-being, holistic relaxation, martial effectiveness, self-confidence and awareness. A deeper understanding of yourself and your environment.
INSTRUCTORS: Adam and Brendon Zettler. the famous Zettler Twins.
Personally Trained and certified by Vladimir Vasiliev since the age of 14 Adam and Brendan are now widely regarded as two of the most exciting and skilful instructors on the Systema circuit.
Renowned for their awesome demonstrations and huge range of exciting and fun training drills the SystemaTwins seminar should not be missed.
A bit about the course: You will immerse yourself in training in the forests for 7 hours per day or more. You will be surprised to find that rather than wearing you out this will restore you to an even greater level of physical and mental health and well-being. The training is unique, blending ancient practices of martial, physical and mental training and wellbeing in a stunning natural setting. Our DNA recognises the forest as home. We have spent much of our time there and belong just as much as any animal or plant. The forest is healing and restful to our body, mind and soul.
A typical day:
Each day may of course vary, but a typical day is as follows:
0700-0800Systema Health and rejuvenation session 0830Breakfast 1030-1230 Systema Training session 1300Lunch 1430-1630Systema Training session 1800Dinner 2000-2130Night Training Session.
The course is:
SMALL GROUP so lots of personal attention – approx 1-15 ratio instructor to student. This is a unique opportunity to immerse in 40 hours of training with two of the most sought after instructors on the circuit.
ALL INCLUSIVE Transportation from the airport to and from the camp and food. Important: You will need to bring your own tent or basha. If you wish to try the basha experience, (see pics below) demonstrations and help will be given to ensure a comfy nights sleep.
COMPLETE RANGE of training including timeless health practices, weapons (including natural and improvised) training, empty handed, multiple attack and all scenarios in between
ALL TERRAIN training in the forest, fields and water and practice by day and night,
SUITABLE FOR ALL LEVELS Ideal for beginners and advanced students due to the progressive nature of the training course building from basic concepts to advanced levels. *It is also suitable for all fitness levels as there is transportation to the campsite as well as the option of joining us for the walk in.
Accommodation:You can choose to bring your own tent, to sleep in a hammock and tarp (basha) or use one of the cabins (limited space available in the cabins).
What do I need tobring?
The kit list is very basic and will be sent to all participants prior to the course. Put it this way. You will be able to carry it in on your back.
Below is a video that explains the kit required and how to pack it.
Breathe deeply and relax: You do not have to do all of the sessions. You can chose to watch and study or just relax if you are tired or want to rest. There is also time set aside during the day to bathe, swim, douse and rest.
Food. All of the food is healthy and nutritious. We all take turns in cooking and preparing meals. Everyone gets involved in the whole camp experience. If you are not used to preparing food don’t worry, this is another element of the training to look forward to!
Costs & Payment Options: The all inclusive cost of the course is £1400. The early booking discount is £1200. A deposit of £400 is required to secure your spot. Please note. remainder must be paid by 31st June 2017. There are only 30 spaces and they will go fast.
You can send payment by Paypal, GoCardless or bank transfer. Surcharge applies for Paypal.
Please email me for bank transfer details.
There is also a monthly pay option. Again email for details.
Cancellation Policy: As soon as the payment has been received, the registration is considered valid and binding. An already received registration/payment can be cancelled in writing until July 31st 2017 (processing fee: £99). Cancellations after July 31st 2017, as well as participants who are absent from the Camp, forfeit the entire amount of payment. There is no right to a refund of the Camp cost after this date, but another person can take your place.
Comments from previous courses:
Short form – “Eureka”!
Long form
Step into the unknown, feel the fear & do it anyway. Reflecting on the “Swedish experience”, physically I now move much more easily, mentally I am more tuned to combat situations & overall am a lot more creative and free from some long held paradigms/constraints about martial arts.
I have already recommended the trip to all my students and peers, why? Because it was simply the best “martial arts” seminar/course/experience that I have had in the last 40 years. Challenge yourself, reap the rewards. Steve Murphy – Scotland.
Often times we lose track of what we are.
We live sedated, isolated lives devoid of connection with the earth, sea and air. We do not see the land in front of us dying from our wants and needs. Instead we look sideways and fill the gap with trivial meaningless tidbits of the latest thing to stare at. We spend our days in stasis, stationary, halted in motion while mimicking movement. Minimalistically we traverse laid out paths before us without breaking the pattern, the social structure… Our bodies get deformed from this type of life, because we are not designed to live it!
We were given this body and a high-powered brain to use! So damnit, use it!
