Tag Archives: Martial Arts Personal Training

Training Tools – Systema Combat

Posted on by

Systema CombatThe short extract below is from one of two books being released shortly. This extract is from Systema Combat. It highlights some useful tools that can enhance your training and be applied to any martial art.

Begin with pushes not strikes. In many of the drills you push or strike. As your skill develops this will naturally progress to faster and stronger pushes and/or strikes over time. Try to spend a lot of time with just pushes. Your reward for this patience is a strong, deep strike that is readily deployable when needed.

You are both working, all of the time. With all drills in Systema whether you are feeding attacks or receiving attacks you are both working, so make sure that no part of the work is done mindlessly. In many ways you learn Systema by having it done to you. The skill is transmitted body to body. So when you feed attacks in to your partner, be completely aware and conscious and do it with every fibre of your being.

Adjust the volume. First work at a slow walking pace to build the skill, then at a fast walk, then at a run. If you find yourself continually making mistakes slow it down, find and fix the problem and then gradually speed up again.

Variety is the spice of life – and Systema: Don’t always stand straight on. Vary it. Stand side on, with your back to the partner, oblique. Work all of the angles. Remember that Systema is not training for a ring or mat where you are ready, it is for outside where you could be in any position at any time and in any state of readiness.

Play, experiment and explore. Systema does not teach through a set series of kata or techniques. It is important to note that the pictures shown are intended as a guide only and show just one way of doing things. There are in fact an infinite number of ways to respond in almost every case. Play with the principles, experiment and explore infinite variety. Try it with your eyes closed, in a corner, in a tight space, with hands tied etc. Have fun but stay safe. My deep desire is that through the logical progressions in these drills, you will begin freely creating your own drills, to the extent where you are training in Systema in every moment. By all means use my progressions as a guide, but you then have to just move randomly and naturally. Try not to form patterns in your movements.

It all boils down to movement. Really Systema is the study of movement. We study body movement, relaxation, breathing and footwork so as not to rely on strength or speed. There will always be a time when you lose those. In Systema, we train to survive and prevail through superior movement.

Work from contact. An inevitability of combat is that you will get hit. In Systema we do a lot of work from contact, for practical and psychological purposes. There will be times when you haven’t had chance to block, redirect or move. Contact drills teach the body and psyche to deal with hits and to  look after themselves. You learn body intelligence.

Finally, it begins and ends with the breath. Systema begins and ends here. Try to notice every time you hold your breath. Every time you hold your breath and move, tension and fear will come into your body. To be truly free in your movements, you have to be free in your breath. Always look to make your breath the engine or driver of your movement, not a ‘byproduct’ of it.

You can read more about Systema Combat in Matt’s new book, Systema Combat, available through Amazon and all good bookshops.

Best wishes with your training and and for your continued good health,


Matt.

What can Aikidoka learn from Systema?

Posted on by

“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.

Matt and Mikhail V3Mikhail 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..

Breathe...

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..

Matt and Vlad Legs

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 and Saito SenseiMatt 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 by

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.

 

Systema Falling, Rolling & Movement Workshop – 28th Sept

Posted on by
Sept Workshop‘Systema is transmitted body to body‘
The bottom line is that you learn Systema or any other martial art by having it done to you, body to body. If you can lose the fear of falling, you will be able to concentrate more on how it feels during the takedown and in fact at all times during the training process. This will accelerate your learning.
‘You build a body from the ground up‘
Just like a baby, you build a strong body, with freedom of movement through relaxation in every range of motion, from the ground up. I will be showing lots of exercises to develop balanced core muscles and to maintain good posture and graceful, powerful, easy movement.Core
Lose the fear of falling
As we get older, we become more and more scared of falling over. We become tense and brittle. Learn to lose this fear and tension through simple methodology that can be practiced by anyone of any age. Learn to heal the body through movement. Watch cats and dogs stretch and roll around on the floor with ease, well into thier old age. They do it because it makes them feel good and keeps them healthy. Even if you are not a martial artist you will benefit from this workshop. Learn to:
  • Move freely and easily on the floor.
  • Transition from standing to ground and from ground to standing with ease, slow or fast
 Basic to advanced – speed, height, distance, obstacles
We will move from basic falls rolls and ground movement to more advanced levels such as increased speed, height, distance and obstacles. through the day. Everyone is free to sit and watch some or stay at basic levels the advanced work is not mandatory. That said progression will be methodical and gradual.
Details
  • Date: Sunday Sept 28th
  • 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 (Discount for club members).
Numbers will be strictly limited. Book below to secure your space to avoid disappointment.

