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Writer's pictureEmmanuel Manolakakis

Benches and Breathing

Training with benches in Systema serves several purposes, primarily enhancing adaptability, movement efficiency, and environmental awareness. This week, we will use the benches (and breathing) in training.


Environmental Adaptability

To prepare for real-world scenarios where the environment may include obstacles like furniture or uneven surfaces. This builds the ability to use and navigate around objects in the environment as part of self-defence or offensive strategies.


Improved Balance and Coordination

Perform movements on, around, or over a bench to train balance and coordination and strengthen the ability to maintain stability during dynamic or constrained movements.


Situational Awareness

To develop spatial awareness and the ability to use objects like benches for tactical advantage. Encourages mindfulness of the surroundings and the creative use of objects for defence, positioning, or leverage.


Physical Conditioning

To improve strength, endurance, and flexibility through bench exercises (e.g., push-ups, jumps, or balance drills). Builds functional fitness that translates to better performance in combat scenarios.


Stress Testing and Control

Simulate stressful or confined conditions by incorporating benches into drills, testing composure, and breathing under pressure. This trains the practitioner to remain calm and efficient, even in difficult environments.


Creative Problem-Solving

The bench is used as an improvised tool or barrier to foster creativity in responding to attacks or challenges. It encourages innovative thinking and adaptability in combat situations.


Partner Interaction and Drills

The goal is to practice techniques such as grappling, takedowns or escapes using the bench as part of the dynamic environment. Develops collaborative training scenarios that enhance technical skills and strategic thinking.

By training with benches, students learn to integrate their environment into their movements, reinforcing the core principles of fluidity, efficiency, and adaptability. This approach ensures readiness for unpredictable real-world situations.



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