SFL Episode 57: On (Self) Defense

This week, another freeform conversation with health and wellness guru (and happy Systema advocate) Howard Jacobson. In this episode, we talk principles of defense.

Much has already been said about defense from a physical or legal standpoint. Rather than go over this ground, we look at the very idea of defense, asking questions like:

  • are self-defense and pacifism mutually exclusive?

  • "the best defense is a good offense" - True? False? Why?

  • how confidence in defense provides options beyond conflict

  • extending the concept of defense to diet, lifestyle, relationships

Find out more about Howie's healthy antics at www.wellstarthealth.com

SFL Episode 56: Nelson Wagner

Conversation with Nelson Wagner - physical educator, martial artist, and chief instructor at Systema Brazil. Having studied a wide range of martial styles - including kungfu, kendo, aikido and krav maga - Nelson was first exposed to Systema in 2003, and became an instructor at the 2008 Summit of Masters event. He now teaches defensive tactics to military, prison, and federal agent groups, along with regular classes at his school in São Paolo. Here, we discuss:

  • his first, friendly impressions of Systema and its masters

  • the universal applicability of Systema to life and relationships

  • instructor tendencies - both good and bad

  • the value of sitting back and letting students solve their own problems

  • similarities between Systema and gymnastic training

  • the necessary balance between stabilization and mobility

    Find out more about training with Nelson at http://www.artemarcialrussa.com.br

SFL Episode 55: David Merrill

In-depth conversation with David Merrill - veteran Systema practitioner, and the first American to be granted an Instructor qualification by Systema HQ Moscow. Here, we discuss Dave's early experiences in Systema, and how his concept of the style has changed over many years of training and teaching. Along the way, we also cover:

  • his (critical) motivation for learning Systema knife defense

  • his first training trip to Siberia and Moscow

  • his tough intitiation with Mikhail Ryabko

  • returning to form, and the tension-free state

  • the value of changing the way you think

    See a clip of David in action here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2faL58tSGj0