Lost Soviet Martial Art of Systema
Translator’s Note: As someone with an interest in advanced Chinese martial arts practice, (and the study of the scientific generation of psychological and physical power with minimal effort), I was fascinated to be introduced to the modern Russian martial art of ‘Systema’ (a word apparently meaning ‘system’ in English), in the early 2000’s. Recently, I was asked about the similarity between Systema’s relaxed and aligned power-hitting (and ability to absorb blows safely into the muscle mass, bones and joints), and the practice of the Chinese ‘internal’ martial arts of Taijiquan, Bagua Zhang/Quan and Xingyi, etc. It has been commented elsewhere that Russian Systema appears to represent the highest psychological and physical aspects of ‘internal’ power-generation, as witnessed in China for thousands of years. However, when accessing contemporary English texts regarding Systema, I was dissatisfied with the extent of background knowledge being presented to the general reader. Post-Soviet Systema appears to be represented as if it only recently ‘appeared’ out of nowhere, (either expunging any mention of the former Soviet Union from its history, or down-playing such an association), whilst illogically claiming an ‘ancient’ origin. To remedy this contradiction and lack of genuine historical information, I have accessed the Mainland Chinese language internet (Baidu), and translated below, portions of an interesting document entitled ‘Russian Military Police Unarmed Combat Art – Systema’ (俄罗斯军警格斗术——西斯特玛). No matter how old Systema may be, it underwent a radical rationalisation within the Soviet system that advocated the use of science over mythology and religiosity. Regardless of how unusual Systema may look today, when compared to conventional martial arts in either their modem or traditional aspects, it is in fact the presentation of advanced body mechanics and the application of sound physics to a combat situation, and there is nothing ‘mystical’ or ‘faith-based’ about any of its techniques. Finally, the modern Systema practitioner - Mikhail Ryabko - claims to have learned this ‘secret’ Soviet art directly from Stalin’s bodyguard - Nikolai Vlasik – in the early 1960’s.
ACW 25.11.2016
Within the Soviet Union, the ancient Russian martial art of ‘Systema’ was historically researched, and the scientific component of its combative techniques emphasised, refined, and developed into a highly effective martial system, that was renowned for its efficient generation of power (not reliant upon muscular tension), and a defensive ability that utilised not only natural muscle-mass, but also the (aligned) bones and joints, etc. As the Soviet Union was looking for an advanced martial art premised upon scientific principles (as opposed to religious or mythological principles), this martial art was adopted for use by the Soviet military, with a particular emphasis upon Soviet Special Forces, (a military formation often called upon to carry-out unusual or highly hazardous operations). To avoid any connection with petty nationalist or religious thinking, this ancient Russian martial art was simply code-named ‘Systema’, or in English translation, ‘System’. The Soviet Authorities, not wanting this advanced, scientific martial knowledge to fall into enemy hands, its practice was limited to the military. This was in-part a reaction against any notions of religiosity or mythology that might have still existed in the attitudes of certain members of the general public. As superstition was not encouraged under the Soviet system, knowledge of Systema amongst the general public receded, and ‘scientific’ Systema became associated only with the Soviet military. However, since the collapse of the USSR (in 1991), Soviet Systema began to spread through the general population in Russia, and out into the world, with considerable vigour. This has coincided with the opening of the Soviet Archives, and the exposure of the Soviet martial art of Systema – which was kept secret during the Cold War, to stop its advanced scientific martial method falling into the hands of the capitalist West. Also since 1991, former Soviet military personnel have retired and settled in the West, taking their knowledge of Systema with them. One such figure who features prominently in the preservation and continuation of Systema is Mikhail Ryabko. Mikhail Ryabko was born in 1961, and due to his family’s connections in the Soviet Union, trained with Joseph Stalin’s former bodyguard in Systema. He was so proficient in Systema, that by the age of 15, he was able to be recruited into the Soviet Special Forces, where he eventually reached the rank of colonel, and became an advisor to the Soviet government. As he has matured, Mikhail Ryabko has continued to develop Systema in the West (and Russia), writing down (and publishing) all his knowledge of this previously ‘secret’ Soviet martial art. He has publicised and popularised Systema to a broad and general audience in an attempt to preserve its teachings. Mikhail Ryabko remains the leading teacher of Systema today, with his top student - Vladimir Vasiliev – officially teaching Systema through his martial arts school in Ontario, Canada.
Both Mikhail Ryabko and Vladimir Vasiliev, have done much research to develop Systema from being a closed Soviet military art, to one relevant to the general public. This process has invigorated Systema and created a rejuvenated martial art, available for all to learn. Systema’s relaxed and aligned technique has led to many to refer to this art as being a form of Soviet (Japanese) ‘aikido’, or Soviet (Chinese) ‘Taijiquan’, when in fact this distinctly ‘Russian’ martial art is completely unrelated to these other martial arts. However, despite this lack of an observable historical link with Taijiquan (or Aikido), nevertheless, the technique of Systema is very similar to these two martial arts. However, (Soviet) Systema utilised scientific analysis of the human body and mind to create a martial system emphasising the following:
1) General conservation of energy
2) Leverage (through skeletal alignment and postural positioning)
3) Using minimal force to generate maximum power (through harnessing ‘dropped’ bodyweight)
4) Maintaining a relaxed mind and musculature
5) Special breathing technique used to dissipate incoming power.
This research has continued through modern, Russian Systema, with the advanced study of perceptual psychology, anatomy and physiology serving as the scientific basis for further Systema development. Pain is a physical response to the exterior of the body being struck, and the nerve impulses responding appropriately by transmitting this data to the spine and brain. Breathing in a particular manner not only dissipates the incoming power harmlessly through the exterior body tissue, but also nullifies the ‘pain’ response in the body. The natural posture envelops each aggressive move – immediately transforming each defensive movement into an efficient attack. As the Systema practitioner ‘merges’ quite naturally with the attacker’s techniques, the attacker is essentially neutralised through his or her aggressive technique. As the attack is immediately nullified and ‘turned-back’ upon the attacker, the attacker has no time to ‘think’, or adjust the posture for another attack. In such an exposed position, defence is the only option for the aggressor, but as the Systema practitioner has already ‘penetrated’ the attacker’s defence, the stance-work is ‘uprooted’ and all further threat neutralised. Systema free-hand fighting emphasises the development of endurance, explosiveness, and sensitivity, all achieved in a natural and unhurried manner, despite the tempo of the fight. Even if the fight is ‘fast’, the Systema practitioner simply envelops the attack and reduces it to zero movement (and zero threat). Systema teaches the practitioner to end any violent encounter in the most efficient and quickest manner. This is achieved through a very high degree of unified and ‘aligned’ postural positioning and movement. The Systema practitioner moves the entire body in an over-all co-ordinated manner that allows each limb the freedom to locally adapt to rapidly changing circumstances and conditions. Any part of the body can be used as a weapon, and the Systema practitioner can fight standing-up or on the ground (similar to Brazilian Ju Jitsu). It makes no difference what orientation the human body occupies, as the scientific thinking behind Systema is used to adjust to the circumstance. This is because gravity and body mechanics always exist, providing the practitioner is existing within a gravitational field.
A major advantage of the Systema system is that any object can be used as a weapon, and not just military hardware. A mobile telephone, a notebook or even a pen can be used for self-defence or attack in Systema. Systema always tries to minimise injuries in training by emphasising the correct understanding and use of the human body. However, as the Soviets developed Systema as a military art, correct knowledge of anatomy and physiology allows the practitioner to fully understand all the strengths and weaknesses of the human body (and mind), and use that knowledge to inflict maximum damage on an opponent in times of warfare. Of course, in times of peace, and when training civilians, this knowledge is present, but its application is always controlled and applied in a less aggressive fashion. However, each Systema practitioner possesses the ability to adjust the level of intended ferocity, according to prevailing necessity. Systema practitioners possess many ingenious methods for taking a standing opponent to the ground. The point of Systema ground-fighting is not to participate in a pro-longed ‘sporting’ encounter, but rather to permanently ‘remove’ the opponent’s ability to respond. Being an essentially Soviet-style of military training, Systema’s use of weaponry is subtle, as even the different areas of a knife-handle (irrespective of the blade) can be used as a lethal weapon. Just like in many advanced Asian martial arts, the Systema practitioner aims directly at the body’s weak-points – such as the throat or eyes, etc. Finally, the (Soviet) Systema martial art has its foundation in correct breathing. This means that Systema has a modern and efficient ergonomic theory of scientifically guiding the breath. This allows the Systemic practitioner to breathe over a few minutes, so that the body's energy is balanced, instantly improving speed and strength. Correct breathing keeps the body oxygenated and free from tiredness or exhaustion during self-defence. Breathing whilst relaxed and aligned allows for incoming energy to be dissipated harmlessly through the exterior body tissue. Furthermore, should a Systema practitioner be attacked by attempted suffocation – the scientific breathing technique allows the defender to break free and escape the attack.