Take a break from the stasis for a while, heck if even for a single week, and experience movement for what it could be. Move uncummbered for a change and let go of all that’s holding you still. For just a tiny moment, live free without worries or to-do-lists. Just exist, peacefully with nature, all the while putting your body and mind through a cleansing experience. Even though you’ll be training all day- everyday and still doing all the chores that need doing in the wilds, you’ll feel yourself relieving tensions and strains that your body has built up over the years and in truth you will feel different when you come home.
The hardest thing you’ll have to do is being brave enough to take the plunge and decide for yourself that you want something to change. Because if nothing ever changes then… Oooh you know how it goes 😉
Hint though, if you do decide to go: Don’t overpack… You won’t need most of that junk! Especially not that, or that… or that. Or that forth pair…– Mikael Zall
The Swedish camp for me was the adventure of a lifetime. Training, cooking and sleeping in the great outdoors truly bring you back to a healthier and more natural way of life (there is the option of traditional Swedish cabins for those who don’t fancy sleeping under the stars). I got a huge energy boost from the week’s training and I couldn’t believe how fast it went. The best thing about Matt’s and Dirk’s camp is that you don’t have to be a martial artist to benefit from it because the training is holistic, well paced, suitable to all ages and fitness levels, and most of all it’s great fun. – Isabelle Vinet.
The Sweden forest camp was an unforgettable experience, a true adventure. I thought that I had given up on having adventures, like those I had in my youth, but this camp proved me wrong! From start to finish the camp was exciting, invigorating, rejuvenating, inspiring, physically and mentally challenging, and loads of fun. It really takes you back to nature in a very beautiful part of a very beautiful country. The company is fantastic and a real bond develops with the other camp participants. Many things claim to be ‘life changing’ but very few things live up to it, this camp however is an exception. I strongly recommend anyone to attend the camp, you really will not regret it. – Ed Roberts.
Read more testimonials here: https://www.matthill.co.uk/testimonials/
The complete wellbeing system. Systema will energise, heal and mobilise your whole system.
This week we were shortlisted at the Wiltshire Public health awards for the ‘Outstanding Contribution to Public health’. Come along to the workshop next week to find out why. (More to follow on this story including some truly inspiring stories)
Workshop Contents
1st Hour Breath work & Movement Patterns
Improving your movement quality will improve the way you execute simple and complex movements. Including balance, coordination, smoothness, endurance, ease of movement and much more.
2nd Hour Stretching and releasing.
Systema methodology to release tensions and therefore restrictions in the body to improve movement range, power, speed, recovery and injury prevention.
3rd Hour Strength & Conditioning
Engaging Systema exercises to strengthen and condition the whole body, especially the core.
4th Hour Systema Massage
Learn both self and partner massage techniques to heal and restore the body from exertion, fatigue and soreness.
All aspects of the workshop are suitable for anyone. If you are uncertain please contact me before hand.
Details
Date: Sunday March 29th
Location: Unit S3, Avonside Enterprise Park, New Broughton Road, Melksham, Wiltshire
Time: 10am-2pm
Need to bring: Loose, light clothing, Water bottle.
Investment: Just £40.
Numbers will be strictly limited to 28. Click below to secure your space below to avoid disappointment.
Hit your reset button. This course is deeply rejuvenating, a 4 day Systema immersion for the mind, body and spirit.
Campfire cooking, training by day and night in field, forest and water, self reliance and outdoor skills.
Set in a stunning area of natural woodland this course is much more than just a Systema course or camp experience. The course is deeply relaxing, invigorating, rejuvenating and wholesome for the mind, body and spirit. For four days you will live a very simple existence. Training, eating, sleeping, relaxing and learning all in the company of like minded people.
INSTRUCTOR: Matt Hill – Systema HQ Certified Instructor, 5th Dan Aikido, Ex-Parachute Regiment Captain.
A bit about the course:
Training:
Each day begins with 1 hour of breathing, stretching and mobility training to prepare you for the day.
A campfire breakfast is then followed by morning training, lunch and then afternoon training. A communal campfire dinner follows. For some this is the best time of the day. To just sit under the stars in the open is primal. It is a powerful time to discuss the day or just relax and watch the flames, embers and stars.
This is then followed by a night training session to improve your awareness and senses.
You will immerse yourself in training for 7 hours per day. However, you will be surprised to find that rather than wearing you out this will restore you to an even greater level of physical and mental health and well-being.
You will be studying the unique combat and health methodologies of Systema with its ancient practices of physical and mental training and wellbeing.
NEW FOR THIS CAMP:
I will also cover vital bushcraft skills including:
Priorities of survival: What would you need to do first? Having a systematic approach keeps the panic at bay. Take a deep breath and lets begin….
