SFL Episode 143: Edgars Cakuls

This episode, a fascinating discussion with Systema veteran and Head Instructor of Systema NYC, Edgars Cakuls.

In this second appearance on the show, Edgars reflects on ideas and concepts shared during his recent 2-day, outdoor seminar in Durham, North Carolina, entitled Working From the Spine.
Along the way, we cover:

• The critical importance of spinal integrity

• Stability vs fluidity

• Training body awareness versus conceptual-intellectual learning

• Redirection of force and power

Train with Edgars at Systema NYC

https://www.systemanewyorkcity.com

Mentioned in this episode:
2 day seminar with Ryō Onishi, June 11-12 2022
https://www.systemanewyorkcity.com/ryo-onishi-nyc-seminar.html#/

Episode 142: On Optimization

Hullo, Friends. After an 8-week sabbatical, Systema For Life returns this month with a broad discussion on the subject of focus, attention, and the attempt to "optimize" your daily training and life routines. I'm joined once again by coach and wellness expert, Howard Jacobson.

Here, we get into:

• Losing and reclaiming routines during the pandemic

• The upside and downside of tireless life-optimization

• The focus economy and "productivity porn"

• Psychological parallels between resolving conflict and resolving your struggles with life

• Advice for achieving that elusive, healthy balance

Hope you enjoy the conversation. Next one due out in a couple of weeks.

Find out more about Howie and his health and wellness coaching programs at www.plantyourself.com.

Episode 141: On Internal and External Work, with Jan Bloem

This week, another fascinating conversation with prolific movement scientist, neuroscientist, and martial artist Jan Bloem.

As we learned during our first conversation last year (see episode 124), Jan has studied the art and science of movement and combat at the very highest levels – on the theoretical side as an expert in kinesiology and psychomotor therapy, and on the front lines as a world champion karateka; a defensive tactics instructor to military and law enforcement; and as one of the early non-Russian students and instructors of Systema under the legendary Mikhail Ryabko.

Here, we build upon upon our earlier discussion of approaches to martial training, focusing on the value (and limitations) of "internal" work to health, self-development, and the realities of practical combat. Taking in along the way:

• internal work: problems with presentation and misapplied teaching

• shifting focus between the internal and the external

• the benefit of allowing and encouraging mistakes

• discovering power through the "less is more" approach

Many thanks to Jan for his tireless efforts to advance understanding in all martial arts.

Mentioned in this episode:

SFL Episode 124 (on YouTube):

Power Vs Force: the Hidden Determinants of Human Behaviour, by David Hawkins

The Principles of Effortless Power, by Peter Ralston

Books by Neuroscientist Antonio Damasio:

Looking For Spinoza:

The Feeling of What Happens:

Self Comes to Mind:

Find out more about Jan and his work here:

https://www.kinesica.nl/jan-bloem/