top of page

ARTICLES
Search


Real Self-Defence Training
Why East York Residents Are Turning to Systema? In a busy and ever-changing city like Toronto — especially in neighbourhoods such as East York — personal safety has become a growing concern. Whether you’re walking home after a late shift, commuting on a crowded subway, or simply returning from a late-night errand, the possibility of unpredictable danger can be unsettling. That’s why self-defence training is more relevant than ever, and many East York residents are discovering

Emmanuel Manolakakis
4 hours ago3 min read


Personal Safety in Toronto
Beyond Kicks, Punches, and Tough-Guy Myths Toronto is one of the safest major cities in the world—but, like any big urban centre, it asks its residents for something: awareness. The kind of awareness that lets you notice what’s going on around you, make smart decisions under pressure, and navigate the city with confidence—whether you're commuting home late, walking through a crowded event, or just crossing a busy intersection while half the street is on their phones. This is

Emmanuel Manolakakis
6 days ago4 min read


Systema Stick Work at FightClub
The Hidden Power of Weapons Training Weapons training often conjures images of rigid forms, memorized routines, and stylized exchanges. Systema stick work is not about learning choreography or collecting techniques. It is about developing a deeper, more truthful understanding of movement, psychology, and resilience. In our school, the stick is more than a weapon. It is a teacher—one that offers immediate, honest feedback in a way that no mirror, video, or verbal cue can match

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Nov 164 min read


Systema Unique Martial Arts Training
When people think of martial arts, they often imagine speed, power, and precision — kicks that crack the air, punches that land with perfect timing, or throws that send opponents flying. But underneath all those impressive techniques lies a quieter, more profound skill — balance. At FightClub Toronto, one of the most unique martial arts training approaches we emphasize through Systema is the study of balance work . It might not look flashy, but it is the invisible thread that

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Nov 84 min read


Wall Work — Unique Martial Arts Training
The Hidden Teacher in Wall Work In the world of martial arts, everyone loves the flashy parts — the strikes, the throws, the takedowns. But behind every powerful movement lies something much quieter, much deeper. At FightClub, we call it wall work — and it might be one of the most unique martial arts training methods you’ll ever experience. At first glance, wall work looks simple: you stand, lean, or get pressed against a wall. No spinning kicks, no dramatic falls, no cinema

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Oct 264 min read


Tension and Relaxation in Martial Arts Training
At FightClub, we often remind students that martial arts isn’t just about how hard you can hit or how fast you can move — it’s about how efficiently you can balance tension and relaxation in martial arts. That balance is the invisible thread connecting strength with skill, power with flow, and control with creativity. Every martial artist, from the first-day beginner to the long-time black belt, wrestles with this paradox. You need tension to stay structured and stable. You n

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Oct 224 min read


Learn How to Fight the Right Way
Let’s start with a truth bomb: everyone thinks they know how to fight. Until they actually have to. At FightClub , we’ve seen it all — the YouTube warriors, the “I-watched-a-Bruce-Lee-movie-once” experts, and the folks who think shadowboxing in their bathroom mirror makes them dangerous. They’re enthusiastic, sure, but they’ve all missed the point. If you really want to learn how to fight the right way , you have to forget almost everything you think you know about fighting.

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Oct 185 min read


Grabs and Holds Systema-Style: More Swagger, Less Panic
Picture this: someone suddenly grabs your wrist. You heart does a little leap, your shoulders tighten, and your first instinct is to brace, pull, or freeze. Now picture the exact opposite — you breathe, feel the pressure, shift your weight, and the grab becomes... an invitation to move. That’s the Systema way of handling grabs and holds: relaxed, curious, and oddly graceful. Systema doesn’t teach rigid moves with complicated names. Instead it gives you a toolbox of tiny, huma

