Russian Martial Art at Michigan Tech
Systema at Michigan Tech
Philosophy: In our Tuesday and Thursday night sessions,
the objective is for each student to improve his or her intuitive understanding
and ability to defend him or herself through a practice of the unique
physical, psychological and survival skills offered by the Russian martial
art Systema. Systema has no ranks, no belts, no rituals and-- strictly
speaking-- no techniques to learn or memorize (although many self-defense
techniques are shown and practiced to illustrate and learn the four fundamental
principles of Systema. Systema is not really a "martial art,"
in that it has no competitions and is not really meant for sporting applications.
Systema is a survival and personal protection art originally developed
for certain select Special Operations Units (SOU) of the Russian Special
Forces (Spetsnaz). While most of us will never be in Special Forces or
perhaps even the military, the philosophy and practice of Systema can
make a most positive contribution to our physical, psychological and spiritual
conditions as we go through our daily lives as resoponsible civilians.
Instruction: Learning Systema is ideal for people with little or no martial arts background and is an excellent complementary skill set for students in ROTC or other martial arts. Much of the initial instruction and practice will involve "soft work," a special type of traning method that emphasizes slow speed and very light contact in order to develop one's kinesthetic awareness and ability to respond to ever-changing situations in a creative, improvisational and intuitive fashion. Other training and practice methods will involve work on breathing, maintaing form, constant movement and relaxation. There will also be progressive instruction on how to neutralize the force of full strikes through breathing and movement, as well as instruction on how to develop one's breathing, tendon, ligament strengths to develop surprising power through full body relaxation. Some practice will be done blindfolded, handcuffed and/or with one or both arms or legs immobilized. Work with practice knives, guns and improvised weapons will be covered as interest suggests. Additionally, some instruction in "mass attacks"--defending oneself in a situation of mob violence--and in personal protection work (a step beyond basic bodyguarding) will be covered in the course of the year.
Class Size: To ensure individual approach and fast learning, average class size is limited to 10 people.
:Age: Training is open to any Michigan Tech student. Older students can easily join a Systema class with no fears of being "outpaced" by younger students. Because Systema emphasizes mental creativity and physical improvisation regardless of one's personal circumstances (such as being tired, sick, injured or even tied up), students with physical restrictions or handicaps can participate with confidence knowing they can use Systema principles to create their own unique methods of self-protection.
Instructors: Larry Wall, certified as an instructor in Systema by Vladimir Vasiliev and Mikhail Ryobko, and also the advisor to the Husky Systema Club, will be the usual teacher. Senior students of the System will regularly assist Larry in instructing the class, and will cover for Larry when he is away.
Clothing: There are no uniforms. Sweatpants and a t-shirt or any comfortable street clothing is recommended.
Additional instruction: Larry and/or the senior instructors may be contacted for occasional private lessons or for special presentations.
