From Skeptic to Believer - Systema! - With Vladimir Vasiliev

[@SystemaVasiliev]

Thank you, Ilan, for this excellent program. I was great to have you as a guest. Your high level of experience, understanding, respect and desire to train was very impressive! Feel free to visit Systema HQ Toronto any time.

[@inside_fighting]

It was an honor and thank you for being so welcoming and opening my eyes to the benefits of Systema.

[@Revenant76]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@KONRRAD_KURZE930]

greetings from la Havana Cuba my dear friend

[@baf303]

🥋👍👊

[@xGarrettThiefx]

@@inside_fighting This was great ! Can you please upload the whole session you had with him so that can hear what he's saying ?

[@stuinvests]

Great analysis. I started with Vlad back in 1996 in Toronto. I haven’t heard an analysis this accurate in a long time.

[@systemauppsalaofficial]

Finally Someone visits a real Systema Instructor that knows what his is teching and talking about. Thanks for the video Ilan.

[@inside_fighting]

Thank you for watching 🙏🏼 glad you enjoyed it

[@willtherealrustyschacklefo3812]

Well there's plenty of those "bullshido" video people who use clips from Vlad. But they've never felt one of those punches a d don't understand what they are seeing lol

[@davidmartinez9804]

Yes it's like when somebody finds a real Kungfu teacher. Wow it's actually real.

[@HardHardMaster]

@@willtherealrustyschacklefo3812 it's not very impressive andit requires a specific static set up and compliance. You basically have to allow it to hurt. Anything can be made to hurt that way. It's not practically applicable either.

[@RyanKrauss-oc7bq]

@@HardHardMaster Not entirely true. I competed in MMA and trained a bit of Systema back in the day along with Sambo. Those punches dig deep. It's not just in the setup any more than an uppercut is in the setup to land correctly. I learned both Fedors casting punch (thrown the same way the ones in the video are thrown) and Khabibs way of throwing the shovel uppecut in systema.

[@tektonas]

I had the privilege to train with the amazing Mikhail Ryabko and many other excellent Systema instructors, but unfortunately never had the chance to train with Vladimir. I was heavily involved in other martial arts, started with Muay Thai, then TaeKwonDo, then Aikido, and discovered Systema purely by coincidence. I stuck with it from day one. Never in my life was I hit harder than from the missiles I received by Mikhail. Please keep in mind that all these great masters actively served in elite special forces groups, so they are definitely not kidding. In Systema I made the best friends, brotherly relationships that last until today - I am 55 now. To all these people that think that Systema is sort of soft or fake: 1. There is no tatami when you train Systema as there is no tatami in real life, 2. in advanced classes with weapons the knives are real and usually bayonets, 3. there are advanced classes with real chains (amazing training) from small and light to large and heavy. You make a mistake, you get hit, and trust me you will never make the same mistake again, 4. The same goes with classes with sticks etc. - and I am not going to mention classes with the Shaska and the whip. Try to get hit with a whip and control your breathing and emotions, and then we can discuss again. Furthermore, Systema has a lot of other training areas, e.g. grappling, submissions, self-defence in confined space, improvised weapons (the last two were highly developed by Vladimir - buy his videos, they are an investment). I am not writing the above to brag that we are the toughest, far from me, not Systema mentality. The biggest strength is to remain humble and calm. I am trying to answer the question why people don't often see real sparring during Systema training. The sparring (with only a few rules, as you don't want to hurt or kill your brothers) happens and is really hard in advanced classes. If you ever get the chance to watch advanced classes where they go full contact with body hits, you will believe that you see people trying to fight for real, but it is always done with love and respect for your training partner. As mentioned in the video, you don't have to believe anything. But before you express an opinion, go ahead and try it. Visit a class 4-5 times and you will see a different world. A big thank you to all my Systema instructors, I will be eternally grateful for everything. P.S. In case you don't know, Vladimir has also a huge background in Karate.

[@ldixon6688]

You are 100% correct. Also, Systema is very good at teaching how to stay calm and not panic when in danger. This allows your brain to function and find solutions.

[@Michael-lx7uy]

Im a black belt in german Ju Jutsu and Judo. I ve also trained Luta Livre, Wing Chun, Escrima and Hema. I took once some Systema classes and had a sparring type match with the Systema instructor. I was able to bring him to the ground, but every ground technique i wanted to execute on him, he was able to escape with his special super relaxed movement. It was like to catch a slippery fish out of the water with bare hands. I think Systema has a lot to offer with their special training to liberate body movements and free it from the chains of strictly following one style or technique. Im sure that everyone can add Systema movement training to his own martial art style. Especially for wrestlers this could be quite interesting. Greetings from germany. P.S. "no movement, no fight"!

[@inside_fighting]

Great comment! Amazing to hear your experience as well. It has great benefits for grapplers! I hope to do more of it.

[@Michael-lx7uy]

@@inside_fighting man its great to hear from you. I observe your channel since two years and i love how tolerant you are. You give all martial arts a chance and the honour they deserve. You are a fighting geek and martial arts are your life. We all were obsessed with the UFC tournaments and the realism MMA brought to the martial world. But i think now its time to realize that MMA has the same problem. It lacks competence for streetfighting ( especially dirty tricks and weapons, but thats the purest form of streetfighting). The most traditional martial arts are capable for streetfighting, because its their territory. I returned to the traditional way and i learned it through Ju Jutsu and through our Sensei who is also a blackbelt in american Kenpo Karate. Its just so much fun to train and gives you a live long thrill, joy, health and happiness. What do you need more? Greetings and thank you for your comment.

[@normanquednau]

Michael, I live in NRW... Do you train systema anywhere in Germany? Grüße aus Siegen😊

[@Kinotaurus]

@@normanquednau I think there are schools in Munich and Berlin but I'm not sure.

[@Michael-lx7uy]

@@normanquednau Hallo Norman. Ich habe eine Zeitlang mit Deutschrussen Systema trainiert und mit einem erfahrenem Lehrer ein wenig freundliches Sparring gemacht. Ich habe einige Konzepte übernommen wie Isometric, Ballistik und langsames spielerisches training. Es funktioniert sehr gut und diese Didaktik hat mich überzeugt. Ich mische das jedoch mit meinem klassischen Trainingsstil (Techniktraining, drills und Sparring). Ich komme aus der Ju Jutsu/Judo/ Luta Livre, Hema/Escrima Richtung und war auch lange im Wing Chun dabei. Diesen Stilen bin ich stets treu geblieben..Systema im eigentlichen Sinne trainiere ich nicht, sondern habe nur einige ihrer Konzepte und Methoden übernommen die für mich bereichernd sind. Es gibt ein gutes Netzwerk an Schulen in Deutschland. Vielleicht findest du etwas in deiner Nähe. Liebe Grüsse aus Schwaben.

[@xaviersphilostube8718]

Thank you for your honest insight on Systema. I totally agree with you. Systema doesn't teach you a special set of techniques, rather it is a method to learn how to deal with a stressing situation. If you have a background in some martial arts or fighting sport system, it helps you to develop a kind of internal quietness... After I tried the first time, I realised that I practiced many years other martial arts and I missed completely something very important: a kind of mindset, a balance between be focused and stay relaxed...

[@trekker728]

One often unappreciated, (to the non Systema practionner), is its focus on stress management. A fundamental aspect of Systema, and one which contributes to its effectiveness, is its ability to help the practionner manage their internal stress, in any given situation. The less tension you carry, the easier you flow. The easier you flow, the less tension you feel. As they say in Systema, breath is life, and if you keep breathing, you keep living.

[@franktower9006]

I really like your approach to all these different styles. This is probably one of the best martial arts channels on KZbin.

[@inside_fighting]

Thanks man. Really appreciate that

[@HardHardMaster]

So far it is. Please stop giving bullshido arts a platform though.

[@nbednar]

You're a treasure in the martial arts world sir.

[@inside_fighting]

Thank you. I really appreciate that🙏🏼 I’m lucky i get to meet these great martial artists and share their styles.

[@KrandomKrandom-x9h]

No he’s not. This is all garbage.

[@timkittle5418]

I only watched this because YOU developed credibility with me over the years I have viewed your channel.

[@inside_fighting]

Appreciate it! Curious to hear your thoughts. Systema has a unique offering that i have experienced elsewhere tbh

[@HardHardMaster]

​@@inside_fightingsorry my man, but no.

[@jordanrock3494]

@@HardHardMaster You're afraid of something you don't understand. Don't waste your energy like that.

[@HardHardMaster]

@@jordanrock3494 first of, I'm not afraid at all. I'm a lifelong martial artist and I've been a close combat instructor for law enforcement and military. Second, I have tried it and since one of my black belts is in a system specialising in biomechanics, I do understand what's happening in systema. It's parlor tricks and pseudo science, sold convincingly to laymen. Is it useful for mobility? Sure. But as a fighting system it's a con. It's not realistic nor practical and frankly, hilarious.