In this modern age, Systema has adapted to entirely new conditions, with its contemporary Russian teachers travelling the world, and recording their knowledge on the internet and through DVD. There is every reason to believe that this once advanced Soviet system of self-defence can now be developed to benefit everyone who encounters it, regardless of where they live. Ordinary people, as well as military personnel, or even bodyguards can all benefit from its advanced, scientific basis. This ancient Russian martial art of Systema was evolved during the Soviet era, and continues to be developed along scientific lines today. Therefore, Systema represents a rational approach to self-defence and combat, that even in post-Soviet Russia, remains free of superstition, religiosity and mythology.
©opyright: Adrian Chan-Wyles (ShiDaDao) 2016.
Original Chinese Language Source Article: http://wenku.baidu.com/view/769e6186bceb19e8b8f6ba4c.html?from=search
俄罗斯军警格斗术——西斯特玛
前苏联的特种部队队员们用西斯特玛执行着各种高风险任务,西斯特玛逐渐成为了官方指定的俄罗斯特种部队专署训练项目。在作为特种部队训练项目的期间内,军方加大力度对西斯特玛展开了科学的系统分析与整理,并在这个基础上不断地创新,使得这一古老的武术体系上升到了一个更成熟的阶段。但是由于前苏联政府对传统文化依旧是采取打压的态度,同时由于西斯特玛的敏感身份问题,政府依旧在民间严格禁止西斯特玛的传播,虽然西斯特玛依旧不是公开化的武术、依旧神秘,但总体来说西斯特玛的生命力已经开始渐渐复苏。 到了20世纪90年代,苏联解体后冷战也随之结束,随之而来的还有各种军事档案的解密,西斯特玛的神秘面纱终于被揭开。同时,部分前苏联特种部队退役人员离开俄罗斯前往西方国家定居,这其中就有一名对西斯特玛的发展贡献巨大的人物——米克海尔·理亚布科(Mikhail Ryabko)。理亚布科1961年出生,5岁时受家庭的影响跟随斯大林的前任贴身保镖学习格斗术。由于有着良好的天赋,15岁时就被征召入俄罗斯特种部队。后来理亚布科军衔升至上校,同时还担任政府中的特别顾问。理亚布科根据自己的多年经验对西斯特玛加以改进,在他定居国外后,编撰了一部分影响力巨大的西斯特玛教学出版物,让世界进一步了解了这种来自俄罗斯的武术,促进了西斯特玛的普及与发展。目前,理亚布科作为武术教练活跃在教学第一线,他的得意弟子弗拉基米尔·瓦西里耶夫(Vladimir Vasiliev)在加拿大安大略省开展了专门的教学,这被认为是除俄罗斯本土外最权威的西斯特玛教学地。理亚布科与瓦西里耶夫都用各自的方式为西斯特玛的传播做出了重要贡献,这种古老的武术正焕发着新的生命力。 技术风格 正如其名字“系统”一样,西斯特玛本身就是一个庞大的格斗体系,包含着徒手格斗及器械格斗两部分。后来在被苏联特种部队所吸收后,应军事要求在原先的基础上进一步发展出了暗杀和反暗杀技术,使西斯特玛的体系更加丰富。 有人把西斯特玛称为“俄式太极”,也有人称它为“俄式合气道”,但其实西斯特玛和这两种武术毫无半点关系。虽然这种称谓并不恰当,但也从一定程度上说明了西斯特玛的特性。西斯特玛的特点与太极拳及合气道十分相象,西斯特玛本身强调“放松”与“能量节约”,打击时强调“借力打力”,防守时强调“卸力”,讲究以最小的能量消耗来产生最大的攻击效果。在经过军队实战数据的分析及整理归纳后,这些特点被发展到了一个新的高度,现代科学数据使得这一古老的武术更加符合运动力学及人体生理学,甚至有着专门的呼吸方法来帮助减轻身体被攻击所产生的痛楚感。常常在一个瞬间,攻击者与被攻击者的身份就立马对调,在防御的同时完成攻击、在攻击的瞬间完成制服,这就是西斯特玛的神奇之处。同时,西斯特玛在为军队所服务的期间也发展出了一种独特的“泛武器化”体系,可以将身边的任何事物化为手中的利器,一部手机、甚至是一把梳子都能在意想不到不情况下成为致命的武器,发挥出超乎寻常的杀伤力。 西斯特玛的基础训练大致分为四个部分:徒手战斗、地面作战、武器使用及呼吸训练。徒手战斗部分顾名思义就是学习如何在站立状态下如何进行赤手空拳的战斗,手无寸铁之下如何做到最快结束战斗,这是这一部分的核心内容。西斯特玛的徒手战斗训练着重于耐力、爆发力、灵敏度的开发,把这些因素通过呼吸方法结合在一起,达到身体行动的高度一致,经常能做出连续性强、隐蔽性高的攻击动作。 地面作战是现代格斗技术的重要一环,巴西柔术就让人们见识到了地面战术的神奇,同样地受过军事战斗洗礼的西斯特玛也强调地面作战。西斯特玛将如何摔倒对手作为重点来学习,一但进入地面作战阶段则讲究在避免受伤的同时通过简单实用的体位变换来达到制服对手的目的。曾经有西斯特玛的教官演示过面对三人的围攻,先是以迅雷不及掩耳之势将对手拉入地面,然后以巧妙的手法将对方瞬间制服,其余的人就是无法对地面游鱼一般的教官实施有效攻击,教人叹为观止。 西斯特玛有着浓厚的军事作战风格,对武器的使用自然也是必修科目之一。前文中提到的“泛武器化”系统就是在这一基础上发展而来的。西斯特玛将人体的要害部位如咽喉等部位重点列出,强调器械对这些薄弱部位的打击。同时,西斯特玛也讲究武器的多样化使用,例如一人双手持不同的武器进行攻击,应变性强;甚至连一把刀的刀柄部位都可以是致命的武器,让对手防不胜防。 最后是西斯特玛的呼吸训练,这看似简单,却是西斯特玛的精华所在。前文已经提到西斯特玛有着独特的呼吸方法,这一训练的重点就是学习如何通过呼吸对人体状态产生有利的影响。西斯特玛有着现代人体工程学理论的科学指导,能在用呼吸在几分钟内将身体的能量调至平衡状态,瞬间提高自己的速度及力量。甚至西斯特玛的高手在遭遇窒息性暗杀术时,运用呼吸方法就能将其破解,脱离险境。 未来与展望 在当今国外,西斯特玛以其自身的优越性成为了街头防暴术的新贵,越来越多的人都走进专门的训练馆去练习这一种来自俄罗斯的武术。这与理亚布科、瓦西里耶夫等人的大力推广是分不开的,特别是理亚布科所编撰的一系列书籍让人们认识到了西斯特玛,而一系列专业教学的DVD的推出更是加速了西斯特玛的传播。由于经过现代军事技术理论的改良,西斯特玛更加适应时代的需求,深受保镖等特殊工作人员的欢迎,古老的西斯特玛焕发出了新的生命力。我们有理由相信,随着信息时代的高速发展,有着优秀实战性的西斯特玛必将会更为人所熟知,这一门古老的武术必将真正发扬光大。
