Systema Belgium
Official Headquarters of Systema in Belgium
Frequently asked questions
WHAT
IS SYSTEMA ?
Systema is a unique and original Russian Martial Art
dating back to the 10th Century. While taught to all classes from peasant to royalty,
the art was taken to it’s highest level in the Russian Orthodox Monasteries.
After the Russian revolution of 1917, the communist government suppressed Systema,
restricting training in this art to certain units of their elite special operations
forces known as Spetsnaz. In the decades since, these teams have employed the
physical, psychological, and psychic aspects of Systema in a variety of modern
combat situations with stunning effect.
HAND TO HAND COMBAT ?
Systema
can train you to deal effectively with punches, kicks, escapes from grabs and
holds, and teaches you how to strike effectively and efficiently from any angle.
Fighting from the ground whilst the standing opponent is trying to strike you
and ground fighting are also covered.
Multiple opponents and defence against
them is covered extensively as there is often more than one assailant in reality,
utilising attackers strikes against each other and using them as shields are a
couple of the areas covered.
Personal protection, including that of others
eg. girlfriend, wife, kids, friends, is part of Systema that can benefit not only
yourself but the safety of those around you, making you more aware of your surroundings
and possible dangers. This is only positive news for you and those you love and
care about.
IS IT LIKE MARTIAL ARTS ?
If you mean most mainstream
martial arts, then the answer is no. Systema has no grading or belt system and
none of the formalised patterns of movement associated with the Oriental martial
arts. Additionally it incorporates many areas of training not seen in the Oriental
styles and was developed from a European perspective. For details on what goes
on in class click here
HOW QUICKLY CAN I LEARN SYSTEMA ?
The art
was designed for quick learning. The basic principles can be picked up very quickly
with a little thought and application
I AM ALREADY EXPERIENCED IN MARTIAL
ARTS, WHAT CAN YOU OFFER ME?
We think you will find our training methods
very different from your previous experience. It is not necessary to let go of
previously learned skills, but Systema will help you become more fluid in your
approach. Systema can be a valuable supplement to your existing training as well
as an art in it own right
I AM A COMPLETE NOVICE, WHAT CAN I GET FROM
TRAINING?
No previous experience is necessary to take up Systema. You will
find classes enjoyable and challenging with the chance to work in a supportive
atmosphere. You will learn unique fitness and strength exercises and practical
methods of all-round self defence (from the psychological through to the physical)
HOW
FIT DO I NEED TO BE FOR CLASSES?
Classes include a certain amount of physical
conditioning. However people work at their own rate, there is no pressure to "compete"
with other students.
WHAT SORT OF PEOPLE WILL I BE TRAINING WITH?
Average
age is early 30s, with the youngest being just under 20 and the oldest..... well
let's just be polite and say over 40 ! Participants are mostly men, with a few
women training too.
Our members are people of all backgrounds and all walks
of life. Some have previous martial art experience, some still run their own martial
arts school and a number are professionals in law enforcement, security and current
or ex armed services.
Other occupations range from students through to lawyers,
doctors, shop workers, bankers, IT developers, researchers, sculptors, professional
musicians, web designers, bodyguards, doormen, and so on.
WHAT SHOULD
I WEAR FOR CLASS?
We have no uniform or clothing requirement other than
it being practical for training in
CAN I TRY OUT A CLASS ?
Yes,
you are welcome to come along for a try-out session. Simply contact Koen or Jurgen.
We look forward to seeing you!
ARE YOUR INSTRUCTORS QUALIFIED ?
Our
school and instructors have been trained and certified by Vladimir Vasiliev.
ARE
THERE ANY AGE RESTRICTIONS ?
We do not teach children's classes. We would
recommend 16 years old as a lower age limit of our regular classes.
DO
YOU TEACH WEAPONS COMBAT ?
In today’s society the use of weapons is
becoming increasingly common, with more and more people carrying weapons on them
whilst in public. The increased use of weapons means that people must be more
aware of their surroundings and should be taught how to deal with weapons effectively
without putting themselves in unnecessary danger.
Systema, unlike many other
martial arts, teaches you weapons defence from possibly your first lesson. It
is not wise to wait until you have covered years of training before you approach
the subject of weapons defence.
In Systema classes you will learn defences
against knives, sticks, guns, and how to use knives, sticks and improvised weapons
to disarm attackers. Naturally as with unarmed combat, but especially because
of the severity of weapons attacks, avoidance of the situation takes paramount
priority. If he wants your car, let him have it, money can’t buy lives.
WHAT
IS THE SPECIAL FORCES CONNECTION?
As far as Special Forces go, that is
one aspect of Systema's background, but not the only one. If you want to know
whether the art has been "validated" in combat situations - yes it has.
However we have no illusions of being "deadly commandos" and would suggest
looking elsewhere if that is your interest. Our training is aimed at the general
public, with specialised training available for professionals. We have no interest
in teaching people with a political / social agenda.