What holds back our Systema?

When studying Systema we find points in our practice where our development seems to stand still. During these moments it is natural to reflect on the reasons for this perceived stagnation and think about the new things we need to learn in order to continue or improvement.

Ironically this can be the very opposite of what we really need. For me Systema is a process of giving up what we have learnt in order to become what we really are. This takes place on many levels.

Previously learnt martial arts

What appears the most simple thing to give up is the moves and practices of the martial arts that we previously studied. It sounds easy at first, until we take into account the effect our pride has on this process. Often we cling to our old martial practice, as if it is a life vest in stormy water, because with out it we we are returned to the level of novice. This is simply false. If we discard the old, the healthy movements from our past present themselves naturally during our work, because they were never really lost.

When we hold onto our old techniques we force them to fit situations where they are not the simplest or most efficient possibility. We are blinded from the opportunities the situation presents us with.

Use of weight training and body building

The exercises we use in the System have been developed to increase our understanding and ability to use it. Despite this we often find students using weights during the own workouts. What is the reason for this? Anyone who has spent time in Systema will realise how strong and healthy the exercises can make us, but they are not designed for achieving asthetic beauty or increasing the size of our physical stature. Again fear and pride rear their ugly head to hold us back. On average most people who attend a gym visit it 3 times a week. There they will spend at least 1 hour working out with a variety of weights and equipment. Often whilst doing this fast energetic music is blasted out to further excite the nervous system.