"That's the magic of Systema - it allows you to dismantle the prison that you've built for yourself...We've all built our own prisons - we've done it to ourselves - and gradually Systema dismantles that for you."
This week, a change of perspective from Instructor to student, as I talk with Marcia Walker - Principal Industry Consultant for Manufacturing at SAS, and Systema student here in NC since 2014.
Here, Marcia talks about her experiences as a woman training Systema; the insight Systema has given her into life, work and relationships; and how Systema has helped her become a stronger and more courageous person.
This month, Marcia will be presenting at the Raleigh Convention Center on the subject of parallels between Analytics and Martial Arts - accompanied by Glenn Murphy and Jeff Sodeman of NC SYSTEMA. Locals - find out more, and register online (for free) here.
Systema For Life Podcast - Episode 30: Edgars Cakuls
"Internal training...it's very important, because you study timing...you become more meditative...which means you sense yourself."
Extended interview with veteran Instructor and founder of Systema New York City, Edgars Cakuls.
Before beginning Systema, Edgars had an extended martial background in sambo, karate, kungfu, and other arts. But in Systema, he found something entirely different. Through regular pilgrimages to Russia and Japan, anddedicated training under Mikhail Ryabko and Vladimir Vasiliev, Edgars has acquired an uncommon depth of knowledge and understanding.
Here, we discuss the meaning of 'internal work', the necessity of patience, cultural differences between Systema students worldwide, and Systema as a kind of 'Zen in the body'.
Find out more about training with Edgars - and the other fine Instructors of Systema NYC - at https://www.systemanewyorkcity.com/
Systema For Life Podcast - Episode 29: On Pride and Ego
"Cultivating humility is one of the key characteristics of a good teacher, or of becoming a good teacher..."
This week, we're joined once again by health and wellness guru Howard Jacobson, for a discussion of the perils of pride.
Along the way, we touch upon what pride is; whether there's such a thing as "good" pride; moral/religious injuctions on pride; humility and realism as the anitdote to ego; and why bees are assholes :)
Mentioned in this episode: Ego is the Enemy, by Ryan Holiday
Follow Howie's healthy exploits online at www.plantyourself.com