Intro to Systema

[Bugeisha]

Greetings!
I've recently become rather interested in Systema from what I've read on the forums as well as what I've seen on the Systema homesite. I'm looking to learn something a little more concrete; to get a taste of the art, if you will. There will be a seminar in Montreal in January, but I will have just returned to the 'States from Japan, so money might be an issue. Aside from the seminar, what would be a good intro to Systema? Is there a book or DVD that is a good place to start research?

Thanks,
Dillon

[Jeff Burger]

There are a bunch of tapes.
www.russianmartialart.com

I think they are pretty good if you have the mind to take the principles and apply them violently.
What I mean is Im a fan of if your going to fight be fast and aggressive. I like the tapes but Im... I want to say less passive.

I got the tapes some time ago and had been working with someone with Systema experience in my area.
I love it.

Jeff

[Bugeisha]

Any of the Vid's in particular you'd recommend to begin with?

[Sgathak]

Dillon, where will you be when you get back?

[Bugeisha]

I'll be in Burlington, Vermont. Maybe 3 hours from Montreal, I think. This is my last semester of school for the time being, so I may well travel around for a bit after I graduate.

[ezzthetic]

The first portion of the Hand-to-Hand DVD is great for the basic principles. I love it.

[Masterfinger]

I agree with ezzthetic on the hand 2 hand DVD, along with the Systema guidebook. The "Strikes" and "Holds & Releases" DVD's are good to go with also.

[Stratiotes]

Nothing will match what you'd get from attending a class or two. But, all the videos mentioned are good - if you can keep the thought of principles-not-techniques in mind as Jeff mentioned.

[Mark Jakabcsin]

This is my last semester of school for the time being, so I may well travel around for a bit after I graduate.

Sounds like a fine plan to me. If I might suggest traveling on over to Toronoto and checking out Vladimir first hand. Also stop by and see Emmanuel. The cool thing is you can catch two class per day while in Toronto between the two schools. Vlad has day classes M, W, F and Emmanuel's day classes are Tues & Thurs. Hence you can make a day and evening class every day. I also throw in a private or semi-private lesson with one of the instructors each day. It makes for a long day and an exhausting week but it's worth it. Take care and enjoy.

Mark J.