Choose Option



Systema Massage Workshop – 24th August 2014

Posted on by

Systema Massage 1

‘Know Thyself’

The Systema Massage is a unique approach to relaxing the body, mind and spirit. On Sunday August 24th, Wiltshire Systema will be conducting a workshop on the basics of Systema Massage.

You do not have to be a massage therapist to benefit from this workshop. Everyone will benefit from it. The methods are simple yet profound. You will learn in a four hour workshop how to:

  • find and remove tension, stress, emotional burdens and ease pains in yourself and in others,
  • Increase your freedom and ease of movement,
  • learn to ‘let go’ of physcial, emotional and mental tension and stress,
  • balance your system to optimise health, energy and sense of well-being

Systema massage is often described as a process of ‘annealing’. This is the process used to remove inherent stresses, reduce brittleness and impurities that cause weaknesses when working with glass and metal.

The session will start with learning how to breathe in a way that removes stresses and tensions and allows the body to relax deeply.

Systema Massage 2Using hands, feet, or a combination of both, participants will then systematically learn to massage the whole body, identifying and removing tension from their partner.

Meditative
It is important to note that the Systema massage is not a passive massage. The receiver is managing their breathing and relaxation in a way that is critical to the successful removal of tensions, stresses and emotional burdens. In this way it is very like a meditation session. You will receive the same benefits. These benefits are profound and will change, for the better, the way that you deal with the everyday stresses of life.

The softer you get, the stronger you get. Your body will soften as the muscles release a lifetime of built up tension. Your mind too will begin to soften, not holding on so tight and learning to ‘let go’ of physical, mental and emotional burdens.

The build up of tension in our bodies begins as a thought or receipt of information. We then turn this into an emotion through the filters of our experience and education. When the emotion is negative such as fear, anxiety, worry, anger or even hate, the muscles begin to tense and lock that emotion in. This emotion then becomes physical in the body.  By working on the tension in the muscles we can begin to remove the emotions, fears and anxieties that caused the tensions in the first place. This leaves you feeling cleaner, lighter, and with a sense of freedom.

The Systema massage also works on the joints, ligments, tendons and organs of the body. They all carry stress and tension. Every part of your system begins to release, soften and relax deeply throughout the massage.

This wholistic approach begins to calm and balance your whole system, in a way that will leave you feeling lighter, more relaxed and better able to cope, in a proactive way, to the stresses and strains of life.

You will get an innate understanding where tension is in your body and that of others. You will learn how to ‘let go’ of that tension so that you begin to be able to self heal.

You will leave more relaxed than you can possibly ever remember. More importantly, what you learn in this workshop will benefit you for the rest of your life.

 Details

  • Date: Sunday August 24th
  • Location: Unit S3, Avonside Enterprise Park, New Broughton Road, Melksham, Wiltshire
  • Time: 10-2
  • Need to bring: Loose, light clothing, Water bottle, hand towel, roll mat (optional), light snack (optional)
  • Investment in a lifetime of health and well-being: Just £40.

Numbers will be strictly limited to 40. Secure your space below to avoid disappointment.




Testimonials:

Having studied and practiced a number of Eastern and Western massage systems over the last 20 years, I believe the Systema Massage has great importance and its full value and scope is still to be understood. In my own experience, it is unique in its effective treatment of deep rooted muscular tension caused by years of poor posture, muscular tension and any disharmony within ourselves. It works on physical, mental and emotional levels leaving you feeling washed clean of inner tension, anxiety and muscular tension. I also recognise the bodywork skills in Matt Hill and his ability to read and connect during a treatment, to ensure that whilst he takes your body to the edge, you feel safe and in control at all times.’. – Gareth Leake.

I went to Matt with a shoulder injury that I have had for years and within 10 minutes Matt had cleared the knotting to an extent that I can stay on top of it myself. It was amazing. – Will Jones.

Is it entirely pleasurable at the time? No. Does it work? Definitely. If you want an effective massage that will clear tension related pain and leave you feeling light and relaxed this is the one. – Martin Earley.

