Systema Russian Martial Art

Martial arts. Just the name brings all sorts of near mystical thoughts to our mind. Reflections on the wonderful Korean martial art tae kwon do, the Japanese martial art of jujutsu and the Chinese martial art kung fu.

All these martial arts have a very humble beginning. Each came from a time when local authorities have been outlawed tyrannical and commoners to have weapons. Farmers, however, insisted on having the means to protect themselves, regardless of the weapons. Thus, the martial arts were born.

Russia is no exception. Russia has a long history of internal conflicts and invasions. It is a huge country with borders that extend over 11 time zones. The Russians have come to expect the unexpected during the battle and no two enemies would fight even.

From these meetings, the Russian warriors developed into the type of hunting that reacted on instinct. They faced the enemy as an individual and adapt to whatever the enemy threw at them. The martial arts of Russia had to be as versatile as the men who practiced it.

Russia is so enormous that, initially, a military standard has not been possible. There were too many small villages and towns scattered throughout the country, and too many lords and territories, who have done this type of organization almost impossible.

In wartime, men were recruited in towns and villages to fight and when the battle was over, they returned home. In peacetime, these men continue to train themselves. The Russian martial arts were tailor-made to suit the common man.

Systema is no prearranged kumite (fight choreographer two men), like martial arts of the Far East. Russian martial arts are fluid - the aim being able to fight without conscience.

Like many forms of oriental martial arts, russian martial arts began with an "ideal" and evolved into many different styles of this form across Russia, each devoted to the local needs. The basic principles have remained constant and provided the common denominator of martial arts in Russia.

Over time, lessons bulk solidified. The various cities and villages will show their skills in friendly competition between them. It was not until 1917 - when the Communists took power - that all traditions, including Russian martial art, were banned.

The system went into hiding, facing persecution, rather than outward severe to continue practicing. As in the Far East, some monasteries have survived and have been left alone by the government and the monks continue to keep the lines "old" life. Fathers also teach their son, the transmission of tradition from generation to generation, hoping he could survive.

When the new Soviet government had to focus on arming their soldiers, they sent agents to find the best combat systems in the world. They do not have to search too far, the answer is right under their nose. From there, the Russian army began teaching in a centuries-old technique pulled right into the roots of their own heritage.

The martial arts have continued to grow in popularity in recent years, and Systema Russian martial art is no different. Although it is mostly used by Russian special operation units, form the spread in the Western world where many soldiers have left Russia after the Cold War ended.