Russian Systema Knife Defence tactics: A Workshop with Aran Dharmeratnam

 

(London, 16 June 2010)

 

By Charlie Sokol

 

 

 

 

I am a Capoeira instructor with a special interest in Systema. The fundamental principles of Systema can be applied not only to Capoeira but to everyday life. Indeed, the philosophies underlying both arts share much in common. With knife crime being a very topical issue and wanting to introduce my students to Russian Martial Arts, I was eager to bring Aran to my class to demonstrate Russian Systema techniques of knife-defence and disengagement.

 

 

Aran's workshop started with some breathing techniques in order to relax the body. He introduced us to the principles of breathing to relieve tension and fear. Squats and press-ups done slowly over 20 seconds were the first examples of tension release. Later, these breathing techniques were put in place whilst simulating escaping an armed attacker.

 

Movement was the second principle which Aran covered - moving out of the line of attack (often with multiple attackers). I was particularly impressed that Aran did not rush straight into complex technical movements. In fact, his main aim was to highlight the fact that movement will come as a result of continuous breathing - a worthwhile lesson in itself. Movement will only be possible (and still then limited) if breathing releases the tension created by the fear. In order to reduce the increased heart rate, blood pressure, blurred vision and other psychological/physical symptoms of fear on the body, as Aran underlined throughout the class, one must be constantly releasing tension through continuous breathing. I can imagine that with training the harmony between breathing and movement would become more natural and thus our tactics more effective and realistic in life-threatening situations. The breathing in Systema somewhat echoes the music in Capoeira - both essential elements dictating or reflecting the pace of the game/situation.

 

 

From the very start of the class we were moving away from our 'attacking' partners (still slowly to understand the movements of escape) and exhaling just before the escape was made. This was yet another exercise to instill the importance of exhaling tension when fear is imminent.

 

 

Over all, the workshop was extremely useful covering not only breathing and flow but also the psychological aspects of being attacked and of the attacker. Other areas covered were blade awareness, different positions of threat with a knife (blade to neck, stomach, hidden knife, and so on) and of course potential disengagement techniques both upright and on the floor.

 

Whilst it is impossible to take in everything in a single workshop, it was a great introduction to Systema’s principle of breathing and use of natural movements. I am also grateful that Aran tailored his class so that we, as capoeristas, could utilise the moves, exercises, and principles of Systema in our game of Capoeira.

 

 

About the author:

Charlie Sokol is a Capoeira Instructor from the Pernada Baiana Capoeira Group. He holds Capoeira classes in Central London

www.capoeiraclasses.co.uk

 

To find out more about Systema training with Aran: Email: aran@globalkick.com