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Sep 282 min read


Stick Work: Self Defence Training at FightClub in Toronto
Learn how Systema stick work at Fight-Club.ca builds awareness, confidence, and calm under pressure. Join our Toronto self defense training today! Why Stick Training Matters in Self-Defence When most people think about Toronto self defense training , they picture punches, kicks, or escapes. But what happens if a stick, umbrella, or any everyday object is involved? At Fight-Club.ca , we teach Systema stick work — a practical, calm, and effective method to improve awareness, t

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Sep 204 min read


Training with Eyes Closed - Systema at FightClub Toronto
When most people think of martial arts training, they imagine high kicks, powerful punches, or quick footwork. But at FightClub in...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Sep 144 min read


Comparing Systema Kicks Against Traditonal Martial Arts
Kicking has always been one of the defining features of martial arts. From the roundhouse of Muay Thai to the high kicks of Taekwondo and the stomping low-line strikes of Karate, kicking arts have shaped the way people train for combat, fitness, and sport. Each system has its unique philosophy, mechanics, and strategy behind how kicks are executed. But when we compare these structured “kicking arts” with Systema , the Russian martial art, an interesting contrast emerges. Syst

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Sep 75 min read


De-Escalation: The First Level of Self-Defence Training
When most people think of self-defence in Toronto , they picture learning martial arts techniques—blocks, strikes, kicks, or escapes. While physical skills are important, the truth is that the very first and most powerful level of self-defence isn’t physical at all. It’s the ability to de-escalate an angry person before things turn violent. Conflict is part of life. On the streets of Toronto, in workplaces, on public transit, or even at home, emotions can run high and tempers

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Aug 244 min read


The Feet: Your Hidden Source of Power In Martial Arts
When people think of strength in martial arts, they often imagine a powerful punch, a crushing kick, or a dominating throw. But true athletic power does not begin with the arms or even the legs—it starts at the feet. The way you connect to the ground dictates how much strength and speed you can generate. At FightClub in East York, Toronto , we teach students that strong leg drive begins at the foundation, and when trained properly, it changes everything about the way you move

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Aug 225 min read


Youth Self-Defence Training: Timeless & Essential
Today’s youth face a range of challenges—academic pressure, social dynamics, digital distractions, and a fast-changing world. In the midst of it all, there’s one skill that remains timeless and essential: self-defence . But real self-defence is about more than just knowing how to block a punch. It’s about building confidence, awareness, and emotional strength. At Fight-Club.ca , our youth self-defence training program offers kids and teens in East York, Toronto, a safe and s

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Jul 263 min read


Why Systema is a Unique Self-Defence Training in East York
When it comes to self-defence training in Toronto, there are many martial arts to choose from—Karate, Taekwondo, Muay Thai, Brazilian...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Jul 264 min read


The Power of Bench Work: Systema Training at FightClub
In the world of martial arts, it's easy to become fascinated with the complex—the spinning kicks, intricate locks, or multi-step takedowns. But in Systema, known for its fluidity, adaptability, and focus on natural movement, strength is often found in simplicity. One of the clearest examples of this principle is bench work . At first glance, using a simple wooden bench in martial arts training may seem unusual or even primitive. But in the context of Systema, the bench become

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Jul 203 min read


The Secret Weapon in Systema: Your Training Partner
In the world of martial arts, there’s often a lot of noise about techniques, tactics, and toughness. But if you’ve spent any time on the...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Jun 223 min read


Toronto Summer Heat and Systema Training
Summer has officially landed in Toronto — and it’s not pulling any punches. At FightClub, we’re no strangers to training in real-life...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Jun 223 min read


Self Defence Training in Toronto Is More Important Than Ever
Unlock Your Confidence: Why Self Defence Training in Toronto Is More Important Than Ever In a fast-paced city like Toronto , knowing how...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Jun 182 min read


Elevate Your Systema Knife Training
Here are essential tips to elevate your Systema knife training game. Stay Relaxed—Seriously Tension is your enemy. When a knife is...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Jun 142 min read
bottom of page



