ARTICLES

There’s a quiet power in being stubborn — when it’s done right. Most people use the word like an insult, a way to describe someone who...

In a busy city like Toronto, life moves quickly. We navigate crowded streets, commute on public transit, and spend long hours at work or...

“The Strongest People Don’t Force It. They Flow” Life often feels like one long game of “don’t-panic-you’ve-got-this,” right? From personal problems to work stress to the occasional grocery store meltdown (because who actually remembers to grab the eggs?), it’s easy to think we can power our way through everything by sheer force of will. We get tense, we grind, we push, we shove … and somehow, it doesn’t always work out the way we want. But here’s a thought: What if instead o

"Progress Over Perfection" In the journey of learning martial arts, there's a quiet truth that separates those who burn out from those...

Archery training is more than Just Hitting the target. In an age dominated by high-tech fitness routines and fast-paced sports, archery...

One of the most unique and powerful aspects of Systema, isn’t in its strikes or takedowns—it’s in how it trains the nervous system. Where...

The Art of Negotiation: Make Good Agreements That Build Trust and Avoid Resentment In the realm of negotiation and resolving...

Illusions vs Delusions Illusions and delusions are related to perception but have distinct meanings. Illusions refer to misperceptions or...

Understanding human nature can significantly benefit your training in several ways. Behavioural Patterns: People who understand human...

Ambush-style crimes typically involve surprise attacks on unsuspecting victims. The perpetrators may hide or lie in wait for their target...

Play in adult learning refers to intentionally integrating playful and interactive elements into adult educational experiences. While play is often associated with childhood, research has shown that incorporating play into adult learning environments can enhance engagement, creativity, and overall learning outcomes. Here are some key aspects of play in adult learning ... Play encourages active participation and engagement. Adults learn better when they are actively involved

How can you incorporate deep work principles into your Systema practice? Eliminate Distractions Choose a quiet and focused environment for your training. Turn off notifications on your phone or any other electronic devices. Inform others about your training time to minimize interruptions. Set Clear Goals Define specific and challenging goals for each training session. Break down larger goals into smaller, manageable tasks. Focus on improving specific techniques or aspects of

Absolutely, adaptability and open-mindedness are essential aspects of mental discipline in martial arts. Here's a deeper look at how they...

To flourish and grow in a many-sided uncertain and ever changing world that surrounds us, I suggest that we have to make intuitive...

Belief is common. Faith less so. Is it really enough to understand the teachings? Words are easily memorized and repeating is easily confused for wisdom. If it is true that the highest level of Systema is available to any person, then it is also true that they won't be found just in learning. In other words it is not enough to show up to class and just go through the motions by repeating words and movements. "There is something about martial arts that cannot be understood. It

You must have a clear, hearty and open mind to receive Systema. You must be an empty cup. Noble sounding words, but what does it mean to have an empty cup? You have to be able to let go of everything you know about Systema if you wish to learn from a great teacher. How can a student learn form a teacher when the student already believes they know the lesson? In the beginning its normal to cling to 'what you know', but Systema is changing. It moves, it transforms itself, it's

Staying calm under pressure is so important in highly charged situations. Fear and anger can cause even the most skilled martial arts to panic and doubt themselves. For you to be calm, you must practice being in the state more often. Here’s what I learned about the calmest people and what helped me the most: Move daily. At least a daily 20-minute walk or the exercise equivalent. There must be movement. Like caged animals, humans do not fare well when sedentary for too long. T

Anxiety is a signal that danger is imminent. When the danger is real, anxiety can help to keep us safe. The problem is that for many people, anxiety becomes a false alarm – and it can make someone feel just as threatened as if there was real danger ahead. Most of us are familiar with the physical sensations of anxiety, such as a rapid heartbeat or a sinking feeling in the stomach, and mental symptoms, such as racing and worrisome thoughts. In terms of behaviour, avoidance i

Passion typically masks a weakness. It’s breathless and a poor substitute for discipline, for perseverance and purpose. You need to spot...

When training at FC and in our lives, it's easy to get caught up in simply doing more. But productivity (at least, how I define it) isn't...