Systema For Life

In-depth conversation with David Merrill - veteran Systema practitioner, and the first American to be granted an Instructor qualification by Systema HQ Moscow. Here, we discuss Dave's early experiences in Systema, and how his concept of the style has changed over many years of training and teaching. Along the way, we also cover:

Interview with Systema Instructor Misha Karlov of Tidewater Systema, Virginia.

Misha is an emergency / disaster response professional, a father of 9 (!), and a deeply thoughtful disciple of Systema. In the line of duty, Misha has dealt with dangerous fires, natural disasters, and the aftermath of terrorism. He was on federal response teams at the Pentagon crash site on 9/11, and in New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina. As such, his views on the psychological / emotional uses of Systema are based firmly in reality.

Here, we discuss:

This week, another engaging discussion between Glenn Murphy and your friendly, neighborhood, health-and-wellness sage Howard Jacobson. This time on the subject of motivation, agency, and control. Along the way, we touch upon:

Extended discussion with world-renowned martial artist and Senior Systema Instructor, Martin Wheeler, on the morning before his 2018 seminar in Durham, NC. Some true pearls and gems of martial wisdom in this one.

Mentioned in this episode:


- On Fencing, by Aldo Nadi


Find out more about Martin's seminars and workshops worldwide at wheelersystema.com

Special episode recorded at a private training event in South Carolina last month, hosted by veteran Systema Instructor Mark Jakabcsin. Mark, recently returned from the 2018 Structure of Freedom camp, brought together Instructors from across the Carolinas to train for two days at a private lakeside location near Rock Hill, SC.

Here, muse on Mark's insights from the camp, and on the relationship between tension, power, and structure in Systema.
Apologies for the variable sound quality on this one. The recording started outdoors by the pool, and was aburptly moved indoors when a sudden downpour arrived.

This week, a thought-provoking conversation with New Jersey based yogi, dancer, traceur, and Systema Instructor, Funda Gul.

Born in Ankara, Turkey, Funda began her martial training in Aikido, and found Systema (in the form of Systema Manhattan instructor Edgars Cakuls) after moving to the USA for college in 2009. A PhD in mathetmatics, a talented movement artist, and an endlessly curious student and teacher of Systema, Funda brings a unique and fascinating perspective to our style. Here, we discuss:

Deep discussion with veteran Systema Instructor and Founder of Roots Dojo / Systema School of Warrior Arts, Vali Majd.

Vali has been training Systema with Vladimir Vasiliev for almost as long as Vlad has been teaching - nearly 25 years. In addition to his security work and training first responder groups, he runs a full-time Systema school on remote Denman Island, British Columbia, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Here, we talk at length about his experiences in training Systema - from the early, brutal dayswith Vlad's orginal Toronto group, to the deep, focused training he explores today. Along the way, we cover:

Find out more about training with Vali, and the 3-month internship program at Roots Dojo, here: http://rootsdojo.com/systema/

This week, one for the hardworkin' parents out there, as Glenn Murphy and wellness guru Howard Jacobson address the challenges, similiarities, and reciprocal benefits of Systema and parenting. Along the way, we delve into:

Mentioned in this episode:

The Whole Brain Child by Daniel Siegel and Tina Bryson

http://www.drdansiegel.com/books/the_whole_brain_child/

Nurtureshock by Pø Bronson and Ashley Merryman

https://www.amazon.com/NurtureShock-New-Thinking-About-Children/dp/0446504130

Leading with Emotional Courage by Peter Bregman
http://bregmanpartners.com/books/leading-with-emotional-courage/

Enjoy!

As usual, your feedback welcomed.  Thanks for supporting the podcast.

This week, a spirited discussion with Pasquale Antonio, founder of Jiyu Movement and Head Instructor at Jersey City Systema.
Among the many topics we cover, we touch upon:

Find out more about training with Pasquale at https://www.jiyu.us/

"The most important thing in life is not just to know what your wants and needs are. The deeper picture, here, is meaning."

Extended Q&A with Senior Systema Instructor, and founder of FIght Club Toronto, Emmanuel Manolokakis. In this characteristically deep and broad discussion, Manny offers his insights into the psychological, emotional, and spiritual aspects of Systema, with concrete advice for instrcutors and practitioners on staying true to your path in life. Topics include:

- why meaning is more important than mindfulness

- finding harmony with strength and power

- the essential role of fear and anger

Emmanuel will be leading a unique 2-day exploration of deep Systema principles here in Durham, North Caorlina on January 26 & 27th, 2019. Advance discount pricing available for those that sign up early. Visit www.ncsystema.com/events for details and online registration.

Find out more about training with Manny - and read his online articles and musings - at http://www.fight-club.ca/