4 Day Systema Camp 29 June – 02 July 2017

Posted on 19/01/201501/06/2017 by Matt Hill

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.

Devon Guarantee

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.

Matt Hill.

What can Aikidoka learn from Systema?

Posted on 20/10/201421/10/2014 by Matt Hill

“What Can Aikidoka Learn from Systema..?” by Keni Lynch

More and more people in the Aikido world are beginning to realize that even a short course in Systema will pay them great dividends in increased mental and physical freedom, leading to effortless movement. Famous names in Aikido who have learned from Systema include: Hiroshi Ikeda (Aiki-kai 7th Dan) and Kevin Choate (6th Dan under Saotome Shihan), Matthew Hill (5th Dan Iwama) and the list is growing. The similarities with Aikido are uncanny.

Mikhail Ryabko, Founder of modern Systema, with Matt Hill.

When I first saw Vladimir Vasiliev’s Systema (S) on video 5 years ago, for instance, I thought someone had taken Japanese Aikido, added a few punches to it, and given it a Russian name.. it was so close to what I knew.. It was as if some Japanese guy had somehow secretly emigrated to Russia long long ago, resulting in a very evolved version of Aikido (A) that no one in Japan, and even the Western world, could have predicted or expected to see.. until now..

I attended Anthony Lucas’s Systema class yesterday in Budapest and so thought I’d share with you some of what I learned and tie this in with a brief technical comparison between the two systems. As someone with 30-years-plus experience in Aikido, whose made a conscious study of its major schools like the Aiki-kai, Yoshinkan, Tendo-kan, and Ki-no-Kenkyu-Kai (KKK), I think I can comment fairly on what is different and special about Systema that is missing in Aikido training. I’d like to present three ideas from S that might help Aikidoka realize, apart from the great overlap the two arts share, what is unique to S, so that you can learn to explore these in greater depth in any S seminar. Of course, Systema has many branches, just like in the Aikido world, so we can only talk in general. But, I think we can always learn more about ourselves, and whatever branch of Aikido you may happen to study, the following points, common to all branches of S, will inspire you:

Number 1: Breathing. The greatest thing about S is how they move from the inside – out. Of course, Aikido too, in theory, is about the spirit leading the body, but for most people this theory is a little abstract and not as evident in practice. Don’t get me wrong, there are many people in A who practice sincerely, with spiritual intent in the back of their minds. And, there are a few great teachers who actually teach the spiritual and energetic sides in detail, but the majority do not. The general pattern though is that we find ourselves moving without really knowing how or why we have to move in certain ways. Indeed, we have the names kokyu-ho and kokyu-nage (‘breathing exercise’ and ‘breath technique’), for example, to enhance our

appreciation of the breath, and the ki exercises to help us realize the energetic mind, but few of us know the real reasons why these are so central to grasping Aikido as a whole. In practice too, these movements are difficult to pull off..

Systema can come to the rescue here: a) because it has a solid foundation in breathing and b) because the physiological reasons it gives as to why relaxation is good for self- defense, and why this leads to smoother interactions in potential conflict situations, is ground-breaking scientific news..! It has to do with monitoring our breathing, so that no matter how fast or furiously our partner moves, it is possible for our nervous system to stay calm.. if we know ourselves and our body’s limits.

Many advanced Aikidoka also know this (especially in the KKK) and consciously try to work on keeping calm but what they may not know is how the limits of their own personal breathing patterns can upset their inner equilibrium. S deliberately explores the different aspect of the breath: the inhale, the exhale, and the holding of the breath after exhale, as well as after the inhale. These breathing patterns are explored in basic exercises, like the push-up, the squat and sit-up, to develop stamina in the lungs and nervous system, and are central to cultivating calm and safe movement. But, the whole idea is not to do more of these..

Quantity, or strength per se, is not the ultimate goal. It’s the psychology behind such things as oxygen deprivation and the nervous system’s reaction to panic that are the most valuable lessons here.

As we all know, scientists tell us that, in a threatening situation, many people hold their breath. In what is famously known as the fight or flight response, blood pressure, heart-rate, and muscular tension all rise, the pupils of the eyes dilate to try and take in more of what is going on, and, as your body instinctively goes into the stress mode, you feel the urge to fight, to run away or to freeze on the spot with fright.

S helps us get in touch with the workings of this response in ourselves in a safe environment, and through S’s slow-motion practices, and relaxation exercises, to override this instinctive response to danger, so that we can defend ourselves in the manner of our choosing. This, alone, would be a great addition to anyone’s Aikido, but the greater benefit, I think, lies in knowing how to challenge our limits, and thereby enhance our everyday life. In S seminars, you will learn how to take the tension completely out of your body in every potentially stressful posture. This psychology of relaxation under stress is something that can serve you well for a lifetime of reduced stress… I got this from Anthony, and, I think, this is invaluable.