I have travelled all over Asia and had hundreds of massages, from some of the oldest and most respected massage traditions in the world. Matt’s Systema massage is in the top three. It clears things that others don’t get near to. – Peter Dolan.

 

An insight into Systema from a Thai Boxer

Posted on by

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

1 Day Holistic Performance Improvement Seminar

Posted on by

For dramatic and lasting improvements to your physical, mental & emotional well-being….

Saturday November 16th
Melkham, Wiltshire
10.00 – 14.00
Cost: £40

This course is for people of any activity level from martial artists and athletes to couch potatoes who want to get active, or people who have lost thier mobliity and flexibility. The day is progressive and WILL change the way you operate, move and think.

One of the questions that I am most often asked is, ‘How long will it take me to get good?’ or, ‘How do I get faster results?’. This seminar is my answer. Not because it will give you magic pills, but because it will give you tools that you can use in almost every facet of your life, all day long. You see the honest answer to the oft asked questions is, ‘it depends on how much time you are willing to put into it.’ The more time you can put into training the better you will get, simple really. For most people the answer is two or maximum probably four hours per week. However, with most practices you have to set aside time to do them. Not with the material that Jamie and I will be sharing. You will learn habits that you can adapt easily and seamlessly into everyday activities helping you to train not just when you go the gym, the track or the dojo, but when you are doing anything and everything.

Jamie and I will be delivering an exclusive and new programme designed to radically change and improve your health, well-being and performance in everything you do. On the four hour course you will learn ancient breathing and relaxation techniques that you can practice throughout the day as part of your everyday activities.

You do not have to set aside time to do these practices as in meditation, yoga or exercise. They will become part of your daily habits, as natural as breathing and moving.

You will also learn subtle yet profound ways to improve your movement and posture that make everyday movements, smoother, more relaxed, less strained and more efficient.

Jamie and Matt will be sharing new material and tools that will make you:

  • More energised
  • Feel calmer
  • Think clearer
  • Less anxious
  • More mobile with greater freedom and range of movement
  • Able to deal with blood pressure and pain management issues
  • Understand what your body is communicating to you
  • Able to perform under conditions of increased physical or psychological stress and
  • Able to recover yourself from conditions of high physical or psychological stress

It will improve your physical performance whatever your level and whatever your activity be it yoga, meditation, walking, running, martial arts, football or anything else.

Testimonials:

“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.” – Gareth Leake

“After 8 years in Martial arts I can now roll straight up onto my feet, rather than putting my knee down. I have also found out that I can now jump from kneeling to standing. I contribute this new found ability to my daily practice of the four pillars of Systema, especially squats. They have opened my hip joints while removing tension from my legs. I have managed to achieve this new skill in a little under 4 weeks. With this in mind I am inspired to carry on discovering new freedoms that the four pillars can provide.” – Karl Durrant

“Just getting in touch to let you know that after just 8 weeks I’m feeling the benefits of Systema training in everyday life!
I’ve noticed that during times of pressure at work I am better able to identify the early signs of stress and prevent it from affecting my mood and productivity. Overall as a result of Systema training I am much more mindful of the state of my body and psyche (and often the state of others around me) and so feel equipped to deal with adversity in a relaxed manner and thus feel much more relaxed on a day to day basis. From a physical standpoint my body also feels refreshed. My joint mobility and strength is continuously improving and my ability to endure strenuous exercise improves without fail each time I apply Systema breathing techniques.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge and time so generously.” – David Greenwood

If by the end of the morning you feel that you will not benefit from the seminar we will happily return your course fee.

Spaces limited to 40. First 20 places will get a discount of £10. Click here to book now for £30.




Or pay by bank transfer:

Barclays Bank
Seend Aikido Club
Sort code: 20-05-06
Account Number: 33042545.

 

From the mountains of Costa Rica to the jungles of Borneo Jamie has always sought out the best in Health and Combat methods. Jamie has studied extensively with masters in martial arts, martial sports, energy and mind development, including various healing methods.

Matt is a Certified Systema Instructor, 5th Dan in Aikido and an Ex-Parachute Regiment Captain.  He has been devoted to the study of optimum performance of mind, body and spirit since childhood and has lived, studied and taught all over the world. Matt is committed to sharing this knowledge with others.

A Lighter, Leaner Pack

Posted on by

 

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 10th and 11th.