Systema For Life

This week, the return of Systema-fan, ultrarunner, healthy lifestyle guru, and co-founder of WellStartHealth, Howard Jacobson. Here, Howie and Glenn embark on a fervent chat about success, including:

This week, we go full martial, with an uncompromising discussion with Menamy "The Tsunami" Mitanes of Systema Los Angeles and The Academy, Beverly Hills.

Menamy is a fascinating, pint-sized powerhouse of a martial artist, with a pedigree that includes Judo, Jeet Kune Do, Filipino Martial Arts, Systema, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. He now trains and teaches Systema under Martin Wheeler, and BJJ under the mighty Rigan Machado. Humble as he is, what Menamy doesn't know about fighting arts probably isn't worth knowing. Here, we delve deep into his experiences and opinions on martial arts - including (but not limited to):

- training JKD under the direct students of Bruce Lee
- training BJJ under Rickson Gracie and Rigan Machado
- discovering Systema with Martin Wheeler
- the practical differences between traditional and modern fighting arts
- what Systema offers that other styles rarely do

Find out more about training with Menamy at www.systemalosangeles.com, and find him at The Academy at www.theacademybeverlyhills.com/

This week, Glenn chats with Vermont-based Systema practioner and child-adolescent behavioural analyst Sarah Allain. 

Sarah began training around 6 years ago, introduced by a friend extolling the benefits for health and stress management. In that time, she has learned to use Systema to manage chronic pain and illness, and found joy and community in the practice. She comes to training with a slightly different tack, and sees fascinating parallels between our methodology and her work with kids and adolescents. Topics include:

This week, a spirited discussion with Mike Turk - Systema Instructor, Head of Training, and Co-Founder of the Kampfkunst Akademie (KKA) located in Krems, Austria. Mike has a varied background in martial arts, ranging from karate and kickboxing to Systema, BJJ, and military close combat.  He leads regular classes in both Systema and Crossfighting (mixed martial arts), and oversees a kids' program based on Systema principles. Here, we talk about:

This week, a special episode in which our regular Systema For Life contributor (and health & wellness guru) Howard Jacobson interviews Glenn Murphy for his Plant Yourself podcast. Ostensibly talking about the problem of Internet technology addiction, they cover a range of topics along the way. Including:

This episode, we cacth up with world-renowned martial artist, Senior Systema Instructor, and founder of The Academy, Los Angeles - Martin Wheeler. Recorded shortly after the East Coast Systema Summit 2019, we discuss his groudbreaking lessons and demonstrations at the Summit, and reveal some of the thinking behind his training and teaching methods. Including:

For those wishing to experience these groundbreaking methods in person, you may still be able to grab a place on one of Martin's 4-day USA Masterclasses. Each event feature over 20 hours of training over four consecutive days, and incorporate everything from softwork and blindfold work to full-speed grappling and knife attacks.

His West Coast Masterclass will take place at The Academy, Los Angeles from Oct 6-9 2019. To Sign Up, visit http://wheelersystema.com/event/los-angeles-masterclass/

His East Coast Masterclass will take place at NC Systema, Durham NC from Oct 13-16 2019. To Sign Up, visit http://www.ncsystema.com/events/4daymasterclass

This episode, a frank and heartfelt discussion on the practice and benefits of Systema with Ivan Butsan - longtime student of Vladimir Vasiliev and an Instructor at Russian Martial Art HQ, Toronto. Few who have trained with Ivan at HQ will forget the experience. He is at once a powerhouse of structure, a skilled opponent, and for those who are open to his insights, a generous teacher and training partner.
He is also the author and presenter of a popular Systema Blog, detailing lessons and principles he has learned at HQ.

Here, we talk at length about:

A fascinating discussion with Vincent Hurner of Subrosa Systema, Geneva.

A trained economist, criminologist, martial artist, and therapeutic hypnotist - it's fair to say that Vincent is a true polymath in the field of human behaviour. As such, his views and insights on Systema are highly informed, and uniquely interesting.

Here, we touch upon:

Visit Subrosa Systema (Switzerland) at www.subrosa-systema.com.
Find out more about Vincent's therapeutic work at www.hypn-ose.com.

This week, another pensive discussion with health and wellness guru Howard Jacobson - author, podcaster, and co-founder of WellStartHealth.com. Here, we discuss the concept of connection - within and without the practice of Systema.

Including how we can use Systema to:

This week, a very special episode for Systema For Life, as I talk with the man responsible for bringing Systema to North America, and my own teacher - the inimitable Vladimir Vasiliev. Better yet, he is joined here by his wife, co-founder for Russian Martial Arts Headquarters (Toronto), and driving force of HQ operations, Valerie Vasiliev. 

Recorded after class, during a recent weeklong trip to Toronto, this extended interview offers invaluable advice from the head of our System, and insight into the people and principles behind it. Topics covered include:

- the changing face of Systema, over the last 25 years
- the increasing popularity and contribution of women to Systema practice worldwide
- the rationale behind the instructional books and videos
- Vladimir and Valerie's hopes for the future of Systema

With humble thanks to Vladimir and Valerie for making time for this interview, and to everyone who continues to support the Systema For Life podcast.

Find out more about training at RMA HQ Toronto at www.russianmartialart.com, and purchase books, DVDs, and downloadables - including the superb new book from HQ, EDGE: Secrets of the Russian Blade Masters - at https://systemavasiliev.com/store/