[@MindfulBodybuilding]

@@HardHardMasterI like your words there seems to be a lot of benefit to the power generation/its correct to exhale when taking a shot. It’s really easy to learn how to strike like that though I don’t think anyone with decent KQ (kinesthetic quotient intelligence) needs much of a class on it other than KZbin videos and then figuring it out. I used to watch the videos in highschool and can do those dead weight strikes pretty simple. But of course it all depends when to use those types of strikes makes alot of sense using them when you’re dead tired lol

[@lustalk-r5h]

I can't express how thrilled I am that you sought out this experience. I had a similar opportunity here in Brazil with Brazilian instructors from Vasiliev's lineage, and I was blown away by Systema's deep biomechanical understanding. As someone who's been practicing grappling and FMA for a few years, it was fascinating (and a bit shocking tbh) to encounter their fluid, relaxed movement. I absolutely love it. Thanks again for sharing this content, Elon!

[@inside_fighting]

Thanks so much for watching!!! It really has to be felt to be understood but it is a great addition for the toolset and training of any serious martial artist in my view. I see it incredibly positively now.

[@MrCmon113]

That's literally nonsense. What biomechanical understanding? How do you measure understanding? Where's the actual results?

[@clementkong8133]

What most people who practice mainstream traditional martial arts don’t realize (and it’s probably because they either don’t practice long enough, or they don’t think long & hard enough about what they practice) is that the way mainstream traditional martial arts teaches its students is that they teach techniques first, then after you learn all the techniques in that system & achieve a high level of fluency in those techniques, then take it to the next level (be it becoming a sifu, getting your black belt, or how many black belt degrees in order to be considered sufficiently proficient to be a master in that system), you need to discover the principals behind those techniques you’ve learned & grinded away at in order to be fluent. That’s true in BJJ; once you get your purple belt & qualify to teach bjj, you need to develop the principals behind the techniques you’ve learned in order to be at a level that is representative of a bjj brown or even black belt. So like with Iian’s previous video with his friend talking about Karate, whether you are learning kata, or you are learning how to armbar in bjj class, or jab/cross/hook/uppercut in boxing class, being fluent in those techniques is like being fluent in the alphabets, or all the various type of notes on a music sheet. But to metaphorically be able to write/read music or a passage; or even a full sentence, you need to understand the principals behind the metaphorical alphabets you learn. & in traditional mainstream martial arts, that understanding comes from sparring; which is essentially a high stress trial & error process. Systema teaches in reverse order; it primarily teaches principals, & through these principals that the students familiarize themselves with, the students either develop their own techniques or apply the techniques they’ve learned from other systems more effectively. So in a way, Systema teaches the student the song, & after learning the song the student can take the time to look at the individual notes & musical structure of the song; rather the traditional mainstream martial art way of learning all the type of notes, rifts, chords, etc. & then putting the song together.

[@kanedgy4562]

This explanation reminded me of a novel I read😂 but I ageee

[@PeterKoperdan]

This is a very insightful description. Thank you. I came across Systema many years ago and I think I'll look into it again 🙂

[@inside_fighting]

Let me know your thoughts on Systema and if you still feel it's bullshido or if this had any impact whatsoever on your views of it!

[@TheKitchenerLeslie]

You should get Kevin Secours on your channel. His take on Systema proves it's real and he's a Canadian, so you know he's not trying to con anyone -- I think he's incapable of fakery.

[@MisterStone-bb8bn]

Its not bullshido. Systema is one of my 7 MAs through life. Also tried a lot of others at seminars and more. But 7 as trained over longer amount of time. Systema made me look at MA differently. Changed me. Also in everyday life. FMA is my main MA today but train Systema movements and breathing still today. Four Systema instructors that helped me with the transition. I will recommend you to seek up Sonny Puzikas in Texas. He will teach you about the realism of violence. Former student of Vasiliev, also background from FMA/Silat and other stuff. Inside Fighting with Sonny would be a highly interesting episode.

[@Kinotaurus]

@@TheKitchenerLeslie @inside_fighting Second that. Would also recommend you take a class or seminar with Martin Wheeler (he's LA based but does seminars all over the place).

[@HardHardMaster]

Sorry Ilan, it's still bullshido and while your mentality is admirable, you could have known that already and probably should have been more critical. I get why you wanted to do this on your channel and all but there is a cost to that too. Why are you into these fringe bullshido styles now, and this way? Maybe you could just isolate some working techniques or principles from them and discuss the ins and outs of those, rather than offering your platform and acting as a promotion for overall bullshido styles.

[@HardHardMaster]

​@@TheKitchenerLesliebut not of delusion.

[@restojon1]

Thank you for doing this video. We do get an unwarranted kicking online and it's a shame, really. You've covered some really good points in this video and there is one other thing I would like to add that goes along with those great points you made. Mikhail Ryabko who trained Vladimir, was one of the "Grandfathers" of Systema and he said something that will forever stay with me; "The training should only give, not take away". He was talking in the context of how we train slowly vs the sometimes painful conditioning you see in other Martial Arts, also in how we start slowly to develop muscle memory and build tolerance and generally build our body and psychological state rather than try to break them down to "get swole" or whatever it is that you do. I've done Martial Arts for a large portion of my life but I've got serious spinal cord injuries and that stopped everything.... until I found Systema and not only did the relaxation help with this, but the methods I learned within Systema helped me to deal with my injuries. The training isn't just for combat, its for everyday life and situations. During the pandemic one instructor was going to a number of hospitals and teaching the relaxation methods to the hospital staff who were "at the front" at the height of the pandemic. Quite a few have stayed on, I started telling people they were learning "Combat Yoga" 😂 Thanks again, I'm also subscribing for those opening titles, they deserve a subscription in their own right

[@joeoleary9010]

Rogan once interviewed JJ Machado, observing that *every* longtime BJJ person he knew had at least one major injury. Machado said he'd never been injured because he knew how to stay relaxed and flow. I stopped BJJ in my late 30s, not because I had an injury per se, but because going hard in grappling played hell with my joints. Systema seems like a very useful training supplement that can prolong one's grappling career.

[@inside_fighting]

I wish i didn’t go as hard when i was younger tbh

[@revisit8480]

You missed the point, I think. Like it's explained in the video: There is no resistence. In an actual fight, or proper sparring, this will have the exact same effect on your joints. Which is why all this "I'm trained at fighting" becomes useless. You are supposed to use your brain too. Systema is for survival - which is why injuries are seen as an oppurtunity to move differently, because in a real fight you might have one of your arms disabled, or a leg heavily injured, only being able to move with slight adjustments - instead of dodging, bobbing, weaving or grappling. What you wanna keep in mind is: You probably wanna "get away from danger". The street isn't a fighting ring, and it's not padded. You falling over and hitting your head on concrete will end the fight, and your life. Not to brag, but: I can probably do more damage to your ego with a flashlight, than you can do actual damage with shot joints and your "getting close to grapple" tactic. Stay safe.

[@FuryoTokkosho]

If you look at the yoga guy pantanjali he is usually depicted as half man, half snake to show his way of adaption. Jeff Chan has a video of his sparring in vietnam, where a guy is mounted and that guy under him just removes himself like snake right through his legs. Right preparation for your sport is usually well neglected by people, they think just step in the ring and let them destroy you. In the old days, people were first conditioned, then were trained and after it sent on a journey for pressure testing. you have lots of stories of people from japan going to korea, china, mongolia etc. to develop beeing a fighter

[@MrCmon113]

It's hard to get injured when you don't spar at all and throw limp wristed strikes into the air. Every practitioner of every striking or grappling art learns to relax at the right times through sparring, not just Machado.

[@MrCmon113]

​@FuryoTokkosho Nope, but make belief martial artists love "conditioning", because it gives them an excuse not to fight while protecting their egos. They never go on to pressure test. Actual grapplers and strikers do obtain the mobility required for their sports.

[@krenx]

A real martial artist experiences things for themselves in the flesh. You're a real one. Not many like you in the martial arts world these days.

[@inside_fighting]

@@krenx appreciate that 🙏🏼thanks for watching the video brother.

[@revisit8480]

You will lose your life, when you experience something deadly. You will learn, when you observe something deadly. Don't be a fool.

[@danfurlong931]

I am a bjj guy but have had the pleasure of training with Vladimir and he is one of the greatest martial artists I have ever come across. He is 100% legit1

[@HardHardMaster]

You're both not.

[@Ben-z5s5h]

Rigan Machado former bjj world champion recommends his students to also train in systema. There's a clip on KZbin, just search it

[@zionmatrix8200]

@@HardHardMaster 😂

[@KrandomKrandom-x9h]

You have to be fucking kidding me: This entire thing is a joke. There is no way this is real!

