Systema For Life

Conversation with Patrick McLean - author, Systema Instructor, and founder of Systema Matthews and RoughHousePlay.

Patrick is a fascinating, sharp-witted fellow, with a substantial background in traditional Japanese locking arts (jujitsu, Daito-ryu, Aikido). Here, we discuss how finding Systema changed his practice of martial arts And critically, how becoming a parent put him a mission toward "re-wilding" children starved of movement and risk in the modern world, and inspired the creation of his Systema-based 'RoughHouse classes.

Train with Patrick in teh Charlotte / Matthews NC area at http://patrickemclean.com/systemam, and find out more about RoughHouse at http://roughhouseplay.com/

This week, another in-depth dialogue with our resident health and wellness guru, Howard Jacobson of wellstarthealth.com, on the amorphous and contentious subject of happiness.

Here in the United States, the Constitution enshrines the right to 'Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of Happiness' for all - at least in principle. But is happiness something to be chased and acheived? Or is it something to be realized, found, or understood? Does striving for happiness actually make us happier? If not, what's the alternative? And how can the practice of Systema help us to figure this stuff out?

Not sure we came up with any concrete answers, here. But at the very least, we posed a few questions worth pondering. So enjoy.

Find out more about Howie's healthy online exploits at www.wellstarthealth.com.

Conversation with Charlotte-based Systema Instructor and bodyworker Roy Hatcher.

Roy began his martials arts career in the US Air Force, while stationed in Korea. Seeking a way to calm his fiery temperament, he studied traditional Korean sword styles - and later Aikido - for their peaceful, meditative aspects. Some years later, he was exposed to Systema through the formidable Martin Wheeler, and his concept of martial arts was forever altered.

Here, we discuss:

- how Systema helped him understand his agression

- the origins of his considerable massage skill, and how it dovetailed with his Systema practice

- the value of developing touch, softwork, and working "with" your opponent

- cultivating a curious spirit, and a learning approach based on listening

Find out more about training with Roy at www.hatchersjustbreathe.com/

This week, a lively discussion with security professional, IDF intelligence officer, and instructor at Systema Miami, Joe Gehr.
Born in Columbia, raised in Aruba, and later a resident of Israel and the United States. Joe has a fascinating background, and trained widely in Filipino, Japanese, and Israeli martial arts before beginning Systema in 2005. Today, he teaches Systema applications to special operatives, SWAT teams and VIP protection units - in the USA and abroad.

Here we touch upon:

Find out more about training with Joe at www.SystemaMiami.com and www.ProactiveAndPrepared.com

Conversation with my good friend - and fellow Instructor at NC SYSTEMA - Jeff Sodeman. An accomplished martial artist in his own right, Jeff has trained Aikido and Systema for over 25 years, founded the San Diego Systema and Aikikai (California), and ran it for over a decade before moving to North Carolina in 2015.

Here, we get into:

Another spirited conversation with health and wellness guru Howard Jacobson (WellStartHealth.com) on the subject of habits and positive behaviour change - a continuing theme we are both fond of, in our respective fields. Here, the discussion ranges through:

A rare, frank, and wide-ranging discussion on the subject of internal power - a topic that creates a great deal of confusion, controversy, skepticism, and even ridicule in the global martial arts community.

Some seem to regard internal power as a mystical, magical force that only appears in white-bearded masters after decades of study. Others believe it to be an emergent property of perfect biomechanics, or simply do not believe in it at all. Texas-based Systema Instructor Gene Smithson has studied and taught chigung, taiji, and other "internal" martial arts alongside Systema for many years, and is uniquely qualified to help us untangle and demystify the concept. Along the way, we cover:

This week, a spirited conversation with Adrienne Harvey - Systema student, fitness guru, and master trainer in Russian kettlebells, hardstyle kettlebells, and progressive calisthenics for strength and conditioning. Adrienne has been a serious student of strength and conditioning for many years, has a hefty online following, and regularly writes articles on fitness, nutrition, and conditioning for DragonDoor.com. She counts among her friends and mentors such legends of strength and conditioning like Dan John, Jon Bruney, Al and Danny Kavadlo.

Here we talk about:

Follow Adrienne online at giryagirl.com

This week, another freeform conversation with health and wellness guru (and happy Systema advocate) Howard Jacobson. In this episode, we talk principles of defense. Much has already been said about defense from a physical or legal standpoint. So instead, we look at the very idea of defense, asking questions like:

Find out more about Howie's healthy antics at www.wellstarthealth.com

Conversation with Nelson Wagner - physical educator, martial artist, and chief instructor at Systema Brazil. Having studied a wide range of martial styles - including kungfu, kendo, aikido and krav maga - Nelson was first exposed to Systema in 2003, and became an instructor at the 2008 Summit of Masters event. He now teaches defensive tactics to military, prison, and federal agent groups, along with regular classes at his school in São Paolo. Here, we discuss: