The strikes of Systema
Further insights into Russian close quarter training
One aspect of Systema, that I’m often asked about is its unique and subtle approach to striking. People are curious about the different ways of striking that this Russian martial art utilises. They are also interested in finding out how Systema practitioners learn to increase power in strikes. Beyond power generation, other questions relate to how the Russian strikes are used within a more tactical framework. Here are some basic insights into Russian Systema striking.
Different types of strikes in Systema:
Systema has many different ways of striking. There is much to explore in this area. There are closed fist punches, open hand tactics, direct short range strikes, angular strikes, off balancing strikes. These strikes tend to flow in tangent with the opponent’s moment by moment movement, reactions, and responses. There is something very adaptive about the strikes of Systema. Of course, it could be said that this adaptive quality is something that emerges within many areas of this Russian hand to hand system.
Systema striking using various body parts:
The hands may be used to deliver most of the more common and reliable strikes within Systema. However Russian hand to hand specialists realised that sometimes a person has to improvise and utilise more unusual or more unpredictable strikes using other parts of the body such as the knees, elbows and feet. Now in terms of kicks, Systema does have a functional and diverse selection of foot based strikes,but as an art that stresses mobility, careful expenditure of energy, and maintaining optimal balance (where possible), Russian kicking tactics are used in a selective manner. The leg work in Systema is certainly practical. At the same time, it can be quite subtle as the practitioner gets more accustomed to the art and its principles of timing, step disruption and off setting. But one of the reasons why kicks aren’t aimed too high is because the more high kicking movements can take their toll on the body over an extended period. They are also harder to utilise on uneven or slippery ground. Now even though, the kicking movements tend to use a smaller range of motion, without excessive twisting or pivoting, they can still generate significant levels of power. More importantly, there is a suddenness to them that adds to their effectiveness. There are kicking tactics that disrupt, slow down or immobilise an aggressor. There are also foot based tactics that weaken structure and internal composure.
Strikes that work under pressure:
Systema striking generally requires fairly economical body movement. Power is generated through relaxation, effective placement, utilisation of the breath, timing and efficient body mechanics. These strikes work well at short range, if the principles are followed and combined effectively. Therefore, the big twisting movements and excessive arm extension are not needed. The strike can be delivered very suddenly without blatant chambering or telegraphing. So a Systema strike is designed to work without the need for overt movements. This allows the strike to work effectively when the person is at close quarter range, when there is isn’t much space to manoeuvre and the opponent attacks very suddenly.
The short range strikes:
The great thing about Systema’s short work is that there is less chance for the fist to be damaged. When a person fires off long range strikes in explosive fashion it is harder to be accurate and fists can hit hard parts of the body thus leading to injury to the knuckles and wrists. So short range strikes can be very practical, but, like other aspects of the art, they require training. The practitioner must practise various drills so that they get comfortable with the placement, timing and distancing. The drills and exercises are rewarding and they carry a lot of mileage. What I mean is that there is always a way to further hone and refine ones strikes. There is always the possibility that a new understanding can be gained. In studying this approach to striking, it is also very important that the student understands the different effects that strikes can have and they learn how to control strikes.
Other strikes:
Although the short range strikes are a major part of the Systema striking approach, there are other strikes. Some do have a more long range application. There may be certain situations when some of these long range strikes can be useful. They can be used to create an opening or to distract the opponent. They can also be used to close distance or counter multiple opponents.
Effective punches:
In training there are some principles and free flow drills that help students gain a deeper understanding of Systema punching methods. It is also explained how certain errors and tendencies can weaken striking effectiveness. For example, sometimes people are so keen to fire off strikes that their movement suffers. Ideally the strikes should be part of the person’s movement. In this way the person isn’t left vulnerable to the opponent’s attack. Where as the person who really plants their body to unleash their punches, may be left open to takedowns from other attackers. Another factor to consider in training is distancing. If the practitioner doesn’t have a good understanding of distance; if they don’t use the distance effectively they can end up throwing strikes when they are too far away. Strikes may then lose some power and end up as ‘point scoring blows’. Also, if the person is too far away when they strike, they can end up over reaching with their arms.
Learning Systema:
In studying and exploring the striking tactics of Systema, students are guided carefully. Practitioners learn about to strike correctly but they are also made aware of the dangers of striking so that injuries can be avoided. Along with this, they are shown ways of dealing with strikes should they be on the receiving end. There are also a number of important preparation drills that prepare students for strike training. These drills help people to remove aggression, over enthusiasm and impatience- negative traits that greatly hinder the exploration into Systema strikes. Its also important that people interested in Systema strikes study properly with a qualified instructor experienced in this area of training.
Strike deeper:
As people progress within this art, they start to see how the ability to strike deeper is greatly enhanced by their readiness to work on themselves. Here I’m not talking purely of the physical but more specifically on working upon our ourselves in terms of removing our own negative tensions, stored destructive behaviours and layers of the ego. Indeed the desire to strike can be the very thing that weakens a person’s effective use of it. However, as tension and ego are addressed and dissolved, we start to understand ourselves better and even our attitude towards striking may change. It may change to the point where striking is less about power and ability. Striking can be seen in a very different light- where striking even has a very different purpose.
Other aspects of striking:
In the future we can look at deeper aspects of striking, covering such subjects as:
Recovery strikes - used to get out of a bad situation or shift the dynamics of real time hand to hand skirmish.
Fortification strikes - used to help the person remove tension and gather themselves as whole.
Ground based striking - for situations that end up on the floor
Preservation and maintenance of fist/ hands
Strikes and their relationship to psyche
It’s a component but not a destination:
The strikes of Systema are certainly something unique but it should be pointed out that they are just one part of the art and should be balanced out with other aspects of training. The art has much to offer and also bear in mind that striking is not always the appropriate physical tactic; sometimes other tactics must be used, depending on the nature of the situation. And actually, by training in some of the other areas, it can also help the person to improve their understanding of strikes; as the person learns more about movement, relaxation and the breath training. It is also important to work with the psychological aspects of training. These striking tactics require one to remove aggression and fear. By studying how to connect with the calm state, the practitioner will find that some of the best tactics develop naturally.
About the author: With extensive experience in close quarter training, Aran Dharmeratnam is a UK based instructor of Systema, the Russian Martial art. He runs intensive private lessons and workshops in London. For further info contact: 07939 678 356 email: aran@globalkick.com or visit www.globalkick.com