Working the sword with people: Start slowly on a standing person as you lie down. From below start to move the sword so it either cuts or slashes and still be able to move. Avoid for example rolling with the sword so you cut the ankles of the other but than are stuck on him…

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systema sword play: Start very slowly with a wood sword or whatever is in hand. Simply pass the sword from hand to hand and around the body. Keep the blade toward the world and start to move the sword in big arches. The movement has to come from the body and the hand soft with…

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Another drill to develop whole body movement. With a partner push a finger into each other in turns. Do not give with one part but move as a whole with both the push and the movement. For example if you are heavy and alive in the body than a poke will rotate you rather than…

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Move as one: Most of the time we (me too) move as rag dolls with one limb doing one thing and the head something else. It can be useful and moving as one can also be usefull. You have to decide for yourself how and when each comes naturally. Start by standing evenly and hit…

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systema plyometrics: (the funny word means spring like movements which are preceeded by a contraction of the opposing muscle group) In systema there is no mention of this tendon work by name but it still here and also is added work on the breath muscles of the diagfram and pelvic wall using the same reverse…

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There are also things to be learned from stories and poems. A good spirit is vital to a good life and practice. Here is my favorite poem.  Richard Lovelace   47. To Lucasta Going to the Warres   TELL me not (Sweet) I am unkinde,     That from the Nunnerie   Of thy chaste breast, and…

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Observation: People who are active and ask the right questions don’t get depressed in hard situations. If you are in a tight spot and you ask yourself “OK so what can I do NOW about this” than you will find an answer. It may not be the best but you keep breathing. People who seek…

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A bit on taking hits to the head. Most times we hit another person we hit just enough to move or tilt the head on the axis but no additional movement is needed. consider adding from time to time hits that end further behind or inside the head (add a step or something so you…

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Developing soft hands: Many people harden their fists and tense up the muscles of the hand and wrist to keep it aligned. There are many schools of thought here and here is another view. There is a measure of activation of the muscles that keep you aligned without tension. People call it balance but I…

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Buddy work: Start by standing behind your buddy and have him move his body and you doing the same. Next start walking and mimik the movement of your buddy from a constant distance. After you are comfortable doing it with two eyes on the person try doing it from each side without turning your head…

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