ACW 25.11.2016
Within the Soviet Union, the ancient Russian martial art of ‘Systema’ was historically researched, and the scientific component of its combative techniques emphasised, refined, and developed into a highly effective martial system, that was renowned for its efficient generation of power (not reliant upon muscular tension), and a defensive ability that utilised not only natural muscle-mass, but also the (aligned) bones and joints, etc. As the Soviet Union was looking for an advanced martial art premised upon scientific principles (as opposed to religious or mythological principles), this martial art was adopted for use by the Soviet military, with a particular emphasis upon Soviet Special Forces, (a military formation often called upon to carry-out unusual or highly hazardous operations). To avoid any connection with petty nationalist or religious thinking, this ancient Russian martial art was simply code-named ‘Systema’, or in English translation, ‘System’. The Soviet Authorities, not wanting this advanced, scientific martial knowledge to fall into enemy hands, its practice was limited to the military. This was in-part a reaction against any notions of religiosity or mythology that might have still existed in the attitudes of certain members of the general public. As superstition was not encouraged under the Soviet system, knowledge of Systema amongst the general public receded, and ‘scientific’ Systema became associated only with the Soviet military. However, since the collapse of the USSR (in 1991), Soviet Systema began to spread through the general population in Russia, and out into the world, with considerable vigour. This has coincided with the opening of the Soviet Archives, and the exposure of the Soviet martial art of Systema – which was kept secret during the Cold War, to stop its advanced scientific martial method falling into the hands of the capitalist West. Also since 1991, former Soviet military personnel have retired and settled in the West, taking their knowledge of Systema with them. One such figure who features prominently in the preservation and continuation of Systema is Mikhail Ryabko. Mikhail Ryabko was born in 1961, and due to his family’s connections in the Soviet Union, trained with Joseph Stalin’s former bodyguard in Systema. He was so proficient in Systema, that by the age of 15, he was able to be recruited into the Soviet Special Forces, where he eventually reached the rank of colonel, and became an advisor to the Soviet government. As he has matured, Mikhail Ryabko has continued to develop Systema in the West (and Russia), writing down (and publishing) all his knowledge of this previously ‘secret’ Soviet martial art. He has publicised and popularised Systema to a broad and general audience in an attempt to preserve its teachings. Mikhail Ryabko remains the leading teacher of Systema today, with his top student - Vladimir Vasiliev – officially teaching Systema through his martial arts school in Ontario, Canada.
