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Systema is believed to date back to the 10th century and has been constantly evolving. Since Russia is such a large country, it contains many different ethnic groups, most of which have traditional fighting methods. Also, Russia has had to repel invaders from all directions. Because of this, Russia has absorbed and combined styles from China, Japan, Europe, and even parts of Greco-Roman wrestling. This "best of many worlds" history led to a very powerful fighting style.

Unfortunately, when the Communists came to power in 1917, almost all Russian traditions were crushed, and the teaching and practice of Systema was banned for the general public. However, recognizing its usefulness, the Communists used Systema to train Spetsnaz, the KGB's Special Forces units. Due to the strictly-enforced ban, it was not until the fall of Communism that Systema became known to the outside world. It is still fairly obscure, but growing in popularity.

Since the collapse of the Soviet system, many Russian fighting styles have re-emerged through training, competition, and media publicity. These styles include: Sambo, Slaviano-Goretskaya Borba (StormWarrior style), the military style taught by AA Kadochnikov , plus a variety of folk styles (e.g. Busa, Skobar, Forest Warrior, and Kozachiy Sploch).

1 Systema in the media

• http://www.ctvtravel.ca/shows/?mode=1&id=317 -- CTV Travel's "Go Warrior" has one episode showing Ryabko's Systema.

2 External links

• http://russianmartialart.com -- Russian Martial Art / The System, by Vladimir Vasiliev (via Mikhail Ryabko)
  • http://russianmartialart.com/main.php?page=affiliates -- Affiliates, has some other websites
  • http://www.russianmartialart.com/forum/ -- Primary forum
• http://russianmartialart.org -- Systema: New England
  • http://www.rmaforum.com -- Another great forum.
• http://www.rma-systema.com
• http://www.formauk.org/ross.html
• http://sysy.homeip.net/index.php/Systema -- An enthusiast's personal website.