The Russian Martial Art (Systema)

Lance Rewerts Bio

Lance has been studying martial arts for more than 17 years, training in a number of different styles. He began training at Iowa State University under Master Yong Chin Pak, studying Taekwondo, Hapkido and Judo, eventually earning a black belt in Taekwondo and a 3rd Dan in Hapkido. During his time at Iowa State he was a member of the Collegiate Nationals Taekwondo team, a team coach, an assistant instructor in both Taekwondo and Hapkido, and taught self-defense classes both on and off campus. For the last several years Lance has been training exclusively in the Russian Martial Art, The System, under Vladimir Vasiliev, and is currently the only person approved by Mr. Vasiliev to teach The System in the state of Iowa.

Description of Russian Martial Art (The System)

Russian Martial Art, or simply The System ("Systema"), is a comprehensive art based on centuries-old Russian martial arts traditions that have been developed and used in modern times by the elite units of the Russian Special Forces known as Spetsnaz.

The style is founded on the concept of natural, free movements and has no set stances or forms, and no specific group of techniques. As a result, each students' training is developed around their own strengths and abilities. Training is centered on the four concepts of Proper Breathing, Relaxation, Posture, and Constant Movement, with an emphasis placed on finding and eliminating unwanted physical and psychological tension. Movements within The System are smooth and relaxed but contain the potential for devastating speed and power.

The System is a fully integrated martial art covering all areas of unarmed and armed combat situations. Training in The System includes

• Extensive training in proper breathing and relaxation
• Russian conditioning drills for flexibility and joint mobility
• Safe falling and rolling on any surface
• Striking with any part of the body and from any angle
• Practical kicking and kick defenses
• Knife work and defense against a knife
• Defense against weapons and use of improvised weapons
• Defense in confined spaces
• Holds and releases
• Groundwork and defense on the ground
• Defense against mass attacks (multiple attacker)

Reasons people should train in The System

1. There are no belts, uniforms, or ranks

Everyone trains together in The System and there is no separation based on rank. Because The System is individualized, students are encouraged to train with people of all shapes, sizes, ages and abilities, and everyone is allowed to train to the best of their abilities.

2. There are no techniques to memorize

The System is based on natural movement and instinctive reactions rather than a set of standard techniques. Emphasis is placed on learning and understanding your own body's movements, rather than trying to force it in to a particular position. This allows each student to individualize the training to their own body, and ultimately protect themselves without conscious thought.

An added benefit of having nothing to memorize is that if you miss a class you will have to worry about falling behind other students. Every class is unique and offers the ability to learn and improve.

3. There are no Kata or Forms

Since movement within The System is natural and instinctive, each student will eventually develop their own individual style based on their own abilities. That, in combination with the fact that there are no formalized techniques, means there are no set combinations of movements to memorize, and training time is spent in hands-on training and personal exploration and development.

4. Training in The System includes the physical and psychological aspects of self defense

A person's ability to defend themselves is as much a function of their psychological state as it is there physical training. Most arts only focus on the physical - punching, kicking, blocking. The System teaches people to find and eliminate both physical and psychological tensions, and to recognize and deal with all types of fear. This, in turn, helps a student move more naturally and work as effectively as they possibly can.

5. Learn to effectively defend yourself in ANY situation

The System is a comprehensive martial art that teaches a student to work under almost any circumstances. Topics include defense from grabs, punches, and kicks, locks and chokes, attacks from single and multiple attackers, attacks on the ground and from many types of weapons. Almost any situation can be used to challenge and develop a students skills.

6. It is 100% FUN!

The System is the most fun you will ever have in a martial arts class! Students are taught to have a positive attitude and not become too serious and stiff. There is no marching, no yelling, and laughter is common.

For information on starting dates or our next introductory course and class tuition, please contact us today!