Systema
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221329552
2008-06-24T01:28:43Z
24.34.77.154
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{{Unreferenced|date=November 2006}}
{{POV|date=January 2008}}
'''Systema ([[Russian language|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 (martial arts)|kata]]. It focuses mainly on controlling the six body levers (elbows, neck, knees, waist, ankles, and shoulders) through pressure point application, striking and weapon applications. Systema is often advertised as being a martial art employed by some Russian [[Spetsnaz]] units.<ref>[http://russianmartialart.com/main.php?page=specialforces russianmartialart.com - special forces]</ref>
== A brief history of Systema ==
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 comparable to "[[Kung Fu]]" ("one who is highly skilled" or "time" and "effort").
At least in [[Mikhail Ryabko]]'s [[Ryabko's Systema|Systema]], "The System" is a reference to the various systems of the body ([[Muscle]], [[Nervous system]], [[respiratory system]], etc) as well as elements of [[Psychology]] and the [[Spirit]].<!-- I have not confirmed this with Kadochnikov's, but I will keep it in mind when next I read the e-book -->
Because there have been and still are a number of different fighting styles common throughout the Russian military and special forces, like Alpha, GRU, Vympel, several other names and nicknames are commonly mistaken for Systema. For example, some troops and special forces personnel train in "boevoe sambo" (combat [[sambo (martial art)|sambo]]), which is a separate art. Also, troops would refer to whatever was taught as "rukopashka" ([[Russian language|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 Union|Soviet]] government to misdirect Systema's relation to Sambo{{Fact|date=February 2007}}, and there is little relation between the two styles.
[[Joseph Stalin]]'s personal bodyguards were practitioners of Systema{{Fact|date=February 2007}}. Ryabko's "uncle" was one of those bodyguards and was his first instructor in Systema.{{Fact|date=September 2007}} 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{{Fact|date=February 2007}}. There were and are a number of different combat arts trained throughout Russian special forces units other than Systema.
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 after the cold war that Systema became known. Systema's pre-Soviet Russian heritage is only recently being rediscovered.
Some practitioners claim that Systema's Russian martial arts heritage dates back to the [[10th century]] and was practiced by the [[Bogatyr]] ([[Russia]]n [[heroes]]/[[knight]]s){{Fact|date=February 2007}}.
Another theory proposes that the various forms of modern Systema are evolutions of an intensive research and development project carried out by several generations of hand to hand combat instructors at the [[FC Dynamo Moscow|Dinamo]]<!-- originaly pointing to Dynamo, redirected to the most likely article--> training facility in [[Moscow]] between roughly 1920-1980 {{Fact|date=February 2007}}. If so, that would place Systema in the same stream of military close-combat training as combat [[SAMBO]] and related styles such as SAMOZ, which was developed by V.A. Spiridonov. If this theory is correct, the stylistic influences on modern Systema would include numerous national martial arts styles, military close-combat systems and indigenous Russian combat styles as well as aspects of [[sports science]], [[biomechanics]] and [[sports psychology]] as these disciplines were incorporated into the Dinamo close-combat research and development project during the [[20th Century]].
It has been claimed that one or both of Ryabko and his student [[Vladimir Vasiliev (martial arts)|Vlad Vasiliev]] created the art based upon their experiences.{{Fact|date=September 2007}}<!-- really? -->
It is likely that the roots of Systema are lost in ancient and family arts, changed by military and contemporary needs and rediscovered and adapted by each instructor and practitioner.
== 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.
* [[Kadochnikov's Systema]]
* [[Ryabko's Systema]]
== Influenced by Systema ==
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 a [[Hybrid martial arts|hybrid martial art]]. Others use the experience for [[cross training]], to supplement their own training programs.
=== Influenced by Ryabko's Systema===
* [[Frank Monsalve]]'s [[Hurricane Combat Arts|Hurricane]]
* [[Strategos International]]'s [http://www.strategosinternational.com/courses.html courses]
=== Influenced by Kadochnikov's Systema===
* [[Matt Powell]]'s [[PraMek]]
* [[Retuinskih's System ROSS]]
* [[Scott Sonnon]]'s RMAX
== Pop Culture References ==
[[William Gibson]] mentions Systema in his [[2003]] novel ''[[Pattern Recognition (novel)|Pattern Recognition]]'' and its [[2007]] sequel ''[[Spook country|Spook Country]].'' In ''Pattern Recognition'', the bodyguards of a wealthy Russian are said to be practitioners of Systema, a martial art that was, to date "...restricted to [[KGB]], bodyguards and the special forces..." and said to be derived from [[Cossack]] dancing. One of ''[[Spook Country]]'''s main characters is trained in Systema from his childhood onward and uses it to defend himself as well as ostensibly for other purposes related to self control and confidence. It is made clear however that what he calls Systema is a codified body of skills and knowledge that borrows the name alone from the real-life fighting style.
== References ==
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