Shelter building: you will be shown how to set up a tarp (basha) and sleeping system and also how to make a shelter out of woodland material that will keep you dry and warm down to at least -10.
Fire lighting: without matches using only a flint and steel.
Navigation: you will do some basic navigation training including orientation and use of a compass and pacing.
Knife work: – simple skills to make useful items for traps, shelters and importantly to ensure that you stay safe while doing so.
Snare trap setting: you won’t have to catch your own food, but I will show you some basic snare traps.
Camp Cooking: you will have a go at preparing and cooking meals over a campfire.
Simple knots: you will learn a small number of useful knots and put them to use.
The course is:
ALL INCLUSIVE food and all essential equipment is supplied. You can bring your own if desired. *there is limited indoor accommodation for those who require/desire it.
COMPLETE RANGE of training including weapons, empty handed, multiple attack, awareness, striking, stretching, meditation and health promotion
ALL TERRAIN training in the forest, fields and water and practice by day and night,
SUITABLE FOR ALL LEVELS Ideal for beginners and advanced students due to the progressive nature of the training course building from basic concepts to advanced levels. *It is also suitable for all fitness levels as there is transportation to the campsite and all training areas are a short walk from the main camp.
Here is a video clip of highlights from last years course:
Comments from previous courses:
“An immensely enjoyable experience, that will not only put you back into the heart of nature but may also help to put you back in touch with who you really are”
– Danny Hamilton Mills
“Thank you Matt for a very enjoyable weekend and a life changing experience”
– Gergana Milkhanova
“The woodlands course gives those that wish to see a glimpse into what is important”
– Mark Wood.
‘This is my first seminar with Matt Hill. I have learn’t so much that I will keep with me.’
– Dave Hartley
Read more testimonials here: https://www.matthill.co.uk/testimonials/
There are only 40 spaces on the course. Book now below to secure your place.
Cost is just £199 inclusive of food and accommodation for the 4 day course.
Price rises to £225 in June.
Or via bank (Email me for details)
“I went to the woods because I wished to live deliberately, to front only the essential facts of life, and see if I could learn what it had to teach, and not, when I came to die, discover that I had not lived.” – Henry David Thoreau
I sincerely look forward to welcoming you to the course.
It is easy to put Systema or martial arts into the sport or activity category. It is more than that though. It is training for life. It is also the perfect parent and child activity.
There are of course clear self-defence benefits and every child should know their most basic of human rights. Self-Defence. Systema teaches you not how to fight, but how to survive a self defence situation. The situation begins long before the fight ever does. So situational awareness and relaxed confidence are also taught as ways to avoid confrontation.
As well as the obvious self defence aspects, I have compiled 10 reasons to enroll your child into Systema classes below:
Calmness and stability. We start with breathing and relaxation cycles. This skill of knowing how to breathe in a way that calms, relaxes and stabalises them will benefit them in all kinds of stressful situations such as exams, tests, interviews etc. for the rest of their lives.
Increasing their resilience. The combat side of Systema improves their resilience and removes fears in a fun way. Everyone gets and gives hits and kicks. They get grabbed, pinned, thrown, stood on, by one person, two people, with their eyes closed, in a crowd – every scenario you could imagine. Nearly always slowly and experimentally to avoid injury and improve learning. Physical and emotional resilience to any situation and creative abilities flourish. We also show children how to fall softly and safely. This is a fear that most carry their whole lives becoming worse as you get older. Systema removes that fear.
Dealing with emotions, stresses and fears. Systema teaches children to get comfortable with stresses and emotions of all kinds. Anxiety, anger, pride, ego, self-pity, pressure, fear and other emotions are managed through simple breathing exercises.
Creativity Flourishes. Children get comfortable with getting things wrong. In Systema there are no set responses. In Systema we don’t study technique. We study movement. Think lion cubs. They learn to fight through play. Creativity flourishes in this environment. Fear of getting things wrong stops creation of ‘new’ responses, ideas and movements.
Learning to move well and safely. Children study the four pillars of human movement. These are movements that we are born with. All four are done naturally with the focus on breathing and relaxing the whole time. They check thier body’s full range of motion and ability to support its weight through that range. The children learn to move with smoothness and effortless ease removing tension through the exercises.
True Self Confidence. In Systema there are no belts or gradings. Not only does this keep cost down for parents. It also teaches children a very valuable lesson. Their sense of pride and achievement is based on their own sense of their skill level. Care needs to be applied when building children up with ranks and praise as this can often be fake and fragile and taken away or withheld from them. Only strength from within gives true confidence, founded on humility and walking the right path.
