Russian martial arts roll call!

[krys]

Who practice the very effective russian martial arts: systema, ross, rmax, the kadachnikov system, sambo, draka?
Let's talk about it!

[Garth]

I bought the book written by Vladimir Vasiliev, the main Systema instructor. Some pretty interesting theories in there... I also considered getting some of his videos but they were kinda expensive so I didn't. Anyone seen any of the videos and are they any good?

THe impression I get about Systema is that it's something you would study after you are already proficient in at least one other martial art, and then add what you learn from Systema to your main art. Systema is probably not the best thing to learn as your first style. Am I right?

[krys]

I also considered getting some of his videos but they were kinda expensive so I didn't. Anyone seen any of the videos and are they any good?

In my opinion some of the early videos aren't that good (I was told he hadn't his say on the content of some tapes), other (the empty hand ones) are brilliant.

THe impression I get about Systema is that it's something you would study after you are already proficient in at least one other martial art, and then add what you learn from Systema to your main art. Systema is probably not the best thing to learn as your first style. Am I right?

That's what I am doing, I get a better understanding of the other arts I practice and my striking power and ability to take shock really improved after a few months of practice....
The russian way to strike using elliptical strikes is especially interesting, they are hard to notice and do lot of damage. Systema has anything: stand up, ground, blades, projectiles, firearms, combat psychology, health practices and much more. If I hadn't really good instructors in the other arts I practice I would just stay with systema

You may be right saying it is not probably the first art to learn if it is taught in a big class and the instructor cannot take much time teaching individuals who have no knowledge of fighting, but by taking private classes it is possible to learn it without any previous experience.

[Superdude]

I have that guy's "defense from a car" video, it is very good.

[Ronson]

CKD, get in on this!

It's your thread experience equivalent to two chicks at once!

[Uncle Corny]

it's a brilliantly executed subterfuge committed by vasiliev. biggest hype this systema crap.

[krys]

Thanks you for your constructive reply uncle corny. What is your experience in systema?

[Tom Yum]

The russian way to strike using elliptical strikes is especially interesting, they are hard to notice and do lot of damage.

I read about that. The example is that you are sparring someone who has a high and tight fight stance. The elliptical punching is supposed to get the best angle with minimum foot work, I think.

[krys]

I read about that. The example is that you are sparring someone who has a high and tight fight stance. The elliptical punching is supposed to get the best angle with minimum foot work, I thin

It is especially effective as a counter while you opponent punches. Can also be done to strike the neck or rear of the head with the forearm depending on the distance.
These strikes can evolve into other strikes (backhand, elbow ...) once they hit the target.

[Hikage]

Who practice the very effective russian martial arts: systema, ross, rmax, the kadachnikov system, sambo, draka?
Let's talk about it!

I had the wonderful chance to be involved with a Sambo class while I was at Millersville University. A year after the class was canceled, Scott Sonnon started the first ROSS class at a University in the US. I was fortunate to be teaching ninjitsu within the same club and teach with him (not side by side though). I was able to see him in action almost anytime I wanted. He eventually left the class in the capable hands of Scott Fable. It was neat to be able to see him work.

-Hikage

[krys]

had the wonderful chance to be involved with a Sambo class while I was at Millersville University. A year after the class was canceled, Scott Sonnon started the first ROSS class at a University in the US. I was fortunate to be teaching ninjitsu within the same club and teach with him (not side by side though). I was able to see him in action almost anytime I wanted. He eventually left the class in the capable hands of Scott Fable. It was neat to be able to see him work.

-Hikage

You were very lucky. Scott Sonnon is definitely somebody I am looking forward to meet, a great instructor and fighter and I have a lot of respect on the work he's done. He plans to visit our systema association next October and give a seminar. I am not sure if I understood you well but did you take classes with him? Can you give a brief description of what and how he taught?

Thanks.