Systema training in London

Stepping into Systema

- Observations into the Russian martial arts by James Dexter

When James mentioned his experiences as an instructor in the dynamic French foot fighting art, known as Savate and that he had participated in brutal Thai Boxing matches; it was interesting to see what he would think of an art based on intuitive tactics and relaxation. Here are his observations…

My name is James Dexter and in sharing these views, I have to say that trying to explain Systema from a student’s point of view isn’t easy. For as a student all you want to do is shout about how great you think the art is and how heavily you endorse it. This is of course only natural or you wouldn’t be training in your chosen art. My journey towards the Russian martial arts has been long and varied. It began with Kendo in the eighties and later I trained and taught Kickboxing and the French art of Savate. Then after a short break to start a family, I returned to the martial arts world and during this time I started to train extensively in Aikido. I was also able to train in different combative styles.

To be honest, the philosophical side of Systema was probably the first thing that drew me to the art. It just seemed to echo my own views on respect and honesty. Also in line with my own family values were its apparent ethics on leading a more productive, non destructive life. This made sense. Armed only with this impression of Systema, I began training. What struck me from the start was of course, the art’s breathing exercises. I have never encountered so many. The benefit I found from learning to breathe again in a natural way was amazing. Who would have thought that by simply addressing something all of us take for granted and neglect, could have such an effect!Another aspect of training that was interesting was realising how to relax. The almost holistic approach to calming the body and mind prior to the training and indeed through out the class seems to rejuvenate you, so finishing the lesson you walk out feeling fresher and calmer then when you began. The training can be tough yet it builds your confidence and increases your overall awareness. Also, a positive approach without aggression towards either yourself or your adversary is strongly emphasised and this I found gives a greater clarity of mind. When defending yourself, whether striking, locking or using ‘close work’, the freedom of movement walk hand in hand with your breathing, which in turn creates an almost thoughtless trust in your own body and it’s reversion to what it knows best. This is its natural state, uncluttered by things it thinks it should know.

Trying to reduce your stress levels isn’t always easy. Sometimes, during a lesson I’m reminded by Aran, to return to the breathing and relax. He can sense the tension and where it reduces movement. But with each class, it becomes easier to strip away the tension. I feel I have just touched the tip of a very large iceberg and this Russian martial art seems to be as large and varied as the country it has come from. So now, in stepping into Systema, with the help of an excellent guide, I feel I have come to the end of one journey and started a new one.

James Dexter , November 2006