Systema : The Russian Martial System

This is one of the most interesting books I've ever read. Fascinating martial art and fascinating mental philosophy. A great quote that set the tone for the book and immediately hooked me was "As a man, i have always thought that courage is more important than intelligence, imagination more than knowledge, and faith more than wisdom." Words to live by. The book is filled with useful training and breathing exercises that are beneficial to anyone, not just martial artists. It even describes a quicker, and more practical version of the breathing technique used by Wim Hof's('The Iceman') that allows him to consciously control his lower bodily functions. Especially enjoyed the second half of the book where it goes into the less talked about aspects of the martial arts and war like the sixth sense, precog, aura, bullet dodging, color touch, and other fringe topics that are normally only discussed by men who frequently fight with death on the line like special forces operators(ie Russian spetznas or american green berets). Making this review because The Kurgan(Guiseppi Filotto's nickname) asked me to from his youtube channel. Its an enjoyable read filled to the brim with useful nuggets of truth(Spells Of Truth...). Worth every penny.

Both myself and one other training buddy have acquired this book. We train in Chinese 'internal' kung fu but have found this book an enlightening and horizon broadening experience. I have had an interest in Systema for a little while now and regard this book with the utmost respect for it's truly informative contents. It is written in an easy to understand manner and wipes away any delusions about what it means to apply oneself in life not just to the martial arts but in the general social interactions and discourses of life. It invites you to realise that the pursuit of a martial art is not just about the most obvious basic moves anyone can write a book about rather it relates to our perspective of reality as we attempt to clarify our position of why we're here on this planet at this time and our purpose..... Yes, a lot of the book covers striking, breath control, taking a strike,etc, but I feel the author really attempts to offer an understanding on what it takes to become a warrior of life in the 'now' and as simple as it may sound really isn't. It takes work and insight. Both of which are offerd up in this book in vast quantities. We (our Bagua class) quite often sit around chewing the fat on this book whilst stretching before class...... Some other reviewers I've seen play down the philosophical and quasi-religious aspects offered later in the book. Thus I feel miss the point on the author's attempt at offering up a description of the underlying unity priciples of the formless form pervading existence that through the discipline of Systema we can tap into. Loftly comments, sure but have a read of it an you may just find yourself aware of more than meets the eye when you're done.... ps. - Hey make sure you check out the online video clips if you buy the book.... they're excellent too and show you how it's done.....

I would say the best thing about the book is the science that is in the book. It is not one of those crappy rip off books on how to do karate. It is a great book for looking into the science of superhuman powers and the scientist that he mentions. I would recommend the book to anyone who is more into a history of science even just to look up on the "web". Honesty if you want to learn a Martial Art go find a good teacher and place to train. I would say don't go 100% into the neurology in the book make sure your research is being done.

A Book that all Systema's student should read. In some cases if you are an experienced praticioner probably you have seen most of the topics. But that doesn't matter, it is an amazing book that shows not only other kind of view of the subject but a guidance through the systema's path. I found very interesting how he describes his experiences while being a karateka. Some cases you can see yourself in that situation, most likely most of the systema adepts are formers martial artists. There a videos that help with the learning curve and I found it some point courageous to show some points that most of the instructors avoid. When I finished the book, I wrote an email to Giuseppe to thank him for the information and share my experiences. His answer was amazing, and the tips are great. That's it, the book worths the price, but you should be open minded. In the chapter 7 you should decide if you buy the whole idea or not.

I was initially very disappointed that the book did not go into actually techniques of Systema combat. No photos or illustrations. That was not what I expected from this rather expensive book. That being said, I find the content strangely intriguing and it is expanding my knowledge of the fascinating approach of this martial way. The online videos help. Very different from martial arts that I am acquainted with. It presents what might be described as a confrontation with controlled brutality.

Many of the things discussed in this book about Systema made perfect sense based on my own experience with other martial arts. Particularly, Systema's emphasis on natural movement rather than learned or forced movement as well as breathing and absorbing strikes. Other things discussed are completely outside my experience and, while skeptical, I am looking forward to exploring further. I also enjoyed Filotto's discussions of and comparisons to his prior experience with Shotokan Karate because it helped me compare Systema to my own experiences with Tae Kwon Do and boxing. This book is also very information-dense. A lot of background info on what Systema is, how it works, why it works, etc. I found myself referring back to earlier chapters as I continued reading because I suddenly understood some things which had been somewhat obscure to me when first reading. I have seen some reviews complaining about lack of technique instruction in this book. 1) no one s going to learn a martial art from a book, you actually have to join a dojo/gym, practice with a good instructor, and fight; 2) there are videos with this book which do demonstrate various exercises and techniques which can be mostly practiced solo; and 3) so quit complaining and find an instructor/class! All in all, a very good book which I highly recommend.