[@davefletch3063]

Too many people denigrate without actually experiencing things, based only on their experience with their own way of doing things. You do a great job getting experience and relaying what you feel

[@inside_fighting]

Thanks man. Any oppurtunity to change the way i move is a great experience and systema can do that for anyone i think. Hopefully more people try it.

[@HardHardMaster]

​@@inside_fighting It wouldn't be a problem if they just called it mobility training or something. But it is NOT a realistic fight style and that is what they claim. Aka bullshido. It misleads and deludes a lot of people with false claims and pretence and you should not be promoting it. Come on man. You're better than that.

[@systemabrussels4918]

@@HardHardMaster Why don't you give it a try before saying : NO ? Here is what I wrote when sharing Ilan's video : "Here is a testimony from an experienced martial artist with a "classical" consistent background ! Yes, from outside systema may look like Bullshido, but if you taste it yourself and feel it inside, it's another story. I totally understand it looks fake as I thought the same, for over a year I watched systema videos and something looked different, free and intriguing, but kind of weird and like a fraud too. Then one day I saw the light watching a Mikhail Ryabko's video thinking: "wow, it's not fake, it's real" So I went for a trial at Systema Belgium with Koen Vandersteene, it blew my mind and actually my stomach too 😳🙏. Getting punched by an instructor at this very first class, I felt like I was dying, but after recovering with breathing as they showed me, I wasn't physically hurt, my liver was perfectly ok, but my mind was shocked by the fear I just experienced. This happened in 2011, I started martial arts with judo in 1981 and now 13 years after starting, I never stopped, still practicing and teaching Systema. At 51 my mind, heart and body simply feel better then at 38 when I started. If you want to give it a try, don't hesitate to contact me or have a look at our website : systemabrussels.com"

[@KrandomKrandom-x9h]

@HardHardMaster yeah it looks like good mobility training or something. This guy making the video is the worst scam artist and bullshitter I have ever seen…

[@davefletch3063]

@@HardHardMasteri doubt you have ever tried it or have a clue on what they teach

[@sirseigan]

My respect for you just increased tremendiously! I have no affiliation with Systema other then that an old instructor had tried it and demostrated a few techniques, many years ago. My respect comes from your way to reevaluate your earlier stance. Your way to humbly keep an open mind despite an earlier not so good experince. It is very rare. That is why I tip my hat in respect.

[@areem5498]

The 15:58 mark was especially interesting for me. You didn't say it, but the thing I hear the most is how powerful the hits are from systema strikes. But the strikes are not hard or powerful... they are effective. when you are effective, you can reduce your efforts buy over 75%. this was a great example here in your video. Clearly, Vladimir used much less effort than yourself in delivering the strike and yet it was much more effective. The systema strikes are based almost completely based on resonance. In this way, science is a great place to look for understanding the strikes. If you understand the science of resonance with in martial arts, you'll be able to benefit from how it works.

[@alejandrojarrin2929]

I train Systema in my country, Perú. Thanks for sharing your experience with Vladimir.

[@jordanrock3494]

Vlad and systema changed my life and the way I move through this world. The principles will enhance every aspect of your life and improve every style you know. Glad to see you finally go to the source and break the stigma all the keyboard warriors instill and see for yourself.

[@jordanrock3494]

I hope you continue to learn and practice, it's an insanely deep art that covers every aspect of the mind and body. Do it long enough and it damn near gives you superpowers.😂 🐉

[@briandunne2153]

Trolls have closed minds and comment from a position of ignorance. I've done Wing Chun which doesn't suit ring fighting because that's not what it's about or was developed for. There's a saying about a fight you might change the way they look but you won't change the way they think

[@scarred10]

This review is complete nonsense

[@scarred10]

The criticism of systema are all valid, its an entirely bogus method

[@HardHardMaster]

''the source'' is as much bullshido as all the other proponents of systema. Maybe even more so.

[@DirectCombatives]

Thank you Ilan for another amazing breakdown. You remind me of my first Systema class back in 2009. I had trained in different disciplines including karate, boxing, aikido, ninjitsu, jujitsu. At first I thought I would just borrow a principle or two from Systema. As I got deeper into the system I began to understand that Systema is the system behind the systems. It is the methodology of how to train, how to give over knowledge. How to imprint movements into the nervous system. I guarantee, whatever system one trains in , systema will help you operate at a much higher level within your chosen fighting system. Systema will develop your creativity, spontaneity, fluidity, power, and self regulation under stress. I now use systema to train not only fighters, but treating Parkinsons patients, and survivors of trauma and abuse. It is a truly healing art, on many levels. Ilan, if you ever fancy flying to Israel, please let me know.

[@CuttingEdgeSystema]

Thanks for stepping up and visiting Vladimir, glad you had a good experience.

[@florianm.h.muller6181]

Thank you for posting your experinece with Vladimir. What comes to my mind is the following quote: "Anyone who intends to improve or thinks about improving himself, uses effort. Then movement does not go well and this disrupts the process of improvement more than anything else. If you move within your range of ability without trying to achieve a goal, you improve at the fastest rate possible." - Moshe Feldenkrais (20th century smoatics pioneer) Best wishes

[@Author-Chad_Kunego]

I took Systema probably 15 or so years ago. The concept they always taught was your hand should be like rocks in a sock and to not be greedy. Always leave behind something that you can hit them with (i.e. their hit from anywhere from any position mentality). Besides hitting like a sledgehammer from bizarre angles, did they demonstrate how they can channel the energy wave of the punch through the body? I remember distinctly during one class where my instructor punched me in the upper chest area and I felt the impact flow through my body and exit out my butt-cheek of all places. Another time I got a straight-line punch and I felt it exit out of my foot and rebound back up into my body from the floor. Was the most unusual sensations when I practiced 'sparring' during that time.

[@Raiden4019]

I've done about year of systema previously under one of Vlad's (at the time) student instructors. It's a fascinating practice for body and movement exploration, recovery and healing, as well as putting into practice the ideas of flow and play in combat. My grievances come from two main places: first, the problem of being able to (or rather, NOT being able to) explain or provide intentionality behind the exercises. Some things seem straightforward enough, like developing new ways of moving, more consciousness in how you breath, but in a martial art there is always an expectation of what you're learning having direct applicability in a fight that can be taught and explained. Systema's "depth punch" as I call it is an example of this. Both the hit and method of absorbing it is great, but how much of it is a matter of being able to move and absorb it on the fly vs. the participant being able to anticipate the strike before it lands? Is it even something that is even usable or SUPPOSED to be used in a fight, or is just a fight-themed exercise meant to teach other, tangently related skills? That's just one example of the broader problem, you also find it with all of the knife stuff. And the other issue is that, unfortunately, a LOT of Systema leans into mysticism and cultism. I don't know if it was a marketing decision, I don't know if it just sprang up as a result of the complacency of the students, but stay long enough and look long enough and you will find almost every current systema teacher peddling some brand of homeopathy, alternative medicine, or psychic powers (yes, even Vlad). This shouldn't be surprise, it's happened with Kung-fu, Karate and Silat for similar reasons, but it's still a problem. If you're still in the Montreal area you should try to find Kevin Secours. He's got experience in both the Vasiliev and Kadochnikov school's of systema (the latter is supposedly a lot more scientifically-focused, but take that with a grain of salt) and a background in various other martial arts, including Kenpo Jujitsu. Very smart man, very well-studied and wealth of knowledge and perspective.

[@HardHardMaster]

Karate doesn't. Your criticism is refreshing here among so many delusionalfanboys and absolutely right on the mark. It is a pseudo scientific cult and while it has some mobility benefits it's not at all a martial art, let alone a realistic one.

[@jordanrock3494]

@@Raiden4019 Everything in this world is tied to the God Stream, The system is an ancient knowledge from The Vedas. Remember Martial Arts is for the Mind, Body, and the Spirit. When properly used it's a tool to understand thy self and the I AM. To help you ascend to a higher being.

[@kevinhamrick6409]

@@jordanrock3494 martial arts are for eliminating threats full stop.

[@rantromse2051]

It´s refreshing hearing someone with so much experience and OPEN MINDED talking about martial arts/self defence.

[@HardHardMaster]

I agree but he should be a little more critical.

[@MrCmon113]

Believing bullshit isn't being "open minded".

[@gilgsn]

Unlike many you actually tried, thank you. Lots of traditional martial artists do not understand that most of the Systema drills seen on videos aren't meant to work as shown. They have trained using techniques their whole lives and can't grasp learning based on principles only. They have learned to tense up when relaxing is the key. Those open minded enough to take a few classes with a reputable instructor gain a new understanding of martial arts as a whole, as well as body mechanics, movement, breathing, posture and relaxation.