Number 2: Natural Movement. You may be sceptical, like I was, when any martial art claims to teach ‘natural movements’, because it seems clear that every culture has its own definition of natural. Just think of the difference between the minimalism of Aikido movements compared to, let’s say, the exuberant gymnastics of Brazilian Capoeira. Both martial. Both natural. Yet, they are on opposite ends of the spectrum of expressive human movement. But, if we say, ‘natural’ is ‘whatever can help us survive an attack with ease’, then we have to think of the most likely attacks in a civilian context, and consider the question of how we will personally encounter them: psychologically and physically.

You can probably be 99.9% sure, for example, that you won’t be attacked by a man flashing a Japanese sword on the street.. (So, what is the relevance of Aikido sword- work..? That is another question..). And, it’s also statistically improbable that you’ll have to deal with cartwheel kicks from someone whose friend is playing the berimbau in the background…

By contrast, S focuses on how to deal with the most likely grabs, pushes, punches, kicks, knife attacks and group attacks.. but all within the simple context of moving with an awareness of your calm(ing) breath. Like in the best mastery-level Aikido, you have to start with yourself, and realize there are no separate techniques. S is only about the freedom to move yourself freely.. in the here and now.. Kind of like the gentle art of Aikido free-style, but with the stops removed.

S has found a way to teach this freedom to us quickly, through progressive drills and exercises. Through S, we can realize that it isn’t the memorized martial techniques we know, even if learned over decades, that will get us out of trouble but our innate freedom to move without fear… Like the Zen master Takuan said, “..if our minds are caught in the thought of technique, then we won’t have the freedom to respond creatively, spontaneously, appropriately. Our partner will spot our distracted mind, detecting a gap in our awareness.. we’ll be unable to move, while our opponent will be able to exploit this moment to attack us…”

So, the way we express ourselves in self-defense MUST be natural in the psychological sense that it will always be personal, natural to you, and different to someone else’s way, even if that person is your most favorite teacher of Budo. I like what an 8th Dan Kendo master once shared with me. He said: ‘Most people think of the Way (or ‘Do’, as in ‘Bu-do’) as a road, or a road-map, already travelled by others. Its features and landmarks are well known. It’s usually about a set of rules, teachers and formal

traditions.” “But, I don’t think of it that way..” he said, “the True Way, I think, is really our own.. It’s like the freedom we feel when walking on the beach, alone.. and, as you take in the beauty of the scenery, and look back, you see a series of footsteps going all the way back to the horizon.. When you take stock of your training record over the years, you realize, for the first time, where you’ve been. That is your individual path.. If you think of it this way, you can give yourself the courage to move forwards for the rest of the journey into the unknown.. What else is there..? If you follow someone else’s way.. even Ueshiba’s Aikido.. it could still be taken away from you, if you relied on others to give it to you.. but your way is your way.. you will always have it, and it can’t be taken away..’.

S is natural in that each person can discover their own insecurities and express their freedom to move past them, all within a safe place. S calls this the work.

Number 3: Strikes. In spite of Ueshiba saying, allegedly, that “Aikido is 90% atemi” (or ‘striking’), Aikidoka are shy, in general, of following through with punches.

(It should be said, though, that Ueshiba’s statement here is apocryphal, and is still controversial, and, therefore, shouldn’t be taken literally as gospel. At the very least, if Ueshiba did say this, we have to reconcile it with his other statements like the fact that Aikido has something to do with the infinite spirit of the universe. It would be logical to ask, then: ‘how it is possible to have 90% of infinity..?’ But, the absurdity this leads us into is a debate that will have to be covered in a separate article)

The Yoshinkan and Iwama dojos are about the only ones that use strikes extensively to get their techniques to work. Without strikes to initiate their moves, their hard versions of Aikido don’t make much sense. The Aiki-kai and KKK tend to limit striking in their curricula; even eschewing defences against kicks, on the grounds that they don’t want to encourage violent minds. OK, I understand the sentiment.

Most Aikidoka, I think it’s fair to say, don’t like the image, the feelings or conduct, and seeming lack of control that appears to be associated with punching and kicking. Indeed, in the minds of non-violent people, punching is already a kind of violence, and, because of their violent image in films, the martial arts are also, unfortunately, often enough equated with thuggery. In the eyes of many Aikidoka, then, the martial arts (Bu-jitsu), as opposed to Budo, are No-Go Zones.

Indeed, I think it’s true that non-violence is what attracts people to come to Aikido in the first place. After all, if you wanted something more aggressive, there’s no limit to the range of choices available.. From MMA to Krav Marga, Brazilian Jujitsu to Thai Kick-boxing, you can take your pick.. Aikido is supposedly uniquely different from this smorgasbord of consumer choices, because it takes its firm footing on the basis of its non-violent spiritual stance.