Both Mikhail Ryabko and Vladimir Vasiliev, have done much research to develop Systema from being a closed Soviet military art, to one relevant to the general public. This process has invigorated Systema and created a rejuvenated martial art, available for all to learn. Systema’s relaxed and aligned technique has led to many to refer to this art as being a form of Soviet (Japanese) ‘aikido’, or Soviet (Chinese) ‘Taijiquan’, when in fact this distinctly ‘Russian’ martial art is completely unrelated to these other martial arts. However, despite this lack of an observable historical link with Taijiquan (or Aikido), nevertheless, the technique of Systema is very similar to these two martial arts. However, (Soviet) Systema utilised scientific analysis of the human body and mind to create a martial system emphasising the following:
1) General conservation of energy
2) Leverage (through skeletal alignment and postural positioning)
3) Using minimal force to generate maximum power (through harnessing ‘dropped’ bodyweight)
4) Maintaining a relaxed mind and musculature
5) Special breathing technique used to dissipate incoming power.
This research has continued through modern, Russian Systema, with the advanced study of perceptual psychology, anatomy and physiology serving as the scientific basis for further Systema development. Pain is a physical response to the exterior of the body being struck, and the nerve impulses responding appropriately by transmitting this data to the spine and brain. Breathing in a particular manner not only dissipates the incoming power harmlessly through the exterior body tissue, but also nullifies the ‘pain’ response in the body. The natural posture envelops each aggressive move – immediately transforming each defensive movement into an efficient attack. As the Systema practitioner ‘merges’ quite naturally with the attacker’s techniques, the attacker is essentially neutralised through his or her aggressive technique. As the attack is immediately nullified and ‘turned-back’ upon the attacker, the attacker has no time to ‘think’, or adjust the posture for another attack. In such an exposed position, defence is the only option for the aggressor, but as the Systema practitioner has already ‘penetrated’ the attacker’s defence, the stance-work is ‘uprooted’ and all further threat neutralised. Systema free-hand fighting emphasises the development of endurance, explosiveness, and sensitivity, all achieved in a natural and unhurried manner, despite the tempo of the fight. Even if the fight is ‘fast’, the Systema practitioner simply envelops the attack and reduces it to zero movement (and zero threat). Systema teaches the practitioner to end any violent encounter in the most efficient and quickest manner. This is achieved through a very high degree of unified and ‘aligned’ postural positioning and movement. The Systema practitioner moves the entire body in an over-all co-ordinated manner that allows each limb the freedom to locally adapt to rapidly changing circumstances and conditions. Any part of the body can be used as a weapon, and the Systema practitioner can fight standing-up or on the ground (similar to Brazilian Ju Jitsu). It makes no difference what orientation the human body occupies, as the scientific thinking behind Systema is used to adjust to the circumstance. This is because gravity and body mechanics always exist, providing the practitioner is existing within a gravitational field.