[@MrCmon113]

No, you don't get an understanding of when to relax from fantasy based fighting. You get that from sparring. Your comment betrays that you have no experience with either grappling or striking, since relaxing and tensing at the right moments is precisely something that everyone, who never sparred, gets wrong. And no, you can't learn fighting from "concepts", even if stuff like systema taught the right concepts, which it does not.

[@gilgsn]

@MrCmon113 what is generally shown on videos are drills. It's a different way of training your brain. It isn't meant to work as shown. There is sparring in Systema, and it does get pretty rowdy. You just don't have enough information or experience with it to make a judgement, I assure you...

[@alexanderren1097]

Dang it Ilan, why do you keep doing this to me?! You have a talent for taking martial arts styles I don’t like or dismiss out of hand and then making me actually appreciate them!

[@peterbrennan393]

I trained with Martin Wheeler in London in June. The guy can move like lightning and strike from the weirdest positions.

[@inside_fighting]

I never bruise and have bruises from the light shots i took which js weird. They just hit deep somehow. I want tk meer Martin Wheeler

[@lordtains]

Martin Wheeler is great!

[@AndoMierzwa]

@@inside_fightingYes-train with Martin. Great video, sir!👍🏼

[@anthonyw7237]

interesting side note. Martin Wheeler produces movies too. He produced a few Stephen Seagal movies and I believe did the fight scenes ​@@inside_fighting

[@brothercoconut6599]

First time watching your vid because I already heard about this Russian fighting style but I too was skeptical when it look just like a play..But your tone had passion so I'm sold that you're *REAL* and this is the truth. Great video.

[@vitorcrema7167]

I liked your analysis, professor, we don't need to accept the set of martial art techniques as a whole, especially in martial arts like systema, however we can absorb something useful to complement our martial art. My muay thai teacher, who also learned muay chaiya, teaches us meditation and a little yoga also precisely to control the mind and body, body awareness. He says that in Thailand this is common in some muay chaiya schools.

[@DG-oo8zf]

Back in the day when Vlad just kicked it off, Xing Yi, Krav Maga, wrestlers, power lifters would go there without quitting what they did. There's stuff that really sticks. Their knife defense is probably the best.

[@HWHY]

15:50 Watching the difference in the angles of attack between you and Vlad is remarkable. Yours, on the horizontal plane, guarantees a rebound of some amount of energy which returns directly back into your frame. Vlad's, coming down on the angle, transmits the force in a blast vector that essentially doesn't allow for any significant rebound into him. I'm no physicist, but it's clear as day that there's something there to study and understand. Your videos never disappoint, some of my favorite content on KZbin.

[@inside_fighting]

You are 100% right. I am punching how "hard" styles are taught with rotational energy and using my hip and body. He told me this is how most boxers punch and if you look at their necks and spines over the years they have damage because the energy is "pushed back" in to the body. Systema guys punch completely different and they don't reverberate the energy back... it just continues along it's trajectory off the body. It's changing the way I see punching. I thought I hit hard. I feel like my ego is a bit blown right now. I watch myself punch him and think... It looks hard... I know it's hard. Ive dropped lots of guys... I don't get it hahahaha My mind is still a bit confused and trying to figure out how to get his punch down perfectly.

[@TheKitchenerLeslie]

@@inside_fighting It's probably similar to Wing Chun's straight fist. You're completely relaxed until impact. You punch a lot faster because there's no tension. People who see it think it looks "flicky" and without power. People who feel it, say different. You're sinking your weight on impact and it's a force multiplier. If I grab your shoulders and push, that's energy in one direction. If I grab your shoulders and push and sink my weight at the knees, you have the pushing energy (>) and the dead weight energy (v) to contend with at the same time.

[@HardHardMaster]

​@@inside_fightingnext try a combo and see how that works out for them? ;) Everyone can 'evade' 1 blatantly telegraphed punch.

[@HardHardMaster]

​@@TheKitchenerLeslieproper martial arts training doesn't teach anyone to tense up or to throw stiff strikes. That is a total misunderstanding propelled by novices and spectators.

[@grayalun]

​@@HardHardMasterFrom what he says the whole system is based on throwing from different angles and positions and stances so it isn't telegraphed. I don't train Systema so I am intrigued as I've seen a few respected martial artists say that they rate Systema along other stuff as well to improve existing skills.

[@AinarMiyata]

Oh my god, this video is like a dream come true. It is so hard to explain these things to people who see the soft work videos and immediately think bullshido. I now have a video to send them to explain. Everything you are saying is extremely on point. And it means a lot that it’s coming from you. By the way, there are a couple of the og students of Vlad and Mikhail that kind of broke from the Ryabko systema line because they wanted to do more hard style stuff to actually teach a complete self defense or combat art. Please check out Alexander Kostic’s Systema Homo Ludens, and Kevin Secours’ Combat Systema. You won’t regret it. I promise. (I can link to videos if you want.)

[@Kane-ez]

Bro kevin is a genuis I follow him

[@inside_fighting]

I will definitely check it out. I really enjoyed the experience. When I see the soft stuff I immediately thought the same but when you experience it and then keep an open mind to how it can be applied and benefit your training it has immense potential. I see it as one of the best supplemental styles for someone who does a hard combat sport to be honest. If i lived in Toronto i'd be going to the school weekly. Also they hit sooooooo hard it's crazy... I just want to work on that hahahaha. I thought I hit hard but I apparently do not.

[@AinarMiyata]

I’m so happy you had a good experience! Completely agree that regular systema is best as a supplement if your goal is fighting or self defense. On its own it’s great for play and health, and to practice something martial with a bit of contact while injured. I’ve been recovering from a head injury for a long time, and Systema was one of the few things I could train for a while. I started training Kyokushin this fall, since I’m finally well enough.

[@AinarMiyata]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/pmfcn2qGoramrq8si=LGnTW-xHV_Bd7e2L This video gives a good impression of what Alex Kostic’s systema is about.

[@AinarMiyata]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/fHy0lHtmp6l4obcsi=D8b5Qqiur3yuAn5J And here is a video from Kevin that is just talk, but which is very helpful in understanding the history and varieties of systema, and where Kevin’s variant belongs.

[@landoftheninja]

I love the idea of "supplemental" martial arts that you bring up here and other videos. Never really thought of it like that but it makes a whole lot of other martial arts stand out in a way that wouldn't have before.

[@inside_fighting]

I’m glad you watched and that concept makes sense. 🙏🏼

[@HardHardMaster]

Well put. The supplemental value of some things shouldn't be overestimated though. Also there's complete styles around that when practiced correctly at a high enough level, don't really need supplementation. unfortunately this was lost in commerce a lot, and most people don't have the patience and discipline to follow through on those even if they can find a capable teacher. Hence the quest a lot of people like our respected Ilan are resorting to, and meeting a lot of garbage on the way to enlightenment on.

[@decampo123_nl]

I trained Silat for over 25 years now, and I always was intrigued by Systema. Maybe I still give it a go at some point.

[@HardHardMaster]

Don't bother, it really is bullshido. please try a realistic style instead.

[@CuttingEdgeSystema]

@@HardHardMaster you said that already, but never said why.

[@mcroadracer1]

I get to study Systema one to two times a week. I believe it helps me with other martial arts I study. That was a very good video and thank you for sharing your experience. 👍

[@inside_fighting]

I’m glad to hear you get the same benefits i imagine I’d get if i consistently trained it

[@sylvesterbestertester1013]

I also spent many years in MMA, primarily BJJ and boxing and lesser a number of others. I found a Systema exercise video to aid in healing from a torn bicep tendo surgery repair, which like many in BJJ, it was just one of quite a few. I too thought it was not very effective, but heard the movement program would help me heal faster and better and it did. The short of it, I discovered how powerful Systema was and dove straight into it. Everything you said is right. And though it can be a great supplement to MMA/BJJ, it is also in itself all anyone needs for a complete powerful self defense system. It took a while to see this as I was so hooked on boxing and BJJ which of course are great arts. Just the freakishly powerful strikes from any and every position and not needing body movement, or pull all the way back, is enough there to be more than enough to stop any attacker. But it also is very powerful and extremely effective in any situation, even grappling. For many things in Systema, it takes longer to find how this is done. And the weird thing is because it's too easy Vlad always says, it's so easy, it becomes hard . Our minds get stuck with what we've been taught with any form of physical activities. And some of that is prior training in martial arts, weight lifting, or any sport which all teach you how to perform their respective techniques with tension and it takes time to trust what you're being told and stop doing what you may be very good at and it's likely something effective in a fight. At first it's strange to find movement and power without using muscle. But once you accept it, you never can unlearn it, cause it's actual real natural body mechanics. It's imo the most powerful and easiest martial art ever. Anyone curious and lives near NJ, look up system of combat and I would be glad to show anyone who wants to try it. It's the greatest secret in martial arts. Even when people try it, every aspect isn't shown, or learned right away, though they are much quicker than others. But the strikes are easy to show and get something out of it with one class as well as absorbing any strike to the body. For one visit, I think he gave a fair analysis, especially with someone training for years in something else which they may feel partial to. I get it. I at first said it's a good supplemental art. It's got some good take downs It's got a few interesting strong punches. That was me not getting it yet. MMA seemed literally like the ultimate. But eventually, but not too long, something clicked and I got it. I suddenly realized the true no limitations to this art. And I was hooked on the strikes and how easy and powerful they are. I hope this guy goes back again with a continued open mind and test other things. Ask someone to roll. I think Systema is enough for even ground fighting Although I recommend my class learn the basics, or more if they want. It is effective and fun. But not necessarily needed. And all that is too much to explain here. But back to just the striking alone is like nobody has ever experienced outside of Systema students from anyone else ever. And, yep, easy to learn. I would be afraid to teach anyone competing in MMA or boxing, cause it wouldn't be long before someone got unalived I know, sounds impossible. Did to me as well But like I said, in the Jersey area, stop on by and I'll be glad to show you. Nothing to lose. For me it's just endlessly fascinating and a lot of fun.

