Learn how to kick ass and take down bad guys with the basics of Systema

Learning how to literally kick ass though the practice of a Russian martial art called Systema, which I have trained for 5 years with Masters from all around the world.

Systema (Система, literally meaning The System) is a Russian martial art. Training includes, but is not limited to: hand-to-hand combat, grappling, knife fighting, and firearms training. NOTE: we will be focused on the basics , and this will NOT include grappling, knife fighting or firearms! This is an intro class to the basics of Systema to give you skills to be more safe in the world - wherever you find yourself.

Training involves drills and sparring without set kata. In Systema, the body has to be free of tension, filled with breath and endurance, flexibility, effortless movement, and explosive potential.

Key to the philosophy of Systema, the "spirit" or psychological state has to be calm, free of anger, irritation, fear, self-pity, delusion, ego and pride.

Systema has four pillars - Breathing, Relaxation, Body Position, and Movement, as well as utilizing an attacker's momentum against him and controlling the six body levers (elbows, neck, knees, waist, ankles, and shoulders) through pressure point application, striking, and weapon applications (this last part will not be demonstrated in this class)..

As a discipline, it is becoming more and more popular among police and security forces and it is taught by several practitioners inside and outside Russia. There are multiple schools of Systema - Systema Kadochnikova, Systema Ryabko, Systema Vasiliev. I have been lucky to train with all of the Masters in these schools, and would love to share the best of what I've learned!

We will go over the basics, and pair up, and do group demonstrations while having a lot of fun without actually hurting anyone. I promise! :) But you will leave with the knowledge and some skills to be practiced and used in the future.