About this user
I was introduced to martial arts at age 5 with a little bit of Tiger Claw Kung Fu. Didn't start training until age 12 in Jujutsu and then Aikido and Pentak Silat. In the late 80s I started Bujinkan Taijutsu (Ninjutsu) and I have done and kept connected with them ever since. I did try traditional boxing in Sydney and Perth and liked the fitness, and conditioning you develop to strikes. More recently, I have tried Krav Maga, Thai Boxing and Wing Chun. All good, but non tweeked my interest enough to be a long term prospect. I joined Kali Sikaran recently too and have found this to be a very dynamic and effective art.
Then whilst reading a copy of Blitz, I noticed the name Systema in an article about a martial arts demonstration and was curious because I had never heard of it before. I did some research and saw all the negative comments on YouTube, but wanted to decide for myself. I found a school in Perth (much to my surprise) and the first thing that came to mind was how non Japanese it was. No hard blocks, tense muscles or gutteral Kiai's. Just an emphasis on relaxation and breathing regardless of the physical punishment metered to us. Not so much the cardio and strength, but the hits. It looks soft, ineffective and sometimes a bit contrived on YouTube but it is not. In fact, even after being involved with martial arts for nearly 40 years and doing boxing and kick boxing, I found it most disconcerting being hit so much and with such force and depth from the first day. What fascinated me was how relaxed yet devastating these movements were. Subtle strikes which seem insignifcant yet hit nerve pathways and other vital points with such force that you just don't want to take another swing or even get up. They don't use pads, guards or do strikes which stop short. They don't even use mats on the floor, so rolls, falls and grappling techniques take on a new painful meaning. Will it get into my blood like Bujinkan? Only time will tell.
Hometown
Perth
Country
Australia
Occupation
Registered Nurse, Aggression management and Code Black (restraint) trainer
Companies
Murdoch University, Health Department, Department of Defence
Schools
Murdoch University, Edith Cowan University, St Marks College
Interests
Self defence, Porsche cars, Rugby League