Here is a forum post from the Rmax forum regarding Systema -
"What is intended to be systemized in SYSTEMA?
The word systema is a Romanization of cистема, taken from the Cyrillic alphabet, and translates into the English language from Russian as the noun, system; as in “The System”. In Russia, the word systema has evolved from being closely held professional jargon in military, intelligence, and law enforcement circles, most likely derived from references to, ‘Universal System of Physical Education and Sports of the USSR’, to becoming a specific brand of activity marketed to martial arts enthusiasts.
Three major, physical culture and sport societies were the main proponents of the Universal System of Physical Education and Sports of the
At certain echelons of the military and security services, Systema loosely referred to a generalized doctrinal approach to preparing adherents for close combat engagements and survival in extreme situations. The larger, Soviet-wide sports model was analyzed and using the universal, scientific method, fighting strategies and tactics were developed which permit quick recovery between combat engagements. Rapid recovery to pre-combat health and energy levels theoretically enables a soldier to work at higher operating tempos and for longer periods of sustained deployment.
The beauty of "The System" was that once a core cadre of trainers understood how to integrate physical and psychological training, and how to arrange attribute, skill, and tempering development along a continuum, they could apply that understanding to devise training programs uniquely matched to the mission requirements of each specific military or security unit. However, the Soviets realized that it was not practical to train thousands upon thousands of personnel in a truly comprehensive method of personal combat.
The circumstances of close combat encounters point to the most acceptable approaches for their resolution. It was realized immediately that close combat tactics and methods appropriate for VDV Airborne troops an overt theatre of war, would quickly expose an under cover GRU officer operating abroad, and would not be sufficient for MVD border guards tasked with protecting key installations, such as Strategic Rocket Forces facilities against an enemy’s most elite and professional commandos. The nuances of each area of combat specialization were addressed locally with de-centralized training, resulting in the evolutionary genesis of several flavors of individual readiness and combat training; all with the same, Soviet-wide Systema research findings at their core.
Since the dissolution of the
As a stylistic form of hand-to-hand fighting of Russian pedigree, Systema is typified by closely integrated physical and psychological training, intended to lesson the shock value of combat situations; synergistic mechanics, which drastically reduce a fighter's degree of localized fatigue; and practical knowledge of both anatomy and human nature, which increases deadly effectiveness in personal combat.
Through understanding just what was originally intended to be systemized by ‘The System’ it becomes easier to unlock access to the most efficient path of progressive training experiences.
The individual fighting techniques or methods of Systema are not the focus of its namesake systemization. A basic doctrinal tenet of Systema is to rely upon spontaneous improvisation to generate uniquely appropriate solutions to unfolding situations. There is an absence of the concept of comprehensive, start to finish, martial arts techniques in Systema. It defies the notion that a complete cataloging of its fighting curriculum is possible. There is nothing like a predetermined response to an anticipated problem or event.
What is systemized is the ability to assimilate concepts and ideas; to manage an evolving Meta System, by allowing it to grow and transform, while still keeping it within general parameters of direction and intent. The further down the chain of command a trainee is/was when he is/was exposed to close combat training in Russia or the former soviet Union, the more specifically focused his understanding of what Systema entails usually is. As a civilian, half a world away and a couple of decades behind the last people in Russia to give the subjects of close combat and survival in extreme situations a thorough re-think, you owe it to yourself to remember that you alone are at the top of your Chain of Command; to gain the most from your training, you must do the work of the Private, Sergeant, General, and Professor all by yourself.
Enjoy
Tom
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