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The Strength of Flow: A Key Principle of Systema
“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

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Jun 105 min read


Stick Training Is Cooler (and More Useful) Than You Think
If you’ve ever watched a Russian martial artist moving with a stick and thought, “Wait... is that guy dancing or fighting?” — you're not...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Jun 14 min read


The Powerful Benefits of Systema Stick Training
Stick Training: More Than Just A Martial Arts Tool If you’re into movement culture, breathwork, or just looking for a practice that...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Jun 13 min read


The Connection Between Wave Work and Systema Martial Arts
In the world of internal martial arts, few concepts are as quietly powerful and deeply transformative as wave work . In Systema, known...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
May 252 min read


The Hidden Power of Defensive Movements
In the world of martial arts and self-defence, the spotlight often shines on high kicks, takedowns, and aggressive offence. However,...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
May 205 min read


The Power of being Offensive Minded
The Subtle Power of Offense: A Systema Approach to Attacking with Precision In many martial arts systems, offense is taught through rigid...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
May 113 min read


"The Wall Never Lies" – Exploring Wall Work in Systema
In the world of martial arts, training tools often include punching bags, focus mitts, and sparring partners. But in Systema, the Russian...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Apr 134 min read


Wired for Calm: Nervous System Training in Systema
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...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Apr 52 min read


Handling Multiple Opponents in Systema
Martial arts training often focuses on one-on-one combat, but in real-world self-defense situations, attackers rarely come alone. This is where Systema's fluid movements and adaptive approach, stands out. One of the key aspects of Systema training is learning how to handle multiple opponents simultaneously. This practice offers numerous benefits, both physically and mentally, that extend far beyond the training mats. When facing multiple opponents, awareness is paramount. Unl

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Apr 23 min read


Breath Holds: The Hidden Power in Martial Arts
Breath is the foundation of life, yet in martial arts, it often remains an overlooked aspect of training. Breathwork is not just a tool...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Feb 223 min read


Systema Offensive Applications
Systema Offensive Applications to Martial Arts and Life Known for its fluidity, adaptability, and efficiency, unlike rigid, pre-planned...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Feb 44 min read


Systema Seminar
A Boy to A Man I wish to take this chance to pass on mine and my son's first experience of training with Canadian Systema Instructor,...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Jan 232 min read


Training with a Stick
Incorporates stick work as a versatile tool to develop key principles of movement, awareness, and adaptability. This week will be...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Jan 173 min read


Martial Arts Concepts
In martial arts, pulling and pushing are fundamental concepts that transcend mere physical actions. They reflect deeper principles of...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Jan 82 min read


Martial Arts Muscle
Muscle Pairs and Movement (Antagonistic Pairs): Muscles work in pairs. One muscle contracts (shortens) to create movement, while the...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Jan 42 min read


Roots of Human Movement
The origins of human movement as it relates to Systema , the Russian martial art, are deeply rooted in a combination of natural...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Dec 16, 20242 min read


Speed and Slowness
In Systema , the Russian martial art, training with both speed and slowness plays a critical role in developing key physical, mental, and...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Dec 10, 20242 min read


Mobility Training
Mobility refers to the ability to adapt, move, and progress through various stages of life and challenges. It embodies physical and...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Dec 1, 20242 min read


Benches and Breathing
Training with benches in Systema serves several purposes, primarily enhancing adaptability, movement efficiency, and environmental...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Nov 24, 20242 min read


Impact Martial Arts Training
Systema approaches impact and contact training, focusing on developing sensitivity, adaptability, and resilience rather than relying...

Emmanuel Manolakakis
Nov 16, 20242 min read
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