First a few words about Russian Martial Arts/Systema.
Very heavy emphasis is placed on correct breathing and maintaining balance. The goal is to move in a way that always allows breathing (i.e. does not obstruct the airways), and prepares the body to absorb strikes that would otherwise be lethal. Extensive use is made of diverse weapons (staff, whip, blunt swords and knives) to directly teach the body how to avoid weapons by touch. The whole art revolves around principles, with each student devloping his own personal skill set. Moving off the line or plane of the attack is extensively devoloped into a subconcious skill. Very economic movement with a minimum of force allows for prolonged battle against multiple opponents in series without fatigue. Strikes or slashes (unarmed or armed) are not blocked but rather diverted and used to defeat the attacker. Performed by an expert, the techniques look like the lazy martial artists dream. I little step here, a small twist there, a bit of pressure on a nerve...
I'll be adding some more information tomorrow...
Very heavy emphasis is placed on correct breathing and maintaining balance. The goal is to move in a way that always allows breathing (i.e. does not obstruct the airways), and prepares the body to absorb strikes that would otherwise be lethal. Extensive use is made of diverse weapons (staff, whip, blunt swords and knives) to directly teach the body how to avoid weapons by touch. The whole art revolves around principles, with each student devloping his own personal skill set. Moving off the line or plane of the attack is extensively devoloped into a subconcious skill. Very economic movement with a minimum of force allows for prolonged battle against multiple opponents in series without fatigue. Strikes or slashes (unarmed or armed) are not blocked but rather diverted and used to defeat the attacker. Performed by an expert, the techniques look like the lazy martial artists dream. I little step here, a small twist there, a bit of pressure on a nerve...
I'll be adding some more information tomorrow...