[@jollyknuckles2138]

One of my Systema instructors told me Vladimir rattles your entire skeletal structure when he punches you. Learning Bagua whipping and Systema 'wave power' have made my punches way harder. I am from a bare knuckle Karate backround, and these punches are no joke.

[@inside_fighting]

Is it kyokushin?

[@HardHardMaster]

Me too and I disagree.

[@MrCmon113]

So your fighting record improved after using systema? Are the fights on video?

[@34outdoor]

i've done kickboxing, taekwondo and judo., i've always looked at sports like aikido and systema as a finishing touch to what i already know. now i'm 42(Yo) and systema is even found in my country (Netherlands) i will look for a class since it was years since i trained when i see this, i feel like i want to play around with it some to. Thanks for the video!

[@twystedriffs7662]

I have 30+ years of Martial art training. I had a 3rd degree Black belt when I went to a 3 day Martin Wheeler seminar 20 years ago exactly. It changed the way I move, think, breathe.. and I havent stopped training in Systema. I still go to other training and seminars. But the principles of systema unlock deeper movement in all of these things. Its so frustrating to see all the trolls, and hear all the bashing. Ive always say.. just go try it. Thank you for doing just that! Vladimir wants to help you become a better stronger person. Im 52 now, very fit and in shape and move better than many guys in there 20's and 30's. I attribute tons of that to regular systema training. I hope you are able and willing to keep studying this, the benefits will continue to reveal themselves!

[@HardHardMaster]

Just don't call it a martial art. Because it's not.

[@twystedriffs7662]

@@HardHardMaster yeah, it really is. Strikes, kicks, takedown, grappling, weapons... it is not always practice this slow. Training slow just builds awareness and sensitivity. All I can say is go try it like this guy did. Speed it up and see what happens...

[@twystedriffs7662]

@@HardHardMaster kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2Srp4umpa9nec0si=bCjGdevPwwtSaoZ7 Thoughts?

[@HardHardMaster]

@@twystedriffs7662 It is not and it doesn't work when sped up, because it completely relies on slow mo compliance with unrealistic one-sided little 'speed ups' that don't happen in reality. You can't do Matrix 'bullet time' in real life. Adding some striking and kicking motions doesn't make it any kind of effective martial art. It just makes it mobility training and silly moves combined with kicks and punches. The awareness and sensitivity drills are present in many martial arts and are generally overestimated even there. Locks and manipulations are even easier in slow mo and even more unrealistic when tried like that at real speed.

[@twystedriffs7662]

@@HardHardMaster kzbin.info/www/bejne/d2Srp4umpa9nec0si=ZnGn73YbNIhr5cRH Thoughts?

[@andrenaumann6635]

Vladimir Vasiliev is in his 60s. The System by Ryabko and Vasiliev covers much much more than self defence or fighting. It is in its first appearance an healing therapy for the body but much more for the soul. Mikhail said Systema is the right approach to life. The more a soul has humility, the more powerful is its movement, the more the things and situations turn out to end well. God bless you on your journey.

[@MYVLMA]

You met the right guy for Sistema. Great video!

[@inside_fighting]

I was lucky that he teaches here for sure. I am looking forward to going over some of what I learned with you and to see your thoughts,

[@MYVLMA]

@@inside_fighting I looking forward to it! Be save and enjoy!

[@nickc8103]

Glad you got to train with a master. As I had indicated to you when you questioned the art - only way is to experience it. Glad you trained with a true master and you really took a lot with you. Best always.

[@alantinoalantonio]

Osu! Im happy that you covered this, Ilan. Godspeed!

[@inside_fighting]

Thanks! Hope you enjoy the insights!

[@daviddaly1257]

This is probably the best commentary of Systems on KZbin. I found training in Systems very useful for a number of reasons. If you are in the military or Law Enforcement it's a must because Systema will help you overcome the intense fear that saturates the body should you get in a scuffle with a person who wants to kill you. The people who complain about Systems never walk into life threatening situations as an everyday occurrence. They are gym bunnies that at best fight in a cage. Systema is designed for the military/Leo context. They will hold you under water to the point that your body wants to take a breath and you drown. And they will beat you with a hard wood pole to show you how not to be afraid when you are being struck and can't escape. If you are in martial arts don't bother with Systema. But if you work in dangerous environments for a living, it's a must. It will make you both mentally and physically unstoppable.

[@KodiakCombat]

Got a VHS of this guy when I was in HS. Can't wait to watch.

[@inside_fighting]

VHS videos are the gold mine of martial arts hahaha

[@gekiryudojo]

I have trained in systema since 1998 under and with Vladimir and at HQ travelling from England several times and I have been an instructor since 1999 I have also trained in 13 martial arts over 52 years starting at 11 years old in judo. I won’t go through them all. But I agree with everything you said and after 25 years of Systema I have no injuries from it! Now coming up to the age of 65 years old my body is in very good condition. I do have some issues with my body, but that was down to multiple sclerosis not systema in fact systema is what I used as a physio theotherapy for my illness and yes, I’ve had martial artists come to me showing me there wonderful stomach muscle rack and one punch. I’ve had them almost puking on the floor. Completely gutted from one punch obviously I don’t do that to everybody but he wanted to know.???! If you meet me on the street, I am nobody just a friendly guy. I just Happen to have multiple black belts which mean nothing to me anymore.. So to conclude, if you want to train learn how to fight and I’ve had several street fights that ended for the other people very very quickly. I’m talking three seconds.! and I don’t care what martial art you do system is a fantastic attribute to any martial artist. But don’t take my word for it go and train in it without any conclusions beforehand.. you don’t know until you’ve done it, Experience is the only learning. Great video by the way!

[@inside_fighting]

Sorry you have MS but your story is quite inspiring for anyone who’s undergoing health issues and battles. Thanks for sharing.

[@Kinotaurus]

Where do you train?

[@gekiryudojo]

@@inside_fighting thank you enjoy your training in Systema!

[@gekiryudojo]

@@Kinotaurus I live in Cumbria UK but I don’t teach anymore. I retired after 52 years of martial arts a couple of years ago and I just practice myself now. I’m heavily into Buddhism at the moment. Training for a flexible mind!

[@Kinotaurus]

@@gekiryudojo Cumbria and the neighbouring parts of Yorkshire are a beautiful part of the world, especially away from the tourist traps.

[@haistapaska20]

Thanks this helps understand Systema, in a meaningful level

[@RollinBoy]

I knew a Russian Sambo guy who was in the Russian military and asked him about Systema, after he laughed for 5 minutes, he told most people in the military don't even know what it is, including most Spetsnaz (he said Spetsnaz is like the US Marines, there's ALLOT of them, he even told me most are nowhere near as well trained as US Marines) He did say Systema was originally developed for soldiers in the 60s 70s but it was a 'movement training/yoga health thing', the most 'Combat' application was rolling effectively on the ground with an AK or Pistol, that's it. He said he knew some of the more serious Spetsnaz boys and they ALL did Sambo. He did say Systema is great for health and he really liked the breathing relaxation practice. Personally I think its very similar to Bujinkan, the idea of 'let the body move and do the technique naturally' unfortunately the same issue with Bujinkan.. is it effective in combat? What I like about it is the 'slow' quasi isometric calisthenics (1 minute push up/squat) and the breathing practice.

[@inside_fighting]

It’s incredible for health, working around injury and exploring new ways to move… also they hit hard as hell and can absorb a ton of damage… that’s what i see its use for

[@franktower9006]

"Spetsnaz are like US Marines" is about the dumbest thing I've heard in a while and that's quite something. Congratulations.

