SFL Episode 75: Lloyd Robrecht

This week, amiable and wide-ranging chat with my good friend - and Head Instructor at Roanoake Systema - Lloyd Robrecht. 
Lloyd began his martial arts career in Shotokan karate, and later progressed through Bujinkan ninjutsu, Aiki-jujitsu, and a range of other styles before finding Systema. Here, we discuss what drew him and kept him in Systema, and how it relates to his wider work and family life. Including:

- the integrity and straightforwardness of Systema

- the connection between commitment and progress

- the puzzle of pride vs faith and self belief

- what parents, teachers, and counsellors can learn from Systema

Find out more about training with Lloyd at at his Roanoke, Virigina school here

SFL Episode 74: Alberto Nacif

This week, a fascinating discussion with Michigan-based physician, musician, and Systema aficionado, Alberto Nacif.

As a doctor of family medicine leading several practices near Detroit, MI, Alberto is a renowned expert in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and mood regulation disorders. As an award-winning composer and musician, his bands have claimed the Detroit Music Awards for Best Jazz Recording and Best World Music Band three times so far. As a Systema instructor and practitioner, he sees the influence of Systema in all of it.

Here, we touch upon:

his take on what Systema is, and what it does to the body

how Systema has influenced his medical practice

how Systema relates to - and can help with - musical composition and performance

the transcendent, positive role of Systema in building character, community, and society

Alberto is a relentlessly positive and uplifting fellow, and a credit to the Systema community. I defy you to listen to this and not come away feeling more positive about your practice.

Read more on the Science of Systema by Alberto at RMA.com

Check out Alberto’s award-winning jazz combo, Aguanko (I highly recommend them) here.

Enjoy!

SFL Episode 73: Scott Meredith

This week, a spirited conversation with author, technologist, Tai Chi Instrcutor, and Systema devotee Scott Meredith.  Scott is the co-author and editor of Vladimir Vasiliev's phenomenal trilogy of Systema books - Let Every Breath, Strikes: Soul Meets Body, and Edge. As such, he has enjoyed the rare privilege of many hours, days, and weeks in the company of mastery, and has much to say about just how unique Systema is as a martial training methodology.

Here, we discuss:

- How he found his way to Systema, and helped to spread the word worldwide
- How he views the books, and the process by which he wrote them with the Vasilievs
- His sense of awe and admiration in working with Vladimir
- How he juggles a high-tech job and life with personal practice

Purchase the superb new book, Edge online (along with Strikes, and Let Every Breath) at https://systemavasiliev.com/store/product-category/books-publications/

View Scott's catalog of (non-Systema) martial arts books on Amazon here: https://www.amazon.com/s?k=scott+meredith+books