Matt Hill is the owner of the Systema Academy in Wiltshire, England. Matt has a long history in martial arts, starting with Aikido, training under Morihiro Saito Sensei in Japan in the early 90s. From there he joined the Parachute Regiment leaving as a Captain in 2003. After this he started training in Systema under … Continue reading Ep 20: Matt Hill on relaxation, breathing and fire ants!
Systema
Systema and Tai Chi – similarities and differences
Matt Hill and Vladimir Vasiliev I had a great visit to The System Academy in Wiltshire last week where I enjoyed a bit of 1-1 Systema coaching from my old friend and owner of the Academy, Matt Hill. I also recorded a podcast episode with him for The Tai Chi Notebook Podcast, which will be … Continue reading Systema and Tai Chi – similarities and differences
The Power of Chi, the movie, and a response
A new YouTube video landed a day or so ago that has caused something of a sensation. It's a trailer for a movie called The Power of Chi and has some well known UFC fighters and professional athletes in it, all experiencing the power of a Tai Chi master's "chi". And there's a voice over … Continue reading The Power of Chi, the movie, and a response
From Tai Chi to Systema with Rob Poyton
My guest this episode is Rob Poyton a veteran of the UK Tai Chi and martial arts scene. These days Rob is a teacher of the Russian martial art of Systema, which he has been teaching in the UK since the early 2000s and has run workshops and seminars all over Europe. Rob is also … Continue reading From Tai Chi to Systema with Rob Poyton
Tai Chi whole-body movement revisited
So, my last post on what ‘whole body movement’ means in Tai Chi Chuan got some interesting reactions on the interwebs. I thought answering the comments might make a good subject for a few more articles. So let's get going with the first of them. On the Ancestral Movement group, Andrew Kushner writes: "Whole body … Continue reading Tai Chi whole-body movement revisited
Standing tall
Great little