Systema Books
Sambo and Systema: Russia’s Prominent Martial Arts Book
Russia is rich in martial traditions deriving from a highly diverse population. Sambo—developed by the Soviet Red Army—became the most recognize martial art associated with Russia mainly because of its presence in international competitions. Another style to become recognized for its great practicality and encompassing training regimen is Systema. Originally created for Russian Special Operations Units, Systema’s teaching gradually spread world-wide after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991. This anthology contains writings about Systema and Sambo that present essential information for anyone interested in the history, theory, and practice of these combative systems. In the first chapter, Kevin Secours shows that ground fighting and grappling are necessary components of a complete tactical arsenal. Specific emphasis is on the role of defending the takedown in a modern survival scenario. In chapter two he summarizes the prevailing theories and findings pertaining to the science of fear as it relates to surviving violence. How these findings have been interpreted by modern combative systems in the West are compared with approaches to the traditional Russian martial arts and their application in the Russian Special Forces. The next three chapters focus on Sambo. Jacques and Anderson detail the historical development of Sambo. Vasili Sergevich Oshchepkov, a student of Jigoro Kano, and Victor Spiridonov worked to develop this combative system. However, despite the judo-jujutsu influence, Sambo was born of native Russian and other regional grappling and combat wrestling styles bolstered with many useful and adaptable concepts and techniques from the rest of the world. This chapter presents details of the early development up to recent times. The fourth chapter by Polyakov, Yankauskas, and DeRose focuses on some of the fundamental techniques that are legal for Sambo competition. The purpose of this study was to examine and compare the most successfully used submission techniques of three of the greatest figures in the history of sambo competition: Michael Burdikov, Alex Feodorov, and David Rudman. Sambo has become well-known largely due to the success of Sambo fighters in various mixed martial art venues. Stephen Koepfer’s final chapter offers a description of its development as well as a delineation of one of Sambo’s hallmark strategies: offensive rolling. Examples of proper forward rolling and three related offensive techniques are presented. May readers of this anthology come to appreciate the great depth of Russian martial traditions and the unique developments that emerged in the arts of Systema and Sambo.
Prices & Ordering
This is an excellent book. Its an easy read. Its a collection of articles that have been in Martial Arts Journals. If you wan to know about some of the history of the development of Sambo and Systema, this is worth the purchase price. This is not a marital arts instructional manual in anyway. This is purely for the academic and the historical enthusiast.
ESandov
Systema Health Book: 25 Practises For A Lifetime Of Health, Fitness and Wellbeing
Available as paperback or ebook. The book covers 25 easy to understand and apply practices for a lifetime of health, mobility, fitness and wellbeing. You will learn to improve your breathing, relaxation, overall movement and posture. You do not need to practice Systema to benefit from the practices in the book.For teachers there are 25 easy to understand practices that you can deliver, develop and adapt to your classes. Tips are provided to show how they can be easily developed, to give birth to many more drills, creating an endless source of inspiration and variety.
About the Author
Matt Hill Is The Owner And Chief Instructor At His Systema School In Wiltshire, Uk. He Started Training In The Martial Arts In 1987 And By 1991 He Was Living As A Full Time Student Of Aikido Giant Morihiro Saito In Iwama, Japan, Where He Lived For Two Years. Matt Is A Qualified Systema Instructor Under Vladimir Vasiliev, A 5th Degree Black Belt In Aikido And An Ex Parachute Regiment Captain. He Teaches Full Time At His School, As Well As Leading Workshops Throughout The Uk, Europe And The Middle East. He Is Committed To His Personal Training And Sharing The Gift Of Systema With As Many People As Possible. Prices & Ordering
Do yourself a favor. This book, and it's companion volume, "Systema: Russian Martial Art--25 Combat Drills", BELONG together. You might as well purchase them both at the same time. The 25 drills of one book support the 25 practices of the other, and vice versa. As a practitioner of Systema myself, I found both of these to very helpful. I like the idea of working on drills, from basic to advanced, keeping in mind that we should never really "outgrow" the basics. Matt does a great job of reminding the reader of that dictum. I like his teachings so much that I bought the Kindle versions of these books so I can more easily carry both books with me when I travel. I refer to them often, and I suggest that you will, too.