I could probably be called a collector of martial arts’ books and information. My research led me to Systema. When I picked up the book from my Post Office Box during my lunch hour today, I spent twenty minutes of my lunch hour browsing through the book and I was immediately engrossed. I found the book amazingly well written and interesting to read. I found it quite valuable that the book has many topics that usually do not find their way into a martial arts book. The book provides a holistic view of the Systema Martial system and can be used for training purposes, from conditioning mind and body to applications. It is a wonderful book that will take pride of place in my martial arts library, although I suspect it will not be on the bookshelf very often.

Quite comprehensive and the links to the videos make it VERY worthwhile. A solid piece of work. No mistake, you have to study but thats the intent. If you really want to learn this system, this is the best way without going to a school. If you are already training, then get it anyway because its like a companion to whatever you will learn in the studio. Very well put together piece of work! I'm still going thru it and I'm taking my time. Highly recommended for serious students of this System and Martial Arts/Self Defense.

I had studied Chinese martial arts like Tai Chi, Wing Chun, Xing Yi and Baguazhang for some years before coming across Systema. Some concepts are similar, like the flowing motions, relaxed body, use of levers and fast strikes, but Systema has no choreographed moves and is slightly more practical in everyday situations. I know you can no more learn a martial art from a book than you can learn to sail without actually getting wet but I wanted to understand the concepts more as there is a strong mind-body-soul dimension to Systema. Personally I like this aspect as we humans are comprised of all three but this won't suit everyone. Nor will the sections on the more esoteric topics like auras and the sixth sense, but an open mind will find it fascinating as the author has gone to great lengths to research and verify the information. Most books I've bought on martial arts are sitting in boxes in my cupboard but I do use this one regularly. It goes into sufficient depth on each topic without being too 'wordy' and the author lightens the text with humerous personal anecdotes. The accompanying online videos are excellent with clear and precise explanations. My favourite chapters are on breathing technique and brain-mapping. I use the breathing patterns in my everyday life now and I am so much more relaxed, but the most benefit I got was from the brain-mapping session. It involves a trusted partner striking and pressuring you into relaxing the body but the biggest benefit to me was the removal of so much stored emotion, fear and tension. I think Systema suits almost everyone, male, female or child, as it doesn't require complicated moves, brute strength or hours of stretching and the benefits of the calisthenics spill over into everyday life. I would recommend this book to anyone who is either a martial arts novice or someone wanting to enhance what they already know and do.

I'm in my 40's and just getting into martial arts. Though I come from an athletic background of cycling , hiking, and swimming. This book is useful for anyone who wants to improve their constitution, endurance, health, and reasoning. As an endurance athlete the information in the book is true. It is delivered in a calm, measured and interesting way. The text will, no doubt, help an athlete become more rounded in healthier ways. As all of us have a physical body, this book is an absolute must read. I can't recommend it enough!! The author says..."Know yourself" Find out what that means by reading this books

For me, excellent book. As a beginner in Systema at that time I read this book before joining the training group and it helped me right away to get clear what's going on and what it's all about. I appreciate the absence of any kind of illustration or photography insofar the specific chapters evoke mental images that are much more informative than any photograph could ever be. Giuseppe Filotto did a very good job here. Well written – like a good friend telling you what he knows for your very benefit. It includes countless hints on countless topics, just go for further information in the web or elsewhere. Easy to do. The chapters about sixth sense, seeing aura etc. may seem fantastic, but definitely are not. Having experienced similar things myself throughout my life without really knowing what to do with it, Filotto offers a practical way of integrating these aspects and work with them. The book is a mind-opener and made me impatient to go into practice and experiment, which I do ever since. You can re-read it many times and still find new aspects. The book leads directly into recognizing your own mind and body. I find the videos useful, too. PS. the title graphic Filotto chose is very telling in itself, meditate about it with an empty mind and let it percolate through your system. Five stars for the whole program. Thanks, Giuseppe!

Je n'ai que parcouru la table des matières et n'ai pas encore lu ce livre donc pas vraiment encore d'avis sur l'ouvrage lui même.

Da quando ho cominciato a leggerlo ho radicalmente cambiato il mio pensiero sul combattimento corpo a corpo. Assieme al video corso è un percorso che, a mio giudizio, offre una vasta gamma di soluzioni per migliorare sia a livello psicologico che motorio!!! 😍