Video: Working In Confined Spaces by Glenn Murphy, Chief Instructor at NC Systema

This week at NC SYSTEMA we explore working in confined spaces:

Defending yourself when backed into a wall or corner can present some unique challenges. But once you understand that hard objects and confined spaces limit both the attacker and the defender, you can quickly turn the situation to your advantage. In many ways, it becomes a game of who is more comfortable and confident in that environment. And that comfort and confidence, of course, can only come with preparation, and with practice. Join us for a class to practice and learn more:

SFL Episode 88: Emmanuel Manolakakis

This week, more deep insights on the Against Tension seminar, hosted by Systema HQ Toronto in August 2019.
Your guest commentator? Your guest commentator? None other than Senior Systema Instructor - and Founder of Fight Club Toronto - Emmanuel Manolakakis.  

A veteran Instructor and direct student of Vladimir Vasiliev for over 25 years, Emmanuel always presents a fresh and fascinating perspective on Systema training. In this interview, we talk about:

• His overall impressions of the seminar

• The importance of looking at things with fresh eyes, and a beginner's mind

• How fine details (if you can see them) make the difference between competence and mastery

• The difference between functional relaxation (or "relaxing forward") and physical/psychological collapse

Much to chew on, here. Many thanks to Manny for taking the time to share his insights.

Find out more about training with Manny - and follow his Fight Pod podcast - at http://www.fight-club.ca/

Emmanuel Manolakis will be coming to NC SYSTEMA (Durham, NC) the weekend of January 25-26 2019, for part II of his Systema Explorations seminar series. This year's theme is progressing from Preparation and Play to Control. If you missed last year's seminar - no worries - attending Part I is not required in order to attend Part II. This is a stand-alone event, and there will be a recap of last year's themes and concepts. So whatever you do, don't miss this one! To find out more or register online, click the button below.

Video: Knife Defense Fundamentals by Glenn Murphy, Chief Instructor at NC Systema

This week at NC SYSTEMA, we slide back into the study of knife defense.

Knife defense videos are a popular target for Internet trolls, 'keyboard warriors', and so-called 'reality martial arts' enthusiasts.

"I would just shoot the guy"
"You should just run away"
"Great way to get cut"

These are all popular refrains on comment threads relating to knife videos. In some cases, these are valid criticisms. When faced with a knife-wielding attacker, deploying a firearm or running as fast and hard as you can are both perfectly valid responses.

Then again, they can also be pointless cop-outs that beg the following questions:

- What if you're not armed 24/7?
- What if your weapon jams?
- What if the attacker is too close, and stabs you before you can deploy it?

- What if you're injured, and you can't run?
- What if the attacker stands between you and the exit?
- What if you're carrying or defending a child?

I have yet to see a convincing answer to any of these questions from the would-be warriors and critics online.

Yes, you'll probably get cut. In all likelihood, you'll be hospitalized after the attempt. But in the situations above, that *might* just be preferable to shelling up, grappling ineffectively, or leaving your kids to die.

With that in mind, here we offer three basic principles of knife survival

1) if you can run, don't hesitate
2) fight the attacker, not the weapon
3) use leverage and/or your enivironment to your advantage

Comments and questions welcomed.