|
Systema ("The System") (also known as Combat Sambo Spetsnaz) is a Russian combat system also utilized by Spetsnaz. It is designed to be highly adaptive and practical, training using drills and sparring instead of set kata. Because of its open nature, it is effective against many different fighting styles.
A brief history of Systema
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.
When the Communists came to power in 1917, many Russian traditions were suppressed, and the teaching and practice of Systema was banned from the general public. However, even during this time Systema continued to live.
While ancient family traditions continued in secret, of particular interest are Sokoli Stalina (Stalin's Falcons). Joseph Stalin's bodyguards used Systema while he was in power for almost 30 years till his death in 1953 and then it was used by the Special Military Operations Units for the highest risk missions in Spetsnaz units (the KGB's Special Forces), the GRU and other government facilities.
The term "Combat Sambo Spetsnaz" was coined to misdirect Systema's relation to Sambo. There is little relation between the two styles.
It is due to the strictly-enforced ban on non-sanctioned traditions that 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, Kozachiy Sploch, Fist fighting by Gruntovsky and many more).
Systema in the media
External links
|