[@davefletch3063]

Spetznatz isnt the same as marines

[@franktower9006]

@@davefletch3063 Of cause not! The US Marine Corps is a branch of the US military. "Spetsnaz" is Russian for specialist. There are different types of "Spetsnaz" units. For example "Alfa", the counter terrorism unit of the FSB. Spetsnaz and Marines are not comparable. Not even by a wide margin. To do so is extremely stupid.

[@davefletch3063]

@@franktower9006 the Spetnaz units or more akin to Army rangers and special forces

[@SystemaSouthWest]

Thank you for being up front and going to train with Vladimir. Also, thank you for being honest with your findings. I have 44 years of Amrican Kenpo training and was fortunate enough to encounter Systema 14 years ago, thanks to Martin Wheeler. I now train and teach both arts, and my Kenpo students are benefiting from Systema, too. I still struggle at times with aspects of Systema, but with people like Vladimir to give inspiration, those struggles eventually become fountains of knowledge.

[@TurtleMaster-q5m]

Henry Akins a Rickson Gracie black belt comes to my mind when you talk about relaxation and softness. Even what you call stickiness Henry and Rickson calls it connection which is also found in Taichi and worded as such.

[@inside_fighting]

I am going to check out Henry atkins now 😅

[@TurtleMaster-q5m]

@@inside_fighting You are the man.

[@TurtleMaster-q5m]

@@inside_fighting kzbin.info/www/bejne/fJyUoIiCl8uXicU Thats just on example but Rickson's black belts, particularly Henry have the internal elements of breathing, relaxation, softness etc.

[@HardHardMaster]

In karate it's called Kakie

[@ned5231]

"supplemental" this is how I always describe systema, it fills in gaps, systemas movements can be added to any other martial art, the power generation can be adapted to any striking technique, the breathing can be used in not just any martial art but any physical activity, there is so much good stuff that can be found in systema

[@m.b.593]

I did a class with Kwan Lee years ago and it’s literally indescribable. You absolutely cannot understand it unless you experience it. Trust. 🙏🏻

[@thibaud9269]

I did one year of Systema almost 20 years ago, didn’t benefit much beyond the breathing and relaxation aspect (already good in our stressed modern world tbh), and then went through my MMA/Muay thai years and I reached to the same conclusion that Systema must be an amazing complementary martial art for someone who already built his technique to some level.

[@flbellman]

This is the best video I have seen about systema I ever saw. Thank you.

[@Liberallez]

The BEST analysis of Systema I've seen!!! You bring out some of the fundamentals of it with honesty and humility!! Vladimir understands energy on a level that's lost on most people!!! I've not taken a Systema "class" but I understand the principles and I have to be careful of when and on whom I use them!! For instance... I did a very small requested demonstration of relaxed energy flow on one (untrained) kid and he almost collapsed!!😳

[@swimmerwolf5]

Great video, thank you! This was my exact experience when I began Systema in 2012. I'd come from Karate, Aikijujitsu and Bujinkan. I had to re-learn how to breathe, move, hit, relax....And Vladimir is one of the kindest, most generous and humble of men, totally genuine. Plus, his abilities are off the chart. There's a reason he is so widely loved and respected by Systema people.

[@HardHardMaster]

Steven Seagal is an absolute delusional narcissistic fraud and is very widely loved and respected by aikido people. That doesn't validate aikido either, just like with systema. Whether the bullshido master is a really nice guy or not.

[@systemasingapore]

Man you look like you had so much fun with this one! Definitely wished to have been there! Love your work, mate! You picked up on so much of the community and fun aspect aside from just the benefits to anyone training martial arts. That aspect definitely is very important to us as well. Greetings from Singapore.

[@edwardpratt5172]

Thank you Ilon, for a really objective video on Systema. Seeing what I call closest weapon to closest target strikes is what attracts many experienced martial artists to study Systema. To me it is the embodiment of what Bruce Lee referred to as "formless form", no formal techniques or stances but the ability to effectively strike from any position and angle. Moving like the grey man and not looking like a physical threat has its advantages. Those ballistic strikes put kinetic energy into the internal organs, not just smack skin or muscle. They are much like the strikes of so-called internal, or "soft" Chinese martial arts. Armchair UFC types don't understand Systema origins were a complete military art that was taught to and practiced only by Russian Special Forces (Spetznas). When the Soviet Union broke apart in 1990, Vladimir Vasiliev was a Major in Spetznas, and one of the founding members of their Alpha group - the anti-terrorism unit intended to neutralize hostage situations. I have attended one of his seminars in Toronto, and multiple seminars all over the US with his senior student, Martin Wheeler. You are 100% correct, Systema has to be experienced to be appreciated.

[@HardHardMaster]

No, systema is not and was never taught practiced or used by the Russian spetsnaz. They practice sambo which is an entirely different and unrelated thing. Systema doesn't have ancient origins either. It's all false cred. Bruce Lee didn't have any realistic fight experience and simply didn't know what he was talking about. At all. Learn the difference between conceptual theoretical martial arts and practical pressure tested ones.

[@devlinwilliams198]

I learned Karate in the 80s , when it mattered , got my black belt from the Shotokan tiger himself, Sensei Enoeida , and drank whisky with him afterwards 😅, then over the years I did 5yrs of Aikido , and then I discovered systema , I love it , I am but a student but trained with Daniil Ryabko, it's a fantastic system, depends on what you want.

[@Bluebuthappy182]

I got hit by a systema downward blow to my chest, which wasn't even that hard by the way. All I can say it felt like I was a spike being driven into the ground it felt very weird.

[@inside_fighting]

Weird is the exact way to explain it.... it's jarring and confusing... those stomach shots hurt me even though I didn't show it. It's just heavy as hell when they hit... it makes no sense. I need to get it down so I can do it to people hahaha

[@MartialCoachJF]

Great video sir! I totally agree this is One of those disciplines that is useful to already fighting students 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🙏🥋

[@camiloiribarren1450]

The relaxation of Systema reminds me of Aikido but much harder. The stickiness reminds me of Chinese martial arts like Bajiquan and Tai chi since all TCMA has Shuai Jiao incorporated. I think Shorinji Kenpo has that too when they do their throws

[@inside_fighting]

I never really cared for internal systems but maybe im getting older and wiser :)

[@JustinThorts]

!. relaxed force = Sung Chin - its a Traditional Chinese Martial Art principle. 2. The punch 'victim' is also "Yielding' another TCMA principle. Having said that Systema is a good system of self defence. This teacher is clearly very good and has been taught well.

[@enderbykarate]

all systems should use the approach of "play" to sparring. Hard sparring in training is eventually going to shorten your martial arts life. Especially if you are into competition. If you approach sparring as play, not completely gentle but controlled contact, light to med, this give you the ability to think while you sparr without the worry of getting your head or legs ripped off. Now having said that yes contact sparring is good for the "reality" of being hit.

[@inside_fighting]

The hard sparring has to be kept for times where it's worth it... I agree. It can't be an every day thing. I love sparring but have learned to really enjoy the playfullness of movmement that isn't intended to cause harm.

[@HardHardMaster]

Any school where soft sparring is not an option is a bad school. Most contact martial arts absolutely have this option.

[@78alito]

Very smart point a view thank you

[@inside_fighting]

Thank you for watching 🙏🏼

[@philipgarrett5009]

This was a brillia t episode,, tha k you! Systema Remnds me also of Ninjutsu. Before you shoot me down, Am being serious. Movement, and constant state of self-development, being in The moment , the here and now. Am currently.training harder martial arts, sambo catch muay.thai,some bjj. But, yes,.thank.you for posting

[@inside_fighting]

I will definitely have to check out a ninjutsu school one day

[@philipgarrett5009]

@inside_fighting yeah it's a tough one to call. People debate it's lineage etc but I guess it's the mindset, its links to other subjects, such as phsycology, espionage, tactics on a battlefield that could and should influence it. For the unarmed 'Taijutsu' side of things, you are hitting them with anything back of wrist, elbow, finger strike, bite , head butt etc and the principle is that can you use it at 80 yrs old. It is practised as an extension of your daily movements as opposed to being on the balls of your feet, such as combat sports. There's an interesting video I'll send to you. A film by someone that debunked the whole ninja boom. However he does also compliment Hatsumi in it. I feel that Ninjutsu has tons of potential wether it's lineage is true or not personally. kzbin.info/www/bejne/b6i1gICripWpjK8si=UFszxiD3vuL7rkD4 Loving your posts...you introduced me to Sambo, thank you very much Ilan

[@philipgarrett5009]

@inside_fighting BTW while I have your attention, I remembered that you did a video on Catch Wrestling. This is a documentary on the roots of Catch Wrestling ,which is in Wigan, Lancashire. There is a gym there called the Snake Pit . Right I ve bombarded you too much so will be on my way! kzbin.info/www/bejne/a5PKZKSKoayrabMsi=wcDtBvlJiVd1Kds1

[@HardHardMaster]

Ninjutsu is also not a real thing indeed.