So, the question to S people from A people would then have to be something like: ‘Can punching ever be spiritual..?’ And, the short answer is ‘yes’. But, the second part of the answer is: “it depends on you..and your intent..” “If you punch with love..” Anthony said.. which, by the way, made my head spin, in the beginning..

A spiritual punch – Vladimir Vasiliev with Matt Hill.

But, then when you actually try it, it ain’t so bad..

In fact, the punching in S is nothing like in boxing, where we tense our arms and go against our partner to try to knock him out. The punches in S are done exactly like the idea of ki extension. You just extend your arm with a relaxed fist to break down your partner’s balance. Or, you make him react to your hand that’s in the way of his movement. People who are off-balance in the turn, as you move away, are vulnerable.. At the same time, if you had to KO someone, there is no reason why you can’t do that in self-defense using S, just like you can do that with Shiho-nage or Irimi- nage in A. Then again, Ueshiba did say “ Aikido is loving attack and peaceful reconciliation”.. Too many of us think that this reference to ‘loving attack’ is only about uke’s role, but there is no reason why tori can’t also be loving in defending themselves with punches.. If so, S can show us how..

The kicking too is done more like Ikkyo with the legs. The idea is to lead the attacker’s leg a little, touching his shin with your foot to make him pause (omote, or ‘entering’, if you will), or, by stretching his heel out a little with your foot, making him lose his balance (a sort of ura). Again, there is much more to using the legs than the punishing Thai-Kick Boxing routines..

Leg work – Vladimir Vasiliev with Matt Hill

Finally, just a few words on the Systema Instructor Anthony Lucas. I have found him to be a generous person, with a compassionate heart, always ready to encourage his students with positive feedback. As an experienced teacher of Ninjutsu, it is clear he is also keenly aware of the differences between kata (or form) training and the relaxed freedom of movement which Systema provides the student of traditional Budo. He has trained with some of the biggest names in Systema, like Vladimir Vasiliev, Mikhail Ryabko, Martin Wheeler, and others. As a fellow researcher along the martial road of self-study, I salute him. and recommend him highly to all Budoka, but Aikidoka in particular who have so much to gain. Europe is lucky to have him.

Matt Hill is teaching a seminar in Amsterdam on October. A Full Systema Instructor under Vladimir Vasiliev and Aikido 5th Dan under the Saito Family, Matt will explore drills to:

improve your creativity,
feel confident in your instinctive and spontaneous response,
develop your ability to handle psychological pressure,
applying the principles to multiple attacker & crowd work and
drills to add relaxed power to your movement to improve both Aikido and Systema.

Be sure to mark your calendar for this unique event. Click here for more details

Matt Hill with Morihiro Saito Sensei.

Writer: Keni Lynch is the son of Aikido pioneers in New Zealand and currently teaches Aikido in Budapest, Hungary. He is an award-winning philosopher and has a masters degree in International Relations from Victoria University in Wellington. He is also the author of the upcoming book ‘Aikido Body’ (2014), in which he shares some of the principles behind effortless Aikido mastery, based on his 34 years of experience in the art.

Will this work for real?

Posted on 17/09/201421/10/2014 by Matt Hill

Will this work for real?

Probably the most common question asked by martial artists is: ‘Will this work for real?’

They ask it of themselves, others and their instructors.

A common theme running throughout this year’s Full Immersion Systema Training Camp in Toronto was belief; the removal of doubts. If you have doubts, you won’t be able to perform, you have to be totally confident in your capability.

If you watch a person filled with doubt, it is immediately apparent in their movement, their aspect and even every breath that they take. Right from start, the drills at camp addressed this.

In the first session, we did a number of different breath holds with specific emphasis on introducing physical as well as emotional/psychological stress. Detailed instruction was then given on the recovery process. In fact, the real work of the breath hold was in the ability to restore as quickly and thoroughly as possible. We were shown how to use the breath to remove emotional stress, and movement to eliminate physical tensions. We soon realised that recovery from breath holds is very close to recovery from strikes. We also did a fascinating and revealing exercise on faith in yourself during prolonged breath holds.

This solid foundation of preparation for the body and psyche continued into the combat phases and was a strong theme throughout the week. It was clear that progression in Systema was much less about changing your surface movement. Rather, it was about changing your operating system on a fundamental level in the way that you deal with your own fears, anxieties, stresses, pain, tensions and ego. We were gently (and not so gently) being trained to give our bodies the correct responses.

Watching Vladimir, Valentin and some of the other great instructors work, is like seeing this faith manifest. Every demonstration is perfect in that moment. If you are new to Systema, there are no pre-ordained movements or katas, just the right response for that moment. The masters wait calmly and peacefully and then deal swiftly, precisely and effectively with whatever presents itself. There is beauty in this. There is a self-knowledge that your movement and response was wholesome and perfect: neither too little nor too much. You may never do that same movement or series of movements again, but in that moment, it was perfect.