J. Gustafson
The Systema Warrior Guidebook: A Systema Guide to Life
One of the most complex yet simple, challenging and rewarding paths in the vast universe of martial arts is Systema, the Russian Martial Art. Systema is more than just a martial art. It is a complete and ever evolving process of mental preparation, martial training and health and longevity maintenance. Systema conforms to the individual, rather than asking the individual to conform to it. This allows people with differing abilities, and what some would call disabilities, to excel. The individual develops movement and applications of its principles which are not only suited to their apparent deficiencies, but are simultaneously more efficient, applicable, and effective for that individual. It is a way. It is a path. A path that potentially can change not only the way one fights, trains, walks, and breathes, but can also change how one conducts himself in all aspects of his life. This is your guide. All proceeds from the sale of this book goes to the Systema Warrior Foundation for the teaching of the Russian Martial Art to disabled children free of charge.About the Author
Joe Mayberry is a Systema Instructor certified by Vladimir Vasiliev, police detective, former United States Marine, bouncer, bodyguard, and a highly sought after self defense speaker and instructor. Trained in Martial arts since 1974, Joe brings a no-nonsense approach to his teaching and a street smart attitude to his approach to the martial arts. In 2010, Joe opened Systema St. Louis, the only school of Russian Martial Art in the St. Louis Metropolitan area. Joe and the school have been featured on every major news outlet in St. Louis. In 2014, the school was featured on The Oprah Network. In 2012, Joe founded the Systema Warrior Foundation for the teaching of Systema to disabled children. Joe has traveled all across North America bringing Systema to children with disabilities free of charge. Joe and his family happily reside is St. Louis, MO. Prices & Ordering
This is an excellent book, with much more to offer than what one might think they are going to find in a book on martial arts. The first thing is Systema is not so much a "system" of doing things in a set way as much as it is a path to showing you the way to find what works for you. I will have different abilities than others, less than many, more than a few. Systema helps each person reach their potential and find the things that works for them. That being said there are some things that apply to all, such as breathing, intuition, fear, moral codes and many other things. This book is greater than just that. The wisdom contained in this book applies to dealing with life, on life's terms. Many aspects of this book are about getting through life with dignity, grace, courage and valor. And being at peace with yourself and within yourself. I plan to re-read several portions of this book and am planning to get a couple copies as gifts for friends. No, they don't study the martial arts, but when I read certain parts it stuck me how helpful this part would be for one person, and another part for the other. I have no doubt while they may not devour the whole book like I did, they will appreciate the information and wisdom. The book itself is very readable, and once started, hard to put down.I think this book would be of benefit to most anyone, I think different parts will speak to different people, but everyone could benefit. I hope you enjoy and gain from it as much as I, and the other reviewers have.
Cass Cowgirl
Systema: Russian Martial Art 25 Combat Drills Book
25 easy to understand and apply drills that can be used to improve your fundamental skill set, regardless of which Martial Art you practice.The purpose of this book is to provide a guide for students and teachers, to enhance their training and teaching.
It provides 25 combat drills to improve your fundamental skill. Among other things you will learn: fluid movement, to be calm under pressure, a natural and spontaneous response, fast recovery and how to be dynamic and effective in defense and attack. This book will be useful grappling, striking, weapons based, competition or reality based Martial Arts.
For teachers there are 25 easy to understand drills that you deliver, develop and adapt to your classes. Tips are provided to show how they can easily be developed, to give birth to many more drills, creating an endless source of inspiration and variety.
Review
'Matt Hill is a strong and caring person, a talented instructor and a very experienced professional. His Systema shows great skill and understanding. I highly recommend training with Matt for people of all ages.' - Vladimir Vasiliev
About the Author
Matt Hill is the owner and chief instructor at his Systema School in Wiltshire, UK. He started training in the Martial Arts in 1987 and by 1991 he was living as a full time student of Aikido giant Morihiro Saito in Iwama, Japan, where he lived for two years. Matt is a qualified Systema Instructor under Vladimir Vasiliev, a 5th degree black belt in Aikido and an ex Parachute Regiment Captain. He teaches full time at his school, as well as leading workshops throughout the UK, Europe and the Middle East. He is committed to his personal training and sharing the gift of Systema with as many people as possible. Prices & Ordering
Do yourself a favor. This book, and it's companion volume, Systema Health: 25 Practises For A Lifetime Of Health, Fitness & Wellbeing, BELONG together. You might as well purchase them both at the same time. The 25 drills of one book support the 25 practices of the other, and vice versa. As a practitioner of Systema myself, I found both of these to very helpful. I like the idea of working on drills, from basic to advanced, keeping in mind that we should never really "outgrow" the basics. Matt does a great job of reminding the reader of that dictum. I like his teachings so much that I bought the Kindle versions of these books so I can more easily carry both books with me when I travel. I refer to them often, and I suggest that you will, too.
