..’just be yourself…’

I’ve always thought that this is tough advice to follow.

For example when you go for an interview, or a performance or presentation, and you get the advice, ‘just go in and be yourself’.

Partly it’s hard because being yourself is an unconscious thing. When you consciously try to do it, you have little frame of reference.

This is made doubly difficult in a stress situation, like a job interview or presentation. Your mouth goes dry, you cant remember your words, actions lose their smoothness, you feel awkward and self conscious.

So why is this relevant?

I was teaching a class on Thursday and this idea came up in conversation around Systema’s idea of a natural response to a situation.

During a conversation with Vladimir on his last visit to the UK, he mentioned that Systema is a study in how to be a normal human being (or words to that effect).

I think that what he meant by this is how to be natural, how to be yourself.

In Systema we spend time studying the simple things, how to walk properly, how to breathe properly, how to do simple movements properly.

By properly you could read naturally: In balance; efficiently; without excess tension; in a way that doesn’t strain or damage your body or increase stress or strain in your system.

In order to do this you have to manage yourself emotionally. Fear, anger, anxiety, self pity, pride etc. will all affect your ability to be natural. They all move your baseline restricting or amplifying you.

This is important because it gives you that frame of reference. You know how simple things should feel when you are calm, at ease and natural.

So when you have to perform these things under pressure, you know what it should feel like and you can replicate this feeling.

You can then bring this feeling to all of your actions under pressure.

As Vladimir says:

Don’t study movements, study the feeling of correct movement.

Practical Takeaway: The Natural Breath Reset

Stand or sit comfortably with your feet flat on the ground.

Take some soft, natural breaths. Breathe in through your nose, feeling your breath enter with minimum effort or tension. Then exhale softly without forcing it. Focus on releasing tension with each exhale.

Add movement. Feel relaxation in your knees and then softly lift one knee at a time in a walking motion on the spot. Try not to tense anywhere and use minimum effort. Maintain soft correct breathing as above and if standing you can start to walk a little.

Notice the feeling. How does your body feel when you combine calm breath and soft light movement? This is the natural state we aim to bring into training and into life under pressure.

This simple practice helps you establish your baseline, reset under stress, and build awareness of what it feels like to be calm and natural. To be yourself.

These principles are at the heart of everything we teach in Systema. If you’d like to explore this further, I’d love to see you at one of the upcoming courses below:

All my best as always,

Matt.

Plus, Here are some dates for this year:

• ​25-26 January – Mat Hill – Netherlands Seminar​
• ​3-16 March – Matt Hill – Cambodia Jungle Adventure.​
• April – Date TBD Spring Systema Camp: 3 Day Systema Camp in Wiltshire
• 16-18 May – Fireside Retreat – Scotland: A serene and reflective experience.
• 2-6 July – Systema Summer Camp: Enhance your Systema practice in an immersive environment.
• September (Date TBD) – Ryo Onishi Course: A rare opportunity to train with an exceptional instructor.
• 13-14 September – Fireside Retreat – Wiltshire. Another inspiring camp to deepen your connection to faith and training.
• 19-23 November – November Intensive: End the year on a high note with an intensive experience designed to elevate your skills.
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