The benefits of Systema for an Aikidoka.

By David Carty 3rd Dan

As a 2^nd dan in Iwama Aikido and having trained and taught the art for around 16 years I was well aware of Matt’s reputation as an Aikidoka before I contacted him. It was however the many Systema based articles Matt had sent me that resonated with me and ultimately compelled me to arrange some personal tuition from him. I can now say that this decision was without doubt one of the most influential ones I’ve made in terms of my development in Aikido, and not least because I would consider my training with Matt to have greatly contributed to achieving my 3^rd dan not long after.

By the end of the week Matt had shown me how to breathe properly, walk properly, stand properly, identify the points of tension of in my body and more importantly, how to eliminate this tension. These last two points are the ones which I believe are of the most importance to an Aikidoka.

Aikido (especially Iwama Aikido) is known for it’s emphasis on martial spirit and hard training. Whilst this is one of Aikido’s many strengths, it is also the one element which bogs down progression. I don’t think there will be many, if any, Aikidoka who haven’t found themselves attempting a technique and ‘hitting a wall’ due to a combination of ‘trying to look martial’ and ‘wanting it too much’.

Both of these “wants” imbue tension in the body which in turn leads to the use of strength and thus the essence of the technique is missed. Whilst it is true that the removal of these tensions is one of the primary journeys an Aikidoka makes; waiting for the body to learn can be frustrating.

This is where Matt is almost uniquely placed to offer assistance. His vast knowledge and well renowned ability in Aikido coupled with his proficiency in Systema allow him to convey the principles of Systema which ease the tensions of the body and the mind in way that maximise their benefit to an Aikidoka.

Whilst a lot of Aikidoka may not have an actual interest in learning Systema as a separate art I’m sure we can all agree that anything which assists us in softening our bodies takes us one step closer to O Sensei’s Aikido.

Although I would be one of the first people to agree that there are no shortcuts in any of the paths we walk in Aikido; Matt can provide you the opportunity to break into a run and get you down the path just that little bit quicker.

P.S Private sessions can be arranged through this link. Short stay residential and small group sessions are also available.

P.P.S Upcoming courses in Systema for Aikidoka

• Marple, Lancashire with Chris Wallace and Graham Harrison
• Odense, Denmark with Kaspar Jensen

P.P.P.S The relaxation, health and Freedom aspects of Sytema will be covered at the Systema health and conditioning seminar at the end of March. I’d love you to join us and start to improve your enjoyment of movement and therefore life. 

P.P.P.P.S For a real immersion into Systema try the Devon or Sweden Camps this year.

Warmest Wishes,

Matt.