J. Gustafson
Systema Manual by Konstantin Komarov
Practical and Fundamental Training Guide. In this book, Major Komarov skillfully presents each key Systema concept through: - Clear explanations - Step-by-step practice programs - Remarkable personal life chronicles Superbly informative and captivating, a true Systema operators manual.Review
Never before has a book been written that goes into such depth into this ancient martial art. Major Komarov provides clear explanations of the concepts of Systema, breaks them down into step by step practice programs, all the while describing real life experiences. --Achille Currado
It is a great honour and privilege to get an advance peek at this monumental, definitive work. HARD-WON LESSONS FROM THE GREATEST TRUE LIFE ADVENTURE! --Scott Meredith
Reading this book reminds me of Konstantin giving a lecture: a thorough command of the subject matter, well organized chapters with superbly detailed lessons, plus excellent stories which support each bit of information. Here you have it all: A Systema master, who also has psychology of combat degree, plus he is a master instructor--He really knows how to teach this stuff. I particularly like that he gives instructions of exercises, with some details left to individual interpretation, but with an excellent explanation of the rationale and benefits of that particular exercise. This is a book that people will read over and over, now, and in the future, and they'll probably find meaningful tips that can only be discovered as the readers mature in their understanding of the universe that is Systema. Along with the book "Let Every Breath..." and the instructional videos, this really becomes part of a learning library for Systema practitioners of all levels. --Alberto Nacif, MD
About the Author
Major Konstantin Komarov is a PhD in Combat Psychology, a commander and pedagogue to military professionals, a highly experienced bodyguard, a mentor to troubled youth and a trainer to numerous Systema practitioners around the world. Konstantin is one of the most knowledgeable and thorough instructors of our time. Prices & Ordering
First of all before you decide to buy this book you need to understand (in my opinion) it's not for beginners, not for someone who never had contact with Systema, but rather for people who have some experience and/or like to become instructors. I'm not sure if this was the idea behind the book, but having some experience would definitely help, as some basic concepts are not explained in this book.
Also, you have to understand, Systema is not for everyone. You need to be open minded. Get rid of your pride, ego, ambition and prejudice. The aim of Systema is not to be the best competition fighter that ever walk the earth, but to become as good person as possible. To discover yourself. To get to know yourself and overcome your shortcomings.
By no means, don't get me wrong. It is a fantastic supplement to your training. Full of great drills. How to structure training on different levels of progression. How to work with different kinds of people, how to help them to overcome their fears. Full of advice on how to understand and correct most common mistakes. Exercises that will help you develop necessary skills.
Really great element of this book, is part, in which Dr Komarov explains how to learn from training videos. He also puts great emphasis on "following the right path", in which I completely agree with him. You can do a lot of work by yourself, but being able to attend seminars, camps and workshops with qualified and experienced instructors, training with different people, is crucial in making sure we are going in the right direction.
Don't get put off by negative reviews of this book made by people who clearly have no idea what this book is about. Reviews made by people who think Systema is like Krav Maga and this book will teach them secret techniques 😉 Once you see the contents, you will realise, there is no pictures or drawings just solid and competent source of information.
This is not a book you read once, it is a book you keep coming back to. Every time learning something new.
Also, you have to understand, Systema is not for everyone. You need to be open minded. Get rid of your pride, ego, ambition and prejudice. The aim of Systema is not to be the best competition fighter that ever walk the earth, but to become as good person as possible. To discover yourself. To get to know yourself and overcome your shortcomings.
By no means, don't get me wrong. It is a fantastic supplement to your training. Full of great drills. How to structure training on different levels of progression. How to work with different kinds of people, how to help them to overcome their fears. Full of advice on how to understand and correct most common mistakes. Exercises that will help you develop necessary skills.
Really great element of this book, is part, in which Dr Komarov explains how to learn from training videos. He also puts great emphasis on "following the right path", in which I completely agree with him. You can do a lot of work by yourself, but being able to attend seminars, camps and workshops with qualified and experienced instructors, training with different people, is crucial in making sure we are going in the right direction.
Don't get put off by negative reviews of this book made by people who clearly have no idea what this book is about. Reviews made by people who think Systema is like Krav Maga and this book will teach them secret techniques 😉 Once you see the contents, you will realise, there is no pictures or drawings just solid and competent source of information.
This is not a book you read once, it is a book you keep coming back to. Every time learning something new.
Michal Okrajek
Systema Solo Training
Many martial arts use fixed movement patterns or kata for solo training, but the Russian Martial Art of Systema has no set moves. How, then, can you train alone in Systema?This book has the answers! It covers the basic methods of Systema solo practice, including:
Core Exercises, Breathing, Falling & Ground Movement, Stretching and Mobility, Equipment, Health practices and more!
These exercises will help develop your strength, freedom of movement and overall health and fitness, whether for Systema or any other activity.
