SFL Episode 49: Vali Majd

Deep discussion with veteran Systema Instructor and Founder of Roots Dojo / Systema School of Warrior Arts, Vali Majd.

Vali has been training Systema with Vladimir Vasiliev for almost as long as Vlad has been teaching - nearly 25 years. In addition to his security work and training first responder groups, he runs a full-time Systema school on remote Denman Island, British Columbia, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Here, we talk at length about his experiences in training Systema - from the early, brutal dayswith Vlad's orginal Toronto group, to the deep, focused training he explores today. Along the way, we cover:
 

• the shared roots of martial arts, and the importance of training the basics
• the importance of periodization, taking the longview in training
• why he runs an epic 8-year cycle of instruction at his woodland paradise retreat
• the role of spirituality in martial arts
• how to ensure that you’re training for the reality of physical violence, while avoiding straying into fighting for pride, vanity, or pleasure

Find out more about training with Vali, and the 3-month internship program at Roots Dojo, here: http://rootsdojo.com/systema/

Referenced in this Episode: Vali's YouTube clip on Systema Attributes (click below)

SFL Episode 48: On Parenting

This week, one for the hardworkin' parents out there, as Glenn Murphy and wellness guru Howard Jacobson address the challenges, similiarities, and reciprocal benefits of Systema and parenting. Along the way, we delve into:

• what Systema can teach us about being good parents
• command and conquer vs engage and redirect parenting
• the role of movement in managing overwhelming emotions
• avoiding the traps of stubbornness and pride
• why too much praise is harmful to kids, and to Systema trainees

Mentioned in this episode:

The Whole Brain Child by Daniel Siegel and Tina Bryson
http://www.drdansiegel.com/books/the_whole_brain_child/

Nurtureshock by Pø Bronson and Ashley Merryman
https://www.amazon.com/NurtureShock-New-Thinking-About-Children/dp/0446504130

Leading with Emotional Courage by Peter Bregman
http://bregmanpartners.com/books/leading-with-emotional-courage/

Enjoy!

As usual, your feedback welcomed.  Thanks for supporting the podcast.

SFL Episode 47: Pasquale Antonio

This week, a spirited discussion with Pasquale Antonio, founder of Jiyu Movement and Head Instructor at Jersey City Systema.
Among the many topics we cover, we touch upon:

• the benefits and limitations of specialization in sports and movement
• the tangled relationship between speed, strength, and skill
• how he uses Systema to explore and teach a wide range of movement disciplines, including yoga, dance, gymnastics, calisthenics, parkour and contact improvisation
• why Systema is the free jazz of martial arts!

Find out more about training with Pasquale at https://www.jiyu.us/