A major advantage of the Systema system is that any object can be used as a weapon, and not just military hardware. A mobile telephone, a notebook or even a pen can be used for self-defence or attack in Systema. Systema always tries to minimise injuries in training by emphasising the correct understanding and use of the human body. However, as the Soviets developed Systema as a military art, correct knowledge of anatomy and physiology allows the practitioner to fully understand all the strengths and weaknesses of the human body (and mind), and use that knowledge to inflict maximum damage on an opponent in times of warfare. Of course, in times of peace, and when training civilians, this knowledge is present, but its application is always controlled and applied in a less aggressive fashion. However, each Systema practitioner possesses the ability to adjust the level of intended ferocity, according to prevailing necessity. Systema practitioners possess many ingenious methods for taking a standing opponent to the ground. The point of Systema ground-fighting is not to participate in a pro-longed ‘sporting’ encounter, but rather to permanently ‘remove’ the opponent’s ability to respond. Being an essentially Soviet-style of military training, Systema’s use of weaponry is subtle, as even the different areas of a knife-handle (irrespective of the blade) can be used as a lethal weapon. Just like in many advanced Asian martial arts, the Systema practitioner aims directly at the body’s weak-points – such as the throat or eyes, etc. Finally, the (Soviet) Systema martial art has its foundation in correct breathing. This means that Systema has a modern and efficient ergonomic theory of scientifically guiding the breath. This allows the Systemic practitioner to breathe over a few minutes, so that the body's energy is balanced, instantly improving speed and strength. Correct breathing keeps the body oxygenated and free from tiredness or exhaustion during self-defence. Breathing whilst relaxed and aligned allows for incoming energy to be dissipated harmlessly through the exterior body tissue. Furthermore, should a Systema practitioner be attacked by attempted suffocation – the scientific breathing technique allows the defender to break free and escape the attack.
In this modern age, Systema has adapted to entirely new conditions, with its contemporary Russian teachers travelling the world, and recording their knowledge on the internet and through DVD. There is every reason to believe that this once advanced Soviet system of self-defence can now be developed to benefit everyone who encounters it, regardless of where they live. Ordinary people, as well as military personnel, or even bodyguards can all benefit from its advanced, scientific basis. This ancient Russian martial art of Systema was evolved during the Soviet era, and continues to be developed along scientific lines today. Therefore, Systema represents a rational approach to self-defence and combat, that even in post-Soviet Russia, remains free of superstition, religiosity and mythology.
©opyright: Adrian Chan-Wyles (ShiDaDao) 2016.
Original Chinese Language Source Article: http://wenku.baidu.com/view/769e6186bceb19e8b8f6ba4c.html?from=search
俄罗斯军警格斗术——西斯特玛
前苏联的特种部队队员们用西斯特玛执行着各种高风险任务,西斯特玛逐渐成为了官方指定的俄罗斯特种部队专署训练项目。在作为特种部队训练项目的期间内,军方加大力度对西斯特玛展开了科学的系统分析与整理,并在这个基础上不断地创新,使得这一古老的武术体系上升到了一个更成熟的阶段。但是由于前苏联政府对传统文化依旧是采取打压的态度,同时由于西斯特玛的敏感身份问题,政府依旧在民间严格禁止西斯特玛的传播,虽然西斯特玛依旧不是公开化的武术、依旧神秘,但总体来说西斯特玛的生命力已经开始渐渐复苏。 到了20世纪90年代,苏联解体后冷战也随之结束,随之而来的还有各种军事档案的解密,西斯特玛的神秘面纱终于被揭开。同时,部分前苏联特种部队退役人员离开俄罗斯前往西方国家定居,这其中就有一名对西斯特玛的发展贡献巨大的人物——米克海尔·理亚布科(Mikhail Ryabko)。理亚布科1961年出生,5岁时受家庭的影响跟随斯大林的前任贴身保镖学习格斗术。由于有着良好的天赋,15岁时就被征召入俄罗斯特种部队。后来理亚布科军衔升至上校,同时还担任政府中的特别顾问。理亚布科根据自己的多年经验对西斯特玛加以改进,在他定居国外后,编撰了一部分影响力巨大的西斯特玛教学出版物,让世界进一步了解了这种来自俄罗斯的武术,促进了西斯特玛的普及与发展。目前,理亚布科作为武术教练活跃在教学第一线,他的得意弟子弗拉基米尔·瓦西里耶夫(Vladimir Vasiliev)在加拿大安大略省开展了专门的教学,这被认为是除俄罗斯本土外最权威的西斯特玛教学地。理亚布科与瓦西里耶夫都用各自的方式为西斯特玛的传播做出了重要贡献,这种古老的武术正焕发着新的生命力。 技术风格 正如其名字“系统”一样,西斯特玛本身就是一个庞大的格斗体系,包含着徒手格斗及器械格斗两部分。后来在被苏联特种部队所吸收后,应军事要求在原先的基础上进一步发展出了暗杀和反暗杀技术,使西斯特玛的体系更加丰富。 有人把西斯特玛称为“俄式太极”,也有人称它为“俄式合气道”,但其实西斯特玛和这两种武术毫无半点关系。虽然这种称谓并不恰当,但也从一定程度上说明了西斯特玛的特性。西斯特玛的特点与太极拳及合气道十分相象,西斯特玛本身强调“放松”与“能量节约”,打击时强调“借力打力”,防守时强调“卸力”,讲究以最小的能量消耗来产生最大的攻击效果。在经过军队实战数据的分析及整理归纳后,这些特点被发展到了一个新的高度,现代科学数据使得这一古老的武术更加符合运动力学及人体生理学,甚至有着专门的呼吸方法来帮助减轻身体被攻击所产生的痛楚感。常常在一个瞬间,攻击者与被攻击者的身份就立马对调,在防御的同时完成攻击、在攻击的瞬间完成制服,这就是西斯特玛的神奇之处。同时,西斯特玛在为军队所服务的期间也发展出了一种独特的“泛武器化”体系,可以将身边的任何事物化为手中的利器,一部手机、甚至是一把梳子都能在意想不到不情况下成为致命的武器,发挥出超乎寻常的杀伤力。 西斯特玛的基础训练大致分为四个部分:徒手战斗、地面作战、武器使用及呼吸训练。徒手战斗部分顾名思义就是学习如何在站立状态下如何进行赤手空拳的战斗,手无寸铁之下如何做到最快结束战斗,这是这一部分的核心内容。西斯特玛的徒手战斗训练着重于耐力、爆发力、灵敏度的开发,把这些因素通过呼吸方法结合在一起,达到身体行动的高度一致,经常能做出连续性强、隐蔽性高的攻击动作。 地面作战是现代格斗技术的重要一环,巴西柔术就让人们见识到了地面战术的神奇,同样地受过军事战斗洗礼的西斯特玛也强调地面作战。西斯特玛将如何摔倒对手作为重点来学习,一但进入地面作战阶段则讲究在避免受伤的同时通过简单实用的体位变换来达到制服对手的目的。曾经有西斯特玛的教官演示过面对三人的围攻,先是以迅雷不及掩耳之势将对手拉入地面,然后以巧妙的手法将对方瞬间制服,其余的人就是无法对地面游鱼一般的教官实施有效攻击,教人叹为观止。 西斯特玛有着浓厚的军事作战风格,对武器的使用自然也是必修科目之一。前文中提到的“泛武器化”系统就是在这一基础上发展而来的。西斯特玛将人体的要害部位如咽喉等部位重点列出,强调器械对这些薄弱部位的打击。同时,西斯特玛也讲究武器的多样化使用,例如一人双手持不同的武器进行攻击,应变性强;甚至连一把刀的刀柄部位都可以是致命的武器,让对手防不胜防。 最后是西斯特玛的呼吸训练,这看似简单,却是西斯特玛的精华所在。前文已经提到西斯特玛有着独特的呼吸方法,这一训练的重点就是学习如何通过呼吸对人体状态产生有利的影响。西斯特玛有着现代人体工程学理论的科学指导,能在用呼吸在几分钟内将身体的能量调至平衡状态,瞬间提高自己的速度及力量。甚至西斯特玛的高手在遭遇窒息性暗杀术时,运用呼吸方法就能将其破解,脱离险境。 未来与展望 在当今国外,西斯特玛以其自身的优越性成为了街头防暴术的新贵,越来越多的人都走进专门的训练馆去练习这一种来自俄罗斯的武术。这与理亚布科、瓦西里耶夫等人的大力推广是分不开的,特别是理亚布科所编撰的一系列书籍让人们认识到了西斯特玛,而一系列专业教学的DVD的推出更是加速了西斯特玛的传播。由于经过现代军事技术理论的改良,西斯特玛更加适应时代的需求,深受保镖等特殊工作人员的欢迎,古老的西斯特玛焕发出了新的生命力。我们有理由相信,随着信息时代的高速发展,有着优秀实战性的西斯特玛必将会更为人所熟知,这一门古老的武术必将真正发扬光大。