Systema

Systema is a Russian martial art developed for combat effectiveness, self-protection, and personal development. It is characterized by relaxed breathing, natural movement, postural alignment, and adaptable response to threats. There is no single standard curriculum or ranking; practitioners and schools often integrate principles from various Russian traditions, military training, and civilian self-defense practice, resulting in diverse teaching styles across organizations.

Origins of Systema lie in long-standing Russian fighting traditions used by soldiers and civilian practitioners. In the late 20th century, the art was popularized internationally by instructors such as Mikhail Ryabko and Vladimir Vasiliev, who presented a practical, nonchoreographed approach and established schools and seminars worldwide. In Russia, multiple lineages emphasize unstructured training and stress resilience rather than competition forms.

Techniques in Systema cover unarmed combat, grappling, and improvised weapons, with emphasis on breathing, posture, balance, and economy of motion. Training often includes partner exercises that develop sensitivity to an opponent's movement, controlled contact, and the ability to respond under stress. Some programs teach pressure-management, soft and hard methods, and the use of space and timing rather than rigid sequences.

Global practice varies by organization; Systema is typically taught as a martial art and personal-development discipline rather than a sport, with no universally recognized belt system. Instructor certification exists in some schools, creating multiple lineages. As with many modern martial arts, claims about Systema's origins and methods are diverse and sometimes contested, underscoring the lack of a single authoritative syllabus.