Strength, Courage and Humility. This is the motto of Systema and it applies to the biggest challenge that they face. Themselves. True strength, courage and humility only come through facing their own fears, pride and ego, and overcoming these. As well as strengthening their bodies, children learn that real strength comes from within.
Leadership development. As your child progresses they will naturally become mentors and guides to other children, teaching them the skills of calmness, relaxation, spontaneous natural creativity and helping them remove their fears. Believe me, this is inspirational to watch.
Practical and real. Training in Systema is based on the training of the Russian Spy Network. Training is not based on sport and competition, but on survival. Training is subtle, powerful and effective and deals with hands, feet, wrestling, single and multiple opponents, crowds, weapons and every scenario in between.
Parents and Children Training together. Parents can join in the family class on Saturdays at 9am and the junior class on Mondays at 18.15-19.15. It is natural wholesome and fun for parents and children to enjoy this activity together and it is inspiring for the children to see parents training alongside them.
In short Systema builds healthy, strong, calm, confident, stable, balanced, well-adjusted children. It is also some of the best fun they will have all week.
The video below gives a short insight into a regular family class.
‘If you do not know how to recover from strikes, you have no business sparring’ – Mikhail Ryabko, England 2014.
This seminar will teach you how to deliver and receive strikes in a safe and progressive manner. One that strengthens and builds you and your partner physically, mentally and emotionally.
Distance
Once you can lose the fear of being hit, you can then begin to better understand the distance at which you need to work against an attacker. As long as you are anxious, you will not be effective.
Conditioning
Learn fun and unique strength and conditioning exercises whilst developing your ability to give and receive strikes.
Applied work against a weapon, multiple attacker and on the ground
You will learn to work effectively from all positions learning Systema’s relaxed, spontaneous, heavy striking methodology
Details
Date: Sunday January 25th
Location: Unit S3, Avonside Enterprise Park, New Broughton Road, Melksham, Wiltshire
Time: 10am-2pm
Need to bring: Loose, light clothing, Water bottle.
Investment: Just £40.
Numbers will be strictly limited to 28. Click below to secure your space below to avoid disappointment.
‘The breathing techniques that Matt teaches are so versatile. I am not a martial artist, I am a triathlete. During a very aggressive start to a swim, I took a few knocks and ended up dunked under the water and not able to breathe… whilst half a mile out to sea! Using the calming and control techniques that Matt taught a few weeks earlier, I was able to recover from the incident. Whilst my natural senses were telling me to stop and exit the race via the life guards, I composed myself, got my breathing under control and cracked on. Thanks to Matt I completed the swim, bike and run. You never know when these invaluable techniques will be called upon.’
For dramatic and lasting improvements to your physical, mental and emotional well-being
Sunday November 23rd
Melksham
10am-2pm
Cost: £40
How to turn back the clock on how your body feels, moves and looks.
A slow metabolism; out of kilter endocrine (hormonal) system that saps you of energy, brittleness in the bones and weakness in natural movement ranges all age you prematurely. They make you fat, lethargic and move like an old person. You can change this, at any age.
Switching exercise sessions for full body movement sessions is a great start. Strengthen and free up the body with much shorter (10 mins on average) sessions that can be done anywhere are always different, fun and hugely beneficial to mind and body.
Natural movement – especially cross pattern movements on the ground also work you mentally making you work the left and right sides of your brain and body and improve coordination. You are thinking and moving and this is essential to keep you sharp and alive in your movements and life.
Relaxation. Only when you are relaxed do your body’s systems work optimally. Your metabolic (fat burning), endocrine (hormonal), immune (healing) and lymphatic (cleaning) systems all fire up the more you relax. You rid your body of cortisol and adrenaline (stress hormones) and flood your body with dopamine and serotonin (happy hormones). Relaxation is a skill that must be learnt if you want to optimise your health.
Stretching AND strengthening. A good balance between stretching the muscles and connections between muscles (releasing is more apt description) and strengthening the muscles is paramount. Systema always strives to keep the body in balance. Freedom in movement and strength and movement.
Self and Partner Massage. Not commonly practiced by the general masses in the UK massage is a hugely underrated method of preventative and proactive health promotion. Systema percussive, pressure and compression massages leave you with an enormous sense of well-being and relax and restore you. Equally they strengthen the tissues, joints and even the bones not just slowing but turning back the ageing process.
Come and explore each of these areas in a comprehensive 1 day course. The day is progressive and will change the way that you operate, breathe, move and think.
It will improve your physical performance whatever your level and whatever your activity be it yoga, meditation, running, martial arts, football or anything else.
INSTRUCTORS: Adam and Brendon Zettler. the famous Zettler Twins.
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