Russian Martial Art : Systema
Systema is a combat style of fighting originating from the Russia and used by the Spetnaz (Russian Special Forces). Many think because of its relaxed style that it has its origins in the Chinese martial arts (well they are on the same continent and certainly fought a few wars over the years) along with Aikido, though this is not clear. Systema uses elliptical open-hand striking system, kicking, and defense on the ground. The key principle of the Russian System is non-destruction just like aikido (though aikido doesn't employ striking methods typically). The goal is to make sure that your training and your attitudes do no damage to the body or the psyche of you or your partners. (adapted from here). Our aikido club maintains a close relationship with and helped establish the first Brisbane Systema school.
Stanley Pranin , a well known aikido researcher comments on Systema and it relevance to Aikido
My first exposure to Systema, the Russian Martial Art popularized by Mikhail Ryabko and Vladimir Vasiliev, came in April 2001. I was in attendance at the formal presentation of a Shindo Yoshin-ryu Menkyo Kaiden to Sensei Toby Threadgill in Dallas, Texas. At the party following the ceremony, a group gathered in the living room to watch martial arts videos. At least 20 of us--mostly seasoned martial artists with decades of training experience--watched parts of videotapes of several styles and eventually got to one on a Russian martial art that most were seeing for the first time....
...Out on the mat I found the training in Systema to be very rigorous. It includes lots of pushups, situps, varied breathing exercises, and body strengthening exercises. Since it is so demanding, anyone who seriously trains will become very fit quickly. The techniques themselves are applied with wave and spiral-type motions which can transform into a cascade of follow-up movements depending on the reaction of the attacker. An important part of training time is devoted to light, sparring exercises that are quite enjoyable and constantly challenge you to resist the temptation to use power. Systema techniques performed at the highest level use only the minimum amount of energy and operate largely on a mental/psychic plane......"
Read the full article on the Aikido Journal here
Aikido
A modern martial art developed from the traditional Samurai class of martial arts in Japan. Aikido has no blocks or punches but instead redirects the attackers energy to throw or immobilise them. Suitable for men, women and children. With a good mix of aerobic and weight bearing training its a good way to maintain inner and outer health and pick up some handy skills as well.
Griffith Aikido
A dynamic martial arts club that has been operating on Brisbanes Southside for over 25yrs offers regular beginners courses for newcomers, classes for kids and advanced training for the old hands. Men and women of all ages enjoy training in a co-operative atmosphere under the guidance of Japan recognised instructors and benefit from regular visits by senior instructors from Japan. Start Today