[@HardHardMaster]

​@@inside_fightingplease don't. It's just more LARPing.

[@spamacc1534]

I started systema a year back and was really impressed by the discipline, and when I searched online I did not understand all the shitstorm about systema. I was getting pretty wrecked, hit hard, developing new skills, the omfg 20 minutes planck on fists is still carved in by body lol, and I saw that people were vastly laughing at systema. But my training mates who've been practicing for many years told me a key element : systema is not unified, it's not the same in every club. Since the discipline has a lot of breathing, relaxation, etc. some clubs have been focusing more on this and less on the martial aspect, leading to some really degenerate "systema" clubs where people forgot about fighting. In my club we say that martial leads eveything. All the bizarre things we do that sometimes even I have some difficulties to understand how useful it is, in the end of the session it all comes to this : now focus on these feelings, this relaxed stance, and fight.

[@unifedgongfu]

love this video. and i agree to every single word here. however to be honest i study systema for the last 4 or 5 years, from a student of Vladimir and Michael Ribko. and man, i still cant teach a systema class, and i can. its a real dichotomy. i can say that the systema striking is similar to the way i do it with Chinese martial arts, but also different, as same principle, slightly different mechanism. both using heaviness and weight dropping into the strike, using wave motion and power generation, only in systema it can be done also more piston like mechanism, regardless the grounding. hope it make any sense lol

[@inside_fighting]

It does. Systema is such a unique system.

[@thebigfist]

Excellent demonstration with an exquisitely detailed explanation of Systema.Well done, Ilan!

[@RaleighBarrett]

Long-time Systema student here. Thanks for being one of the few to actually put their money where their mouth is and actually experience Systema firsthand with the best (Vladimir) before crying "Bullshido," something I've been begging nay-sayers on various places on the internet to do for years. I actually agree with your analysis, that while some people thrive in that environment as their singular or primary style, I find that the people who get the most out of Systema really seem to be those that have come to Systema with a strong background in other styles, and that's true for almost all of the first-generation instructors under Vladimir that are still teaching. One thing that's become apparent having studied it for many years is that it "looks" and "performs" somewhat differently for each person, based on their background, body type, physical limitations, etc. Each person brings different things to Systema, and Systema enriches them in different ways. To echo and in addition to the other suggestions here, in addition to the work of Vladimir and the late Mikhail of course, I've gotten a lot out of the work of Systema instructors Al McLuckie, Brad Scornavacco, Rob Poyton, Kevin Secours, Martin Wheeler, George Pogacich, and Kwan Lee. Each of them brings something unique to and thus a "spin" or emphasis to not only the work they do but how they teach as well that gives unique and helpful insights. Also, that bit at the end about Conor McGregor back in his prime, the reason there is so much similarity is because he spent some time training with Israeli movement culturist Ido Portal, whose training methods are very, very similar to Systema, though less martially-oriented. That "rubber arms" thing McGregor did to showboat came directly from Portal's training methods.

[@inside_fighting]

I remember seeing his training with Ido and in retrospect it makes total sense. Great observation.

[@HardHardMaster]

I've tried it and it's still bullshido. McGregors rubber arm sways are an expression of Irish culture.

[@RaleighBarrett]

@@HardHardMaster Oh? Where did you try it, who did you train with?

[@HardHardMaster]

@@RaleighBarrett that's irrelevant, because you're just trying to set up a no true Scotsman fallacy. Rest assured it was a Russian instructor well respected in the systema community. The point is it's bullshido.

[@RaleighBarrett]

@@HardHardMaster Ok, pal, great talk. Unqualified, unevidenced claims sure are compelling.

[@JackShen]

I'm sure I commented on this before, but Sonny Puzikas did the System punch demo on me to the gut and I ran to the bathroom and puked. It was weird, of course the initial impact hurts, but it was like 'Yeah I can handle that, not too bad." Then you get a overwhelming sick feeling, like getting kicked in the privates a couple seconds later. The relaxed play part was very cool and fun, having fun and enjoying yourself is an important aspect I believe. I learned a lot of movements that I would not have, if I was put under the pressure like heavy knife sparring.

[@Dan.50]

I think you can learn something from everyone even if it's just what not to do.

[@inside_fighting]

I agree with this. There are some really unique things in systema in my view

[@HardHardMaster]

​@@inside_fightinglike?

[@SciCombat]

Most people just don't understand and it's 2 of the most basic simplest things that you learn in every martial art ........ you have to move slowly to move fast & accuracy and timing lead to power

[@k2svpete]

It's been a little bit since I last trained Systema but when I started doing it, things just clicked well with me. I'd done boxing, some judo and military unarmed combat and the way you learned to move with your body was unlike anything else. Your comments about training techniques in mainstream combat styles had me recall a description that I was given to highlight the different approaches. One is like going to the kitchen and declaring that you're going to make a chocolate cake and then you start looking for the ingredients. The other is opening up the cupboards and fridge to see what you can make.

[@inside_fighting]

Your analogy at the end is perfectly on point

[@HardHardMaster]

I think you misunderstood the other martial arts.

[@k2svpete]

@@HardHardMaster no, I don't.

[@MrCmon113]

Systema teaches you nothing about fighting, your kitchen is empty. Actual fighters adapt to different situations every time they train, because they actually test themselves every time they train. Systema people just have a bunch of excuses for why they never cook.

[@LeadingIndicator]

BRAVO … THIS IS AN EXCELLENT VIDEO ON A CHALLENGING TOPIC

[@cristiangeorge6039]

Loved your video man. To me it’s fantastic to see skilled people work with Vladimir. He is then able to show more intersting stuff, because you have interesting movements to try against him. Unlike what people believe in yhe comments, Vladimir can work with any resistance and speed and whatever you give him, but heis main concern is not to hurt his partner. Past a certain speed and resistance it’s unavoidable. So then he just avoids the whole situation. What’s the point of having somebody waste valuable training time and tension created for a long time just to prove human bodies are not made of steel and can break. It was a pleasure to watch you work and to watch your program.

[@inside_fighting]

Thank you so much. The negative comments are driven by ego. None of the people have experienced it and form an opinion based on what’s trending. I want to be able to train for years to come and systema is a system that would help that happen. It also really gives the oppurtunity to discover movement which is one of the most underrated qualities a martial art can have

[@cristiangeorge6039]

@@inside_fightingthanks for taking the time to answer. Will look forward to seeing your other programs. Best of luck.

[@HardHardMaster]

​@@inside_fightingnot all 'negative' comments are driven by ego. In the case of systema, most of them are driven by valid criticism. It's great that you're looking for some kind of mobility training and it's too bad your body is damaged, but just don't call this a realistic martial art or give it any such credibility. That's simply misleading.

[@MatthewRicemusic]

I’m so glad you finally went there! I hope you’ll go back.

[@robertboer3026]

What an open and friendly approach. I appreciate the fact that you gave this a fair chance. Experience beats opinion any day. When a person moves as freely and smooth as Vasiliev does one better pays attention and listen carefully. There is a lot of value to discover.

[@inside_fighting]

There is lots to appreciate about it

[@HardHardMaster]

​​@@inside_fightingwhile I appreciate your approach, let that be clear, and I appreciate your overal mentality and content even more, you should have been much more critical going into this. And maybe just for yourself and without giving it your otherwise respectable platform where now the whole delusional systema 'army' can spout their lies, delusions and nonsense and mislead inquiring minds.

[@elizabethstein7224]

It's better than 'real' fighting! You come out intack and maybe better!

[@jamesyamauchi5657]

Thanks for being open-minded and trying different things; and when something new is good, you share it. Too many martial arts people are extremely closed-minded to anything that is different to what THEY do or believe in. I have never practiced Systema, but I like learning about and can appreciate different approaches that can be effective, if someone can keep their egos in check.

[@inside_fighting]

I definitely feel that there are things i can take from systems to make me better

[@HardHardMaster]

Being open minded and trying as much as possible is definitely a good thing, and it will broaden one's knowledge and understanding significantly. However being open minded does not mean believing everything anyone tells you or falling for parlor tricks poorly disguised as realistic fight techniques. We need to experience some nonsense to recognize it and to distinguish and able to focus on real things. Most if not all the people in the comments saying critics haven't tried it, have themselves not tried anything realistic well enough. Deeper insights into real principles come only after years, and not for everyone. What's clear though with those insights once acquired is that systema is bullshido.

[@rmasystemalondonuk]

@@HardHardMaster so go an experience it, until all your comment are dismissed ;)

[@HardHardMaster]

@@rmasystemalondonuk if you read all my comments you would have seen me state more than a few times already that I have tried, it several times in fact.

