Russian Martial Art at Michigan Tech
The history of Russian Martial Art
The Russian style of martial art dates back
to the 10th century.
Throughout the history of this huge country, Russia had to repel invaders from the north, south, east, and west. All attackers brought their distinct styles of combat and weaponry. The battles took place on different terrain, during freezing winters and sweltering summer heat alike, with the Russians often greatly outnumbered by the enemy forces. As a result of these factors, the Russian warriors acquired a style that combined strong spirit with extremely innovative and versatile tactics that were at the same time practical, deadly, and effective against any type of enemy under any circumstances. The style was natural and free while having no strict rules, rigid structure or limitations (except for moral ones). All tactics were based on instinctive reactions, individual strengths and characteristics, specifically designed for fast learning.
When the Communists came to power in 1917, they suppressed all national traditions. Those practicing the centuries-old style of martial art were severely punished. However, the authorities quickly realized the viability and potency of the Russian martial art and thus reserved it for the elite units of Spetsnaz.
Since the collapse of the Soviet system, many other Russian fighting styles have re-emerged through training, competition, and media publicity. Among others, the styles include: Sambo (a wrestling style), Slaviano-Goretskaya Borba (StormWarrior Style), military style of A. Kadochnikov, plus a variety of folk styles (e.g. Busa, Skobar, Forest Warrior, Kozachiy Sploch, fist fighting by Gruntovsky).
Spetsnaz
Spetsnaz or Voiska Spetsialnogo Naznachenia stands for the Russian
Special Forces. Within this highly acclaimed military organization, there
are a few Special Operations Units used in the highest risk missions.
The soldiers that made up these units went through extremely intense training
in all three levels of human capacities: the physical, the psychological,
and the psychic. They became true masters of the traditional style of
fighting, while continuously enhancing its elements in covert military
operations and bodyguarding of top government and military personnel.
The Founders of Systema
Mikhail Ryobko
Colonel of the Special Operations Unit with the Russian
Military,
Chief Instructor of tactical training for the Emergency Response Team,
Advisor to the Minister of Justice of Russia of MVD.
Trained since the age of five by his father--one of Stalin's personal bodyguards-- Mikhail was enlisted to the ranks of Spetsnaz at the age of 15. Currently, his role is that of a tactical commander of hostage-rescue teams, counter-terrorist operations, and armed criminal neutralization. He is also the author of a textbook on Tactics of Spets Operations. Col. Ryobko resides in Moscow with his wife and son.
Vladimir Vasiliev
Director and Chief Instructor of the Toronto School
of Russian Martial Art.
Born in Russia, Vladimir received intense training from the top Special Operations Units instructors and is the top student of Mikhail Ryabko. Vladimir's work spans across 10 years of extensive military service with the Special Operations Unit of Spetsnaz, including regular high-risk covert assignments and missions. He also served as trainer for paratroopers, SWAT teams, and elite bodyguards. Vladimir moved to Canada, and in 1993 founded the first school of Russian Martial Art outside Russia. He has since personally trained and certified over 50 qualified Russian Martial Art instructors in 7 countries. Vladimir lives in Thornhill, Ontario with his wife Valerie and their three daughters.