110 pages and over 400 photos. Prices & Ordering
Living Systema by Matt Hill
A guide to getting out of the chair, out of the gym and back to a natural level of health, skill, fitness and wellbeing.
Prices & Ordering
I've read just about every book published in English on the full range of lines of Russian martial art. Matt Hill's "Living Systema" ranks with the finest material published by any of the schools, not just the Ryabko/Vasiliev line. The clarity of the writing, the simplicity and directness of the demonstrations and explanations, and the comprehensive application of these sustainable practices underscore the vital lesson that we are born to move. I've spent decades rehabilitating from spinal injuries only to find myself battling the inevitable depredations of aging. Or are pain and arthritis and increasingly limited mobility actually so inevitable? The message of this book by a skilled self-defense instructor is that we can enjoy a higher level of sound health and vigor as we get older than the conventional wisdom born of our couch-entombed culture suggests. Self-defense begins by taking care of our own health. Thanks, Matt.---Contents: The difference between 'Living' and 'Exercising.' What are you training/getting fit for? The dangers of overtraining. The floor (is your friend). Integrating movement, breath and posture into EVERYDAY LIFE: Strength--your basic requirements. Look no hands! Squat don't bend. Sit on the bones. The daily constitutional (walk as you were born to). Get down! The 10 natural sitting positions challenge. Posture checks. Elbows off the table. Stair crawls. BREATHE: Release with your breath. Cold shower burst breathing. Breathe then move. BALANCE: Ablutions on one leg. Use your feet. Put your shoes and socks on while standing up. TENSION: Tension awareness. Tension and relaxation before sleep. Continual small adjustments. Cultivate a playful attitude. AWARENESS: 10 games to train awareness. ANNEXES: Are human beings compatible with 21st century living? Daily non-negotiable. Benefits of nasal breathing and breath ladders.—-VIDEO SUPPLEMENT: there is a link to (free) videos demonstrating the exercises and movements that are described in the book. These are concise, clear and helpful illustrations complementing the text very well.
Thomas Campbell
Systema Voices Volume 1
Over the last 25 years, the Russian martial art of Systema has gone from being virtually unknown to having over 700 schools worldwide. This remarkable achievement has been the result of the efforts of Mikhail Ryabko and Vladimir Vasiliev, who continue to draw huge gatherings at their workshops all around the globe.This book is a collection of interviews with nineteen of the leading first and second generation Instructors of Systema. They come from a wide range of backgrounds and each shares their own insight and experiences of this remarkable approach to training. Combat system, health practice, movement art, spiritual discipline, Systema is all of these things and more.
From North and South America, to Asia and Europe, each Instructor talks about their background, how they found Systema and of their experiences in training and teaching. Full of advice for students and Instructors alike, this book is an important snapshot of Systema as it stands at the 25th anniversary of the Toronto schools' founding.
Editor Robert Poyton is a UK based writer with over 35 years experience in martial arts. He was one of the first certified Systema Instructors in the UK Prices & Ordering
This is a great book on Systema. Interviewing some of the great people in the art.
James Douglas Williams
Taking Strikes: The Lessons Learned from the Russian Martial Art of Systema
A compilation of inspirational stories and experiences from the Russian martial art of Systema. Written by members of the Central Florida Systema school, each deeply personal story provides a message of how doing something physical can transform your entire life.
Prices & Ordering
Creative, interesting stories from Systema. Very inspiring. Not a "how to book" but one that helps with life through Systema training.
DocWellness
EDGE: Secrets of the Russian Blade Masters
This book is one-of-a-kind. Standard knife books tell you There is no defense. Just run. or First hit the back of your opponent s hand... But what if you panic and your hands are shaky, get scared and freeze, misjudge the distance and get stabbed or a family member is with you and you cannot run. The problem is always deeper than techniques and easy slogans. The 3 sections in this book: Knife in Your Hand, At Knife Point, and Signs of Danger, complete all that is needed to develop intuition, awareness, swift dexterity, smooth evasions, and invincible freedom of movement. Vladimir Vasiliev, one of the founding masters of Systema, teaches you how to disarm a blade at any stage of attack. His unique training program triggers the perceptual revolution for you to sense the threat long before your life is on the line and gives you the only real chance to survive. Cut through your fear and gain the sharpest edge of awareness and skill.
Prices & Ordering
A truly comprehensive guide to the reality of the blade! Edge is a combination of years of practical experience and knowledge, presented in terms and skill development methods that will prepare you for dangerous events. An excellent addition to any library on combatives and fighting, this will enhance skills for not only professionals but the average person as well!
Pete Rogers