[@rmasystemalondonuk]

@@HardHardMaster great! Do you mind to share those videos and findings? Thanks in advance. I am waiting them to analyse. Until have a lovely day

[@trinidadraj152]

I think it's also noticeable that as you share this reflection you sound at peace. Most of the culture of martial arts videos on youtube are not at peace, they're usually very critical, constantly comparing and criticizing and competing. Your experience of Systema left you remarking at how everyone there were good people with no ego. That says a lot.

[@illiJomusic]

Lots of the Baguazhang crew would go to play with Systema guys because of the similarities in shen fa (body method)

[@inside_fighting]

Baguazhang is quite an amazing system.

[@laperrablanca1]

Really mind blowing. Thank you for posting!

[@brucepahl]

Thanks Elon for the second review of systema especially going to train with Vladimir He's the best. I participated in two of Vladimir's seminars for systema and they were some of the best training seminars I've done. The principle of being able to relax into a hit and then redirecting that force back out to your opponent is quite profound. Systema uses relaxation and breath and body articulation along with circular force and whipping power to generate power in their punching. I consider systema an internal martial art system.

[@inside_fighting]

Thanks for watching it. I definitely had my mind opened up to everything you mentioned. Its incredibly beneficial for anyone in my view

[@LifeParaguay]

Such a great commentary. Well done.

[@inside_fighting]

Thanks man really appreciate that 🙏🏼

[@methodtraining]

I totally get what you’re saying, bro. I’m a former amateur boxer and have spent my whole life in the gym, so I know the grind. I’m also a black belt in Kyokushin karate. I went to a seminar with Vladimir because a friend dragged me along, and honestly, I just couldn’t understand it. It was so foreign to me. But then, at the end of the seminar, Vlad let everyone experience his strikes. When he hit me in the stomach, it felt like he broke my spine-I've never experienced anything like it before or since. Now, this isn’t a full endorsement because I don’t know enough about the art….but that guy definitely has something special- can’t deny it. I’ve told many people over the years… If you doubt it show up to a seminar… And they never will.

[@HardHardMaster]

I have and it's still bullshido. If you didn't see through it that's your shortcoming.

[@SustainableLiving-ll8bl]

@@HardHardMaster Spoken like a true abuse victim. Who beat you or felt you up when you were a young lad? Might want to seek some counseling for that, buddy.

[@MrCmon113]

No shit it hurts when someone simply punches you in the stomach. That's just another BS demonstration and excuse not to fight.

[@alexlonggland5771]

This would be such a great art to try. Adding this to your arsenal is a definite benefit to your fight game. I wish we had one in our town. Thanks for sharing this video and your input about Systema. Much appreciated.

[@inside_fighting]

If you ever get a chance I’d definitely check it out 🙏🏼 glad you enjoyed jt

[@jasontodd6779]

I was suggesting you do another Systema video with Dan the wolf man but I never expected you to make a video with Vladimir Vasiliev.

[@inside_fighting]

He’s a super nice guy and hits like a brick 😂

[@SifuBennoWai]

Well explained and thank you for trying to open the eyes of the keyboard warriors out there

[@UtubeBrotha]

This is the first time that I've seen one of your videos, and I have to say that I can already tell that you are a genuine person and martial artist. I've been practicing, or training, or experimenting with different forms of martial arts (off & on), for many years. Most of the martial arts schools regardless of the style are severely watered down! It's either because that's how the teachers were taught, or due to potential injuries / lawsuits, that's what they have to do to keep the doors open. But even as a young teenager, I saw that making students practice or learn a lot of non essential techniques or forms for years is not the way to teach one to defend themselves. Yet in traditional martial arts, you are not supposed to say that or object in any way. No modernization or questions are allowed no matter how valid. But finally, after years of training with multiple friends in different styles and researching many schools, I found my style. Once I found Jujutsu (I mean the Real Jujutsu), I realized that's what I was looking for my entire life. I always knew that you could train effectively without going full contact, if the school or teacher was authentic. But finding an Art & School that will teach real life effective techniques without you being damaged are in the minority unfortunately. It's funny now that a lot of professional martial artists and MMA fighters have now switched to a lighter form of sparring like I always said and practiced. This is so that they don't sustain life long injuries and it's been proven to be the best way to learn combat training. So back to Jujutsu. First of all, Jujutsu originally came from the Samurai and the battlefield, so it being an authentic and proven form of combat doesn't even have to be discussed. It was probably the first original mixed martial art, as it involved weapons, throws, joint locks, chokes, and fighting opponents while standing, kneeling, on the ground, or even on horseback. Many times they fought multiple attackers, so they had to learn how to quickly dispatch of their opponent and get rid of any non effective techniques. They used knives, swords and spears of different lengths, as well as sticks of different sizes (jo, bo). Later Jujutsu evolved into incorporating kicks, punches, knees and elbows (both offensively & defensively). I believe that one of the first famous people to develop the multi technique combat system into one art was Takeda Sokaku who later passed on his Daito-Ryu Aiki-Jujutsu, to more famous Morihei O’Sensei Ueshiba. O’Sensei gained fame once he made his Aiki-Jujutsu less lethal and created Aikido. Although in the beginning even his Aikido was very dangerous / hardcore, and many times practitioners were severely injured in class. True non watered down Jujutsu combines both flowing and fluid blending techniques that save your body and use your opponent’s force against them, as well as hard techniques (striking) like other martial arts. Not to mention that it also includes weapons training and defense against multiple attackers. And many arts have taken elements from Jujutsu like BJJ (Brazilian Ju Jitsu which came from Judo that comes from Jujutsu), Aikido, Krav Maga, Systema and others. Having already found an authentic Aikido and Jujutsu school, I wanted to also find someone who could teach me the Systema Wave Punch. So living in the SF Bay Area, I was lucky enough to find someone who could actually teach me Combat Systema. His name is Neil Bednar and let me just tell you that I’ll always remember that punch. I was only able to take a few classes from him, but it was along with a full contact martial artist. So, I thought that since he fought full contact for many years and I only trained at 50% contact that we’d both be able to withstand the Systema Wave Punch, but Mr. Full Contact did not want to even try to take the punch after seeing me take it! I took two punches; one at 60% and one at 75%, per Neil. He showed me how to breathe through the pain and I did. But, the pain does come in waves and continues through your stomach like a 100 mph train that has trouble stopping! It’s the weirdest punch you will ever see and feel! Most people are cowards though and will just put things down without trying it. If you try an authentic art that’s not watered down, and take the pain, then I’ll respect you. Thank you for having an open mind and going to Vladimir Vasiliev, to learn from a Real School! I now know that you truly understand!

[@HardHardMaster]

There's a lot of misinformation in your comment.

[@felipeavalos3404]

Best video on martial arts that I've seen in a long time.

[@dmcc1703]

I’m skeptically going to watch this. 🤔

[@inside_fighting]

Keep an open mind for me! :) Let me know your thoughts.

[@dmcc1703]

Just being a weisenheimer with the comment. That said i know of Systema and I know of the controversial view. I think you’ve laid out a reasonable defense of this system. Appealing to me are obviously generating and absorbing power better, but the adaptations and healing aspects. Cheers for highlighting this one!

[@inside_fighting]

@@dmcc1703thanks very much :) there’s certainly no other martial art quite like it tbh and if i lived near this school I’d train there as a supplemental system for what i do… even just for longevity and health as you said.

[@dmcc1703]

@@inside_fighting out of curiosity why do you think they are able to hit so much harder?

[@Kinotaurus]

@@dmcc1703 As someone who's trained Systema on and off for years (sadly very little since the lockdown as some of the best classes in my area closed down and never re-opened), the explanation is pretty straightforward. If you hit with tension parts of the body chain that creates a strike, work against each other so the net sum of output is diminished. Relaxation removes that friction so power output is increased. Also there are nuances about adding a secondary push / strike while your initial strike is still ongoing. The first one opens up the body tissues and the second one transmits power deeper, into the internal organs. But that's a fairly simplistic explanation.

[@VinKasaba]

Thank you for being open minded. Thank you for seeking something out before labeling it.

[@Ruleisbroke]

Congrats, you now understand. Systema is the wisest martial art I have ever experienced and I have tried many. Vlad is 64 years old and still moves like he is 30. The more injuries you sustain, the more you will realize Systema is the healthy way to age and still stay capable. I train under Martin Wheeler in LA and I am instructor qualified by Vlad.

[@ChristophePeytier]

Vlad is 67, not 64 😉

[@andre-px8rv]

Awesome video Ilan love all of these especially the vlma ones. Totally changed my way of thinking about street fighting.

[@inside_fighting]

Thanks so much for watching! Milos is one of my favorite martial artists