Systema

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Systema (Russian: Система, "The System") is a Russian martial art. It is designed to be highly adaptive and practical, training using drills and sparring instead of set kata. Because of its open nature, it is effective in many situations and against many different fighting styles. Systema is best known as being a martial art employed by some Russian Spetsnaz units.

1 A brief history of Systema
2 Contemporary Systema
3 Influenced by Systema
- 3.1 Influenced by Ryabko's Systema
- 3.2 Influenced by Kadochnikov's Systema

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A brief history of Systema

It can be said that there is no historical "real name" for these arts. In many cases, it's common to simply see "Russian martial arts" used, although that can lead to some confusion. In a sense, the name "Systema" (the system) can be thought of as a generic title comparible to "Kung Fu" ("one who is highly skilled" or "time" and "effort").

Because there have been and still are a number of different fighting styles common throughout the Russian military and special forces, several other names and nicknames are commonly mistaken for Systema. For example, some troops and special forces personnel train in "boevoe sambo" (combat sambo), which is a separate art. Also, troops would refer to whatever was taught as "rukopashka" (Russian slang for "hand to hand"), or "machalka" or "boinia" (Russian slang for "fighting" and "beating"). The name "Combat Sambo Spetsnaz" was coined by the Soviet government to misdirect Systema's relation to Sambo, and there is little relation between the two styles.

The first Soviet practitioners of Systema were Joseph Stalin's personal bodyguards. After Stalin's death, Systema became the style of fighting employed by some Special Military Operations Units for high risk missions in Spetsnaz, GRU and other government facilities. There were and are a number of different combat arts trained throughout Russian special forces units, and Systema is only one of them.

It is due to the Soviet Union's strict ban on non-sanctioned traditions, and the sensitivity of special forces training, that it was not until the fall of Communism that Systema became known. Systema's true Russian (as opposed to Soviet) heritage is only recently being rediscovered.

Although there is some controversy over historical proof, Systema's Russian martial arts heritage is believed to date back to the 10th century. There are family and traditional styles which have existed in Russia, some of which are becoming more visible. It's possible that Systema's roots go deep into family styles which were never named or taught openly and kept as closely guarded secrets during the Soviet reign. Many believe that the early practitioners of Systema are the Bogatyr (Russian heros/knights).

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Contemporary Systema

Systema is counted alongside a number of pre-soviet traditions which are being actively cultivated by the Russian government. In 2004, the Dinamo Sports Center played host to a demonstration and celebration of martial traditions.

It is still a relative unknown, but Systema or relatives to it are being taught by several practitioners inside and outside of Russia. Of particular interest is that different people from different backgrounds were taught subtle variations of Systema.

Furthermore, since practitioners train in their own preferred manner and with their individual understanding, their style expressed in their art is unique to them. This is most readily seen with senior students and other high-level artists.

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Influenced by Systema

It's worth noting that because Systema is a strong influence in serious practitioners, and because training often prompts the practitioner to revisit how they train, there may be an evolution of Systema happening in each practitioner.

As some students train to become instructors in their own right, their understanding evolves and they ultimately teach a personal and more contemporary version of their understanding. In some cases this personal understanding keeps the same name, and in some cases a new name is warranted.

Some practitioners take their understanding, their own preferences and their own arts to create an art unto itself. Others use the knowledge to enhance their own training programs, as seen with the Strategos International courses.

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