20th Century Evolution:

While these practices can be traced back to the 10th century, the modern version of Systema was

largely brought to the west by founder Mikhail Ryabko and Vlademir Vasiliev in the 1990s'.

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Training with The Systema Masters

My brother had sent an email inviting me to visit Mount Athos. He said "You can stay for a few weeks

if you can afford the time. He recommended a timeline - late Sept early Oct, that way I could meet

the Russian breath masters who would be visiting around the same time.

 

Russian breath masters? ​

I distinctly remember the day the Systema group arrived. I was sitting outside watching the

pilgrims and monks moving about when a jeep pulled in about 20 metres away. ​

Several men got out of the vehicle and I recognized Vlademir from his Youtube videos.

He was looking around and appeared to see me...?

He started walking over in my direction...

Came up and sat down next to me.  

I wasn't quite sure what was happening.??

I turned to Vlademir and he had this disarming warm smile.​

"Hello David, would you like to do some training tomorrow??''

What... he knows who I am? 

"Hello Vlademir... yes I would like that."

"Ok... see you then."

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Later that day I mentioned to my brother what had occurred.

He said he'd mentioned to Vlademir in an email that I would be visiting.

So although there were dozens of pilgrims and monks moving about...

Vlademir was able to assess in a split second I was the visiting brother.

A beautiful example of his powers of observation and awareness

 

Vlademir Vasiliev is a former Special Units Spetsnaz instructor, a renowned Systema master 

and founder of the first Systema school outside of Russia, established in Toronto Canada in 1993.

His Systema emphasizes relaxation, breathing, movement and fighting efficiency 

 

Konstantin Komarov, a Systema master, is a PhD in Combat Psychology,

a commander to military professionals, and a highly experienced bodyguard.

One of the most knowledgeable and thorough Systema masters of our time. 

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Their teaching emphasizes the deep roots of Systema in Russian Orthodox faith, often described

as a path of self-knowledge. My experience was profound - spiritual, emotional and physical.

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