SFL Episode 52: Martin Wheeler - Choice, Precision, and Guided Instinct

Extended discussion with world-renowned martial artist and Senior Systema Instructor, Martin Wheeler, on the morning before his 2018 seminar in Durham, NC. Some true pearls and gems of martial wisdom in this one.

  • the juggling act of spontaneity, creativity, and precision

  • the value and danger of “go-to” techniques

  • the necessity of losing, failing, and “dying” in training

  • developing “guided instincts”, versus “natural movement”

Mentioned in this episode:


- On Fencing, by Aldo Nadi


Find out more about Martin's seminars and workshops worldwide at wheelersystema.com

SFL Episode 51: On Tension and Structure - with Mark Jakabcsin

Special episode recorded at a private training event in South Carolina last month, hosted by veteran Systema Instructor Mark Jakabcsin. Mark, recently returned from the 2018 Structure of Freedom camp, brought together Instructors from across the Carolinas to train for two days at a private lakeside location near Rock Hill, SC.

Here, muse on Mark's insights from the camp, and on the relationship between tension, power, and structure in Systema.
Apologies for the variable sound quality on this one. The recording started outdoors by the pool, and was aburptly moved indoors when a sudden downpour arrived.

SFL Episode 50: Funda Gul

This week, a thought-provoking conversation with New Jersey based yogi, dancer, traceur, and Systema Instructor, Funda Gul.

Born in Ankara, Turkey, Funda began her martial training in Aikido, and found Systema (in the form of Systema Manhattan instructor Edgars Cakuls) after moving to the USA for college in 2009. A PhD in mathetmatics, a talented movement artist, and an endlessly curious student and teacher of Systema, Funda brings a unique and fascinating perspective to our style.

Here, we discuss:

  • her early, counter-cultural experiences as a woman training martial arts in Turkey

  • similarities and disctinctions between Systema and improvisational dance forms

  • the essential qualities of touch, connection, and sensitivity in training

  • the origins of ParCon - her unique fusion of Parkour and Contact Improvisation

  • her experiences as a woman training and teaching Systema (both good and bad)

Find out more about training with Funda at https://www.jiyu.us/instructors-1/

Click below to see her working with Pasquale Antonio of Jersey City Systema. (Skip to 2:43 to get straight to the action).