Video: Systema Massage by Glenn Murphy, Chief Instructor at NC Systema

Massage and physical body-tempering are essential elements of Systema training, and part of what makes it such an effective - and sustainable - style of martial art.

There are many ways to train for fighting, and for practical self-defense. But a good number of them will leave you physically or psychologically damaged within a decade or so, in effect *decreasing* your readiness and effectiveness in the long term.

Sure, 20 and 30-somethings may get away with it for a while. But for most martial artists, joint pain, muscle strains, and progressive immobility are the norm. In short, it's not really self-defense if you kick your own arse first.

Not so with Systema - where we dedicate at least as much time to preparing and repairing our bodies as we do studying how to disassemble those of our opponents. Here, we walk through a basic massage pattern you'll see at the end of most Systema classes - here, and across the globe.

Curious to learn and practice more? Join us for a class: http://www.ncsystema.com/free-intro

SFL Episode 91: Gary Bernier

This week, we chat with Ontario-based Systema Instructor and Marketing/Communications specialist Gary Bernier.

Living, training, and teaching just an hour or so from Systema HQ Toronto, Gary has had the benefit of hitting almost every HQ seminar since 2008, starting with his first experience at the 2008 Immersion Camp. Along the way, he has also learned much about how to apply Systema to enhance his personal and professional life. Topics here include:

• how Systema widens your viewpoint beyond the self

• distinguishing genuine intentions from inferences

• the time trap - in training, and in office relations

• the need for deep training, and regular cleansing of the psyche
  
  Fun stuff, great insights. Enjoy!
  

Train with Gary at http://systemageorgetown.com.

Video: Systema and Edged Weapon Confrontations by Glenn Murphy, Chief Instructor at NC Systema

This week, we return to the study of edged weapons, and the physical and psychological limitations they present.

As discussed here, ALL interactions involving knives are potentially lethal confrontations. So we need to be realistic about the stakes, and escape if we possibly can.

On the other hand, if you're *not* able to escape - say, you're stuck defending a child or family member - it helps to have an understanding of how over-dependence on a weapon might limit your attacker.

Only then do you have a decent chance of surviving and prevailing in the moment.

Curious to learn and practice more? Join us for a class: http://www.ncsystema.com/free-intro