Watching Vladimir during one demonstration, I was struck by the level of unconscious skill that he possesses. He was dealing with three multiple attackers and talking to us at the same time. At one stage, he had two in front and another joined from the side. He threw the side attacker behind him without any obvious diversion of attention from the front two attackers. Without looking, he delivered a heel kick to the chin as the attacker hit the ground. A ‘wow’ escaped my lips as he did it. The spontaneous, effortless precision was stunning.

In the end, it was clear that it doesn’t matter what you do. Whether you are a performer, an artist, in business, a martial artist, a person of God or a soldier, if you are good, you must have an unshakeable belief in yourself. Systema, with its unique drills and methodology has the ability to give you this. The courage to find a deeper pool of strength rooted in humility.

It is said of the great generals in history that they knew themselves and they knew their men. Their persona instilled a belief and confidence in those under their charge. Caesar was said to be able to walk the camp fires at night and be able to talk to his men on a personal level, knowing their names and their families. This instilled cohesion, loyalty and belief that was unshakeable. Vladimir has this persona. As does his whole family. During mealtimes, Vladimir would walk around the room with a word and a smile here and there, before eating his own meal. Vladimir’s wife Valerie knew all of the instructors by name and so did their daughters, Melissa and Julia.

Vladimir is the kind of martial artist that comes along once in a generation. Much more than this, he is one of the most open-hearted, generous and decent men I have ever had the privilege to meet.

To understand more about Systema’s unique drills and exercises join us for a unique event. Vladimir Vasiliev and Mikhail Ryabko are coming to the UK for the Legends of Systema seminar on October 4th and 5th.

An insight into Systema from a Thai Boxer

Posted on 09/12/201308/08/2024 by Matt Hill

Hi, my name is Peter, I’m 46. I first met Matt when he came to Jersey to teach a Systema seminar in October 2013. I first saw Systema about a year before that but I come from a Muay Thai background. I began training in Bangkok in 1990 and since then I’ve been a fighter, trainer, cornerman, ref, physio and gym manager.There’s hardly a job i haven’t done in the sport. The reason I mention this is to state strongly that I was not easily swayed from Muay Thai, it was my life, it would have to be something pretty special to do that. After having spent years training both myself and our teams fighters, and then trying to strategically dismantle our opponents in the ring, through watching footage of Systema I came to steadily realise the beautiful and complex simplicity of the art. I know that sounds like a contradiction but thats what it is.

I had attended a previous seminar in Systema with another teacher but was still left a little confused, however after Matt came to Jersey something just popped in my brain. He explained and demonstrated everything so clearly for one thing, but the real lesson I took home was that he has the presence, balance, flow and demeanour of Systema. This is a bit like a nice warm hug, but with some punches involved, and also you may end up on the floor… and actually all that is surprisingly in total context with the hug. Regardless, we all felt much better afterwards!

I practised every day after that, it took over my thoughts so much that after only about a month I had to call Matt to get some more lessons. I travelled from Jersey and I’ve just spent 4 days training with him in Wiltshire, I had 16 hours of private lessons and also 4 hours training with his club [lots of good friendly people there]. On the combat side of things we covered knife fighting, fist fighting, kicks, rolls, ground movement, ground fighting, taking of the balance, multiple opponents and more. One night he had me finding my way through a forest in the pitch black blindfolded, then knife fighting in the dark, then sneaking up on each other blindfolded in the dark…I’ve not had so much fun since I was 10 years old. Its actually fair to say I felt both ancient and 10 years old at the same time, which a damn good feeling I can tell you. All this was taught with excellent and concise instruction, its serious but you can’t say that because its so much fun, and it’s always safe and friendly. Again its more like being hugged than threatened, you have to push yourself and dig deep sometimes, but its always entirely in your control and from that you learn so much about yourself.

Matt has also shown me here is a huge health benefit side to Systema, breathing exercises to improve the lungs, circulation, nervous system and heart rhythm, gentle posture correction, smooth joint rotation, both muscle toning and relaxing, balancing of blood pressure, steadying of the mind. This list could go on and on. There is no reason I have put this second after the combat, they actually are the same thing, and the combat won’t work without this. I studied Yoga in Asia, and If you can imagine, all of Yoga, it is like half of Systema.

Anyway, I’ve just had a journey into some unmapped parts of my body, mind, heart and soul, thanks Matt you were the perfect guide, I can’t wait to come back.

Peter Dolan 29/11/13

A Lighter, Leaner Pack

Posted on 23/07/201308/08/2024 by Matt Hill

helping you go further on an adventure, in everyday life and in martial arts.

Anyone who has had to carry a pack over any distance will know the value of making that pack as light and lean as possible. Imagine this scenario:

You park up at the car park and check off the kit list: basha, bag, roll mat, hammock, stove… all done. As you are closing it you see a spare set of trainers. Better throw them in just in case, my feet might get wet or hot you think. You also throw in a trusty top, an extra wooly jumper just in case it turns chilly; an extra pair of wooly socks, a couple of extra snack bars (not mars bars of course) and a light rain jacket for those occasional downpours.

Okay pack ready and I am now set for any eventuality you think.

You put the pack on and almost buckle under the weight. You brace yourself and set off on the trail with the pack digging into your shoulders. Its okay you say to yourself, I will get used to it.

The Fork in the Trail
However, ten miles in and the pack is really starting to weigh you down. The straps are digging in, your back is covered in sweat, your feet have ‘hot spots’ and all that extra stuff that you put in is taking its toll. And what’s worse? You haven’t used any of it. You come to a fork in the path. You have heard about a glorious spot about 8 miles further up the trail to the left. People have waxed lyrical about how stunning it is and how good they felt when returning from the spot. It is a small secluded glade by a pool at the bottom of a waterfall that almost no one goes to. It is quite a steep path with some loose rock and all uphill. Any other time you would do it but after walking so long with such a heavy pack you are thinking of taking the more traveled route down to the riverbank. Not as spectacular, quiet or secluded but still nice and rewarding.

Then you catch yourself in mid thought. When am I next going to be taking this trail? The last time was over a year ago. No, I am going to do it. You make the commitment and suddenly feel a surge of adrenalin and energy. You move into the bushes and take out everything except what you will need for the trip. Out come the spare shoes, rain jacket, wooly jumper, socks, extra snack bars and you hide them under a bush. You put the pack on and it feels so much lighter, almost half the weight. Buoyed by your decision and commitment you step onto the trail again with a fire in the belly and a spirit of adventure. The warriors spirit of knowing how fleeting and precious every experience and moment is. This day will never come again and you have the knowledge that you are seizing life by the horns.

The principle of sufficiency
I know that this resonates with many of my experiences. In the Army we would go to huge lengths to lessen the weight of the pack. Cutting the bottom half off toothbrushes, cutting a roll mat in half, squeezing half the toothpaste out so that you only had what you needed. Cutting towels in half, trimming the edges of the map. It sounds crazy I know, but all of these things added up to a significant lessening of weight. We were ruthless with it. Take care of the ounces and the pounds will look after themselves was the maxim. It was also mentally important to know that you were as lean as you could be. When you know you have extra clutter it is not just the physical weight, but mentally every step reinforced in your mind that you were carrying more than you should be.

Lightening your pack in life.
The worries of everyday life can be seen in the same light. Worrying about meeting the costs of our ever increasing outgoings for things that we know that we don’t really need. Meeting the demands of commitments to friends, family or co-workers that we couldn’t say no to even though you know that you should have. Wading through a life cluttered with stuff that we haven’t used in years. Items from old hobbies, an office and drawers overflowing with manuals for things we don’t even own anymore. Go through them and ruthlessly de-clutter. It will feel great afterwards.

Lightening your emotional pack
Then there is the mental fatigue of carrying anxiety, stress, worry, and tension. These mental things very quickly become physical. Worries and fears quickly become physical tension. Usually in the back, neck and shoulders. These sap your energy levels, drive, motivation and enthusiasm. They cause poor posture, knotted muscles, headaches and worse, and they rob you of your vital energy. Spend just 10 minutes sat on a bench or at an airport watching people as they walk. The majority won’t be walking naturally and at ease. Most will be hunched in the shoulders, back, legs or hips. Most of the time this will be worry or anxiety related tension rather than an actual physical injury.

A lighter pack for martial artists
Lightening our pack is vital as a martial artist. It is possibly the most important aspect. In training we work to create an environment where the training pushes our buttons. It triggers our fears, tensions, anxieties, pride, ego, frustrations and other unwanted ‘heavy’ emotions. It gives us the tools to be aware of these emotions and simple reliable methods of removing them. In battle, be that a combat situation, self defence situation or a high pressure negotiation, we need to be free of these inhibiting emotions. We need to be relaxed, fluid, loose and creative both physically and mentally. We are often blissfully unaware of the fears and anxieties that are running constantly through our minds. Our body and our movements are the physical barometer for them. Unchecked these fears and tensions inhibit spontaneous, natural, creative movement and a response that is ‘just enough’ and appropriate to the threat.

Daily Ablutions
As well as normal cleaning, the warrior would need to ‘wash’ themselves daily of these unwanted emotions. The tightness, headaches and knots are the roadmap of the fears and thoughts of the mind. Daily training and simple breathing exercises help you to firstly notice and then remove these tensions. The amazing thing is that once you notice and remove the physical tensions, the mental ones go too. Think of the body as your alarm clock. Once you start to do this you will find yourself much more aware of the daily tensions and be able to drop them, leaving you with more energy, feeling more relaxed, moving more smoothly, being more creative and much, much healthier.

Attention to keeping your pack light whether for a trip, in daily life or in a martial situation will make a huge difference.

De-cluttering your pack is an on-going process. It gets easier the more you do it, a bit like weeding a garden. In the beginning the best advice would be to tackle one area at a time. There are really 4 things to de-clutter:

1.     Your ‘stuff’ (old clothes, papers, manuals etc. for things you no longer need use, or even own)
2.     Your finances (BIG cause of anxiety.   The key thing for stuff you have is to ask yourself, do I need it, do I use it, and is it worth it?)
3.     Your schedule (is it filled with things that you should have said no to but couldn’t? Things that are not aligned with your key priorities?)
4.     And finally and most importantly your mind of fears, worries, anxieties and stresses that you don’t need.

Now watch your lighter leaner life fill with opportunities and adventures that truly matter to you. The view from the waterfall is exhilarating.

I am organizing a trip to Sweden in September this year that will focus on two of these topics. A lighter pack for an adventure and lightening the emotional weight of fears, tension and anxiety. Let the stunning Swedish forests and some simple effective, reliable exercises melt away your tensions, worries, anxieties and stresses.

For the ideal chance to get a better understanding of the unique breathing exercises in a martial arts setting come and see the hugely talented Martin Wheeler in Melksham on August 10^th and 11^th.

Kill or Cure: The health benefits of Martial Arts by Gareth Leake

Posted on 21/06/201310/12/2024 by Matt Hill

Testimonial from Gareth Leake on the health benefits of Martial Arts

A few months ago my two daughters came home from Youth Club buzzing from a self defence class run by Matt Hill of Wiltshire Martial Arts. My youngest daughter aged 12 said ‘Dad try and grab me around the neck.’ To show willing I gently did as asked only to find my daughter had disappeared, sliding out of my grip. Totally stunned by this I asked her if I could have another go only to find the same happened again. After my 4^th attempt and by this stage using all my focus and effort I still found it impossible to restrain her. She was visibly more confident and left me feeling somewhat perplexed as how this could be possible after the shortest taster into self defence.

Some weeks later I was chatting to one of the other Dads in the park, who had practiced Aikido under Matt Hill. I asked him if he thought Aikido might help to improve a chronic back problem I had been suffering from for well over 10 years. The last few years becoming increasingly disabling in terms of my day to day life. I wondered if the ‘rolls’ that are performed when you fall to the floor would have the same mobilising effect on my back as an osteopathic treatment. He said that the exercises that are carried out provide good overall strength and flexibility to the body and that in principle rolling should be beneficial. I thought to myself well it would be a ‘kill or cure’.

Up to this point I had invested a much time and money seeing, over a number of year’s osteopaths, chiropractors, cranio sacra therapists, physiotherapists and acupuncturists all sadly providing little sustainable improvement in my back condition. Many of them gave advice and countless exercises to do at home, which with the best will in the world on my part, were quickly shelved as time and life got in the way. So ‘what the hell’ I thought and gave Matt a tentative call to see if there was a place for a stiff and immobile middle aged man in his club. As I was so anxious about the prospect of falling over and hitting the ground, only to find my spine shattered around me in a thousand pieces I asked if it might be possible to have some private 1 to 1 sessions to prepare for the class and see if I was indeed capable of moving and falling. Matt suggested we could meet at an outside training area near his home to go through some basics. Odd, I thought at the time as surely the sports hall and the cushioned safety mats would be the place to meet. But not wanting to question the idea I thought, well it sounds different.

By this stage I had started to take my youngest daughter to the Saturday morning sessions where it quickly became apparent to me that Matt has a deep understanding how the body and the mind works with regards to movement, strength and relaxation and is able to convey trust and confidence in those around him. I felt increasingly reassured that the odds of ‘kill or cure’ for me were moving rapidly in my favour.

So, fast forwarding to the present I have now had a couple of months of club work and some highly focused 1 to 1 sessions with Matt. There are two main disciplines at the club; Aikido and a Russian defence system called ‘Systema.’ The impact of joining the club and learning these martial arts has made a huge difference in the quality of my life and is one I am still getting my head around as its all happened so positively and so quickly. The masters of Systema, Mikhail Ryabko and Vladimir Vasiliev talks of 3 principle aims within the Russian system of ‘Systema’ which capture and encompass all the areas of personal growth for me in the last 2 months.

1) Clearing the mind

2) Strengthening the body

3) Cleansing the soul

They are huge aspirations and beacons to have in anyone’s life and give such depth and validity to the art form. My own personal experience within each of these has been significant to me and I know will be common to others who commit time and an open heart and mind to Systema practice.

The first principle of ‘clearing the mind’, I have found the breathing practices which are taught and practiced in each lesson highly effective in promoting inner calmness and improved focus. In addition a significant factor in the practices taught is the removal of fear from the mind and body. It is this fear which presses down and limits us, be it the fear of hurting old injuries we carry to protect the body or fear of emotional and stressful situations in our daily life.

The second principle of ‘strengthening the body’ is astonishing in its effectiveness. There are four basic exercises are called the ‘Four pillars’ which include press-ups, squats, leg raises and stomach curls. If I am being honest my immediate thought at the time was ‘Oh here we go again, those old chestnuts!’ my reminiscent memories from school PE lessons I guess! But very quickly these simple exercises are elevated to being quite literally the pillars of movement of our daily lives. Taught and practiced with care, skill and depth these exercises not only provide the strength to develop in class practice, but more fundamentally are the keys to improving everyday movement such as getting up from chair, or in and out of a car, walking up and down the stairs, crouching down and getting up off the floor or out of bed in the morning. After so many years of back and knee pain I find that within just 2 months I can manage steps with a feeling of real strength in my knees and legs and almost no discomfort. For the first time in over 10 years I find I am now sleeping through the night without being woken by back pain. I’m even finding that when I lay in bed in the morning there is much less pain or discomfort. I can now bend over at the basin in the morning and clean my teeth without being in agony, something I never thought I would do.

Matt said when we first met ‘whist we cannot stop the passage of time we can limit and even rewind the effects of that aging process on our bodies.’ In my experience not hollow words but statements of fact.

The third principle of ‘cleansing the soul’ Within Systema practice important words are spoken and handed down by the masters of Systema Mikhail Ryabko and Vladimir Vasiliev, such as the need for humility, living with an open heart, love and kindness for our fellow man. These are huge words and even greater principles to have in one’s life. They are handed to us in class by Matt during exercises and end of class talks for us to work with and aspire to. They form a deeper strength within us, than that which we alone can derive from physical exercise alone.

One surprising benefits I have found in my journey since knowing Matt is my renewed pleasure and joy of being outside and rolling around on the grass. Matt has a great love for the outdoors and all the health benefits it offers. Long gone now are my initial thoughts, of it being odd not training in a gym. I find now that whenever I see grass or slopes and banks I just want to roll down them! Its a lovely feeling smelling of grass, earth and sweat after an exhilarating session surrounded by views of trees, distant hills and inquisitive cows for company rather than four walls filled with MTV screens blaring away. I have no doubt that being outside and exercising is the way forward, getting away from the confines of a sanitised gym doing exercises that frequently hinder rather than help. I understand that Vladimir Vasiliev once said ‘when did you last see a Tiger do a bench press and they seem to do ok.’

My final thoughts to any health professional or commissioner who might read this or to anyone who suffers pain from stiffness and poor flexibility, that there could potentially be another way forward.Calling Matt was undoubtedly the most significant step I have made in years managing my own health.

Now I feel like I’m gradually claiming back a few years of my life and I hope others on reading this will do the same too.

Gareth Leake

Personal Sessions

Small group or 1 – 1 sessions to really focus on improving health, well being and combat effectiveness.
To book email Matt at wiltshiremartialarts@gmail.comMatt also offers highly specialised small group or 1-1 overnight sessions in bushcraft covering the basics of kit selection, layer management, navigation and route selection, knife and fire management, cooking and minimal impact skills. The courses leave you feeling light and invigorated. Find out more here

Legends of Systema: Mikhail Ryabko & Vladimir Vasiliev – UK October 4th-5th 2014

Posted on 27/05/201310/12/2024 by Matt Hill

Facebook events page here

In October 2014, Systema Founders and head instructors, Mikhail Ryabko from Moscow and Vladimir Vasiliev from Toronto are coming to England. Over two historic days, these great masters will share the stage in delivering a unique and rare experience for all. Organizers Jamie Robson and Matt Hill are proud to invite you to Legends Of Systema.

Training topics:

Day 1: HAND TO HAND COMBAT
11am – 5pm
Morning section by Mikhail Ryabko – Single Opponent
Afternoon section by Vladimir Vasiliev – Multiple Opponents

Day 2: WEAPONS – please bring a training knife and stick if you have one
10am – 4pm
Morning section by Mikhail Ryabko – Single Opponent
Afternoon section by Vladimir Vasiliev – Multiple Opponents

The seminar will be held at Lilleshall National Sports Centre in Shropshire, England.

This stunning estate location has excellent and very reasonable on-site accommodation. 24hr residential rate including all meals is £80.

The capacity for this event is 200. The event WILL sell out long before the date. THE EVENT IS NOW WELL OVER HALF FULL. There are not enough beds for everyone at the venue so it is first come first served.

The price is £220. It is £250 if you wait and pay on the day.

Please note that the cost is £228 on PayPal, this takes account of the PayPal fee.

Accommodation bookings:

Please make accommodation bookings through the following contact at Lilleshall.

Alex Jackson Enquiries.Lilleshall@serco.com 01952 603003 www.Lilleshallnsc.co.uk

Seminar release and waiver.

This is mandatory for all participants. Please download print and bring with you on the day.

LEGENDS SEMINAR RELEASE AND WAIVER

Directions and Travel links.

For International attendees the closest airport is Birmingham International.
From here it is a 1hour train ride to Telford. Trains run 2 or 3 times per hour. This is approx £16. Click here for the train link
From Telford get a 10 min taxi to the venue from the train station.

Legends Of Systema – 4th-5th October 2014

Jamie Robson Academy

Wiltshire Martial Arts

Systema Course UK – Martin Wheeler – 10-11 August 2013

Posted on 21/03/201317/06/2013 by Matt Hill

Martin Wheeler – Movement as a weapon Seminar
‘Martin Wheeler is the best kept secret in English speaking martial arts instruction’ Black Belt Magazine.

‘Movement as a Weapon’ is open to all levels and all types of martial artists.

Martin Wheeler will show you how to move fluidly and intuitively with any attack, from standing to ground. ‘Movement as a weapon’ will cover DEFENSIVE and OFFENSIVE work only ever shown before in the highly secretive Russian Special Operations Groups.

The seminar will include
– unique defense from hand-to-hand and knife attackers.
– simultaneous offensive and defensive work.

A tip from Vladimir Vasiliev

The power of Systema is in natural movements. We develop the power of natural movements when we train and start to understand ourselves.

Natural movements remove unwanted emotions such as aggression, pride and fear. The fighter then becomes calm and composed, he would just be doing a warrior’s job. For him defense-offense issue would not even exist.

For example, it does not matter for us whether we open a tap or close a tap, it is just a move. Being calm in a confrontation allows us to see the unnatural actions of the attacker – his aggression, tension, lack of mobility and other weaknesses. Spontaneously and instantly, we can then choose the right distance, movements and speed to get the job done.

NO PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE NEEDED

WHO WILL THIS BENEFIT

Anyone practicing any style of martial art. Martin’s students range right across the arts from boxers to grapplers and eastern martial artists.
Anyone who wants to learn simple and effective training tools to become calmer, stronger, more relaxed and gain confidence in being able to look after themselves and others in all manner of stressful situations.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT: Training knife (not sharp)

ABOUT MARTIN WHEELER
Martin Wheeler is recognized as one of the world’s leading hand-to-hand combat masters. An expert in the Russian martial art Art of Systema as-well-as a range of the world’s most deadly martial arts. He is fourth degree black belt in Kenpo Karate, a black belt in Judo, has studied Filipino weapon fighting and boxing. The former bouncer turned contract instructor for elite police and military units is now teaching SYSTEMA exclusively at THE ACADEMY BEVERLY HILLS.

“Martin Wheeler is one of the few instructors who understood Systema very quickly and has a very high level of skill and knowledge. I highly recommend training with him to anyone with a serious interest in martial arts.” – Vladimir Vasiliev.

DATE
10-11 AUGUST 2013

LOCATION
The Seminar will be held at the gymnasium, Melksham Oak Primary School in Bowerhill, Melksham, Wiltshire SN12 6QZ

ACCOMODATION
There are dozens of good value hotels within a 10 mile radius of the venue. Go to www.laterooms.com for great deals.

TRAINING INVESTMENT
Full payment must be received by dates shown to be eligible for those rates.

TWO DAYS
ADVANCE: MAR 7 – JUN 10, 2013
£100.00 both days

REGULAR: JUN 10 – AUG 10, 2013
£120.00 both days

AT THE DOOR (cash only)
£140.00 both days

ONE DAY
ADVANCE: MAR 7 – JUN 10, 2013
£50.00 per day

REGULAR: JUN 10 – AUG 10, 2013
£60.00 per day

AT THE DOOR (cash only)
£70.00 per day

SPECTATOR RATE
£15.00 per day

Registration fees cannot be adjusted retroactively one the rate deadlines have passed. To ensure you will not be charged for the higher rate, please make sure your registration is complete and payment is submitted by the corresponding deadline. All sales are non-refundable. *with the exception of the guarantee

Click below to register using PayPal or Credit Card now and save £40 by paying early:

To Register by cheque:
Make payable to “SEEND AIKIDO CLUB”

Send to:
Matt Hill
Holly Tree House
Seend Cleeve
Melksham
Wiltshire
SN12 6PX

Click here to see a clip of Martin