Systema For Life

Episode 144: Ryo Onishi - the Power of Systema

This episode sees the return of Ryo Onishi (Systema Japan) to the podcast, with an engaging discussion of developing real power in Systema. As usual, Ryo brings practicality and a healthy perspective to a topic that can easily drift into the esoteric and impractical. Here, we get into: * Common points of confusion * Aspects of power development: lightness, ease, asymmetric responses * How to know if you're on the 'right' track * Use of power in combat and life If you enjoyed this topic... See Ryo's relaxed power in action on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VNjpRLIsUw Purchase Ryo Onishi's instrutional download From Relaxation to Power at www.systemavasiliev.com: https://systemavasiliev.com/store/product/from-relaxation-to-power-downloadable Train with Ryo - or find out about international seminars - at Systema Osaka: http://systemaosaka.jp/

Episode 143: Edgars Cakuls

This episode, a fascinating discussion with Systema veteran and Head Instructor of Systema NYC, Edgars Cakuls. In this second appearance on the show, Edgars reflects on ideas and concepts shared during his recent 2-day, outdoor seminar in Durham, North Carolina, entitled Working From the Spine. Along the way, we cover: The critical importance of spinal integrity Stability vs fluidity Training body awareness versus conceptual-intellectual learning Redirection of force and power Train with Edgars at Systema NYC https://www.systemanewyorkcity.com Mentioned in this episode: Ryō Onishi Seminar, June 11-12 2022 [https://www.systemanewyorkcity.com/ryo-onishi-nyc-seminar.html#/]

Episode 141: On Internal and External Work, with Jan Bloem

This week, another fascinating conversation with prolific movement scientist, neuroscientist, and martial artist Jan Bloem. As we learned during our first conversation last year (see episode 124), Jan has studied the art and science of movement and combat at the very highest levels – on the theoretical side as an expert in kinesiology and psychomotor therapy, and on the front lines as a world champion karateka; a defensive tactics instructor to military and law enforcement; and as one of the early non-Russian students and instructors of Systema under the legendary Mikhail Ryabko. Here, we build upon upon our earlier discussion of approaches to martial training, focusing on the value (and limitations) of "internal" work to health, self-development, and the realities of practical combat. Taking in along the way: * internal work: problems with presentation and misapplied teaching * shifting focus between the internal and the external * the benefit of allowing and encouraging mistakes * discovering power through the "less is more" approach Many thanks to Jan for his tireless efforts to advance understanding in all martial arts. Mentioned in this episode: SFL Episode 124 (on YouTube): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sgRtIRjrcA Power Vs Force: the Hidden Determinants of Human Behaviour, by David Hawkins https://www.amazon.com/Power-vs-Force-David-Hawkins-ebook/dp/B00EJBABS2 The Principles of Effortless Power, by Peter Ralston https://www.amazon.com/Cheng-Hsin-Principles-Effortless-Power/dp/1556433026 Books by Neuroscientist Antonio Damasio: Looking For Spinoza: https://www.amazon.com/Looking-Spinoza-Sorrow-Feeling-Brain/dp/0156028719 The Feeling of What Happens: https://www.amazon.com/Feeling-What-Happens-Emotion-Consciousness/dp/0156010755/ref=pd_lpo_2?pd_rd_i=0156010755&psc=1 Self Comes to Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Comes-Mind-Constructing-Conscious/dp/0307378756 Find out more about Jan and his work here: https://www.kinesica.nl/jan-bloem/

Episode 140: Tim Anderson

This week, a deep dive into the world of Original Strength - a system of natural movement and neurological "resetting" created by company founder, personal trainer, and physical educator Tim Anderson. Tim's simple (but effective) OS system is a wonderful complement to Systema practice - especially for beginning trainees - and for anyone recovering from injury, impairment, or the ravages of modern life on the body. After many years of hearing about Systema, Tim took the jump and began training privately with me a month ago. Here, we discuss: * his motives for building (and miraculous discovery of) Original Strength * the power of natural movement * the dangers of fanaticism (in anything) * his experience as a strength/movement expert in beginning Systema Check out the Original Strength books, courses, and associated materials at originalstrength.net [www.originalstrength.net]

Episode 139: Gabe Stern

This week, a dive into the world of martial arts, medicine and holistic health - with impassioned Systema student and Doctor of Chinese Medicine Gabriel Stern. On the medical side, Gabe was a trained EMT and ER nurse before becoming a student and clinician versed in Chinese healing modalities. On the martial arts side, he studied Eskrima and Pekiti Tirsia Kali for several years before venturing into Systema with Edgar Cakuls in NYC, and with us here at NC SYSTEMA. Always candid and radically honest, Gabe turns his dizzying intellect here upon: * the convergence of Russian and Chinese health concepts * comparing Chinese meridians and anatomical fascial chains * how organ health relates to emotional states and personality types * avoiding the pitfalls of self-delusion - in both medicine and martial arts Gabe trains and explains at NC SYSTEMA in Durham, NC, and has his own clinic focused on traditional and modern acupuncture and herbology for a variety of conditions. Find him at https://www.centermedicine.com