Systema (meaning ‘the system’) is an ‘anything goes’ Russian martial art that was originally used strictly by military personnel such as the KGB and Spetsnaz. It is now gaining popularity among various police forces, security, and even your average Joe looking for realistic, no-nonsense self defense skills.
It varies from other martial arts by focusing on natural, simple techniques and movement. Its emphasizes utilizing ‘bio mechanics’ (focusing on controlling the levers of an attacker) as well as defense against weapons and other extreme situations such as dealing with multiple assailants.
In the following YouTube clip from the Discovery Channel show ‘Secret Service Secrets,’ systema and self defense expert Martin Wheeler demonstrates some of the systema techniques utilized by the Secret Service. These techniques can easily be adapted by anyone who’s confronted by an armed attacker – an all too common grim scenario in today’s world.
In the video, Wheeler goes over several various dire scenarios against attackers armed with both knives and guns. The main focus of all these scenarios is taking control of the weapon. When dealing with a gun Wheeler says “The first thing you want to do is try and get the line of fire away from the target.” Now the target could be yourself or an innocent bystander, either way it’s imperative to make sure it’s out of the way before you attempt to disarm.
It’s important to note however that these kind of techniques should only be attempted by trained professionals. Please be advised.
ABOUT MARTIN WHEELER
“Martin Wheeler is recognized as one of the world’s leading hand-to-hand combat masters. An expert in the Russian martial art Art of Systema as-well-as a range of the world’s most deadly martial arts. He is fourth degree black belt in Kenpo Karate, a black belt in Judo, has studied Filipino weapon fighting and boxing. The former bouncer turned contract instructor for elite police and military units is now teaching systema exclusively at the Academy Beverly Hills.”
SOURCE: http://www.theacademybeverlyhills.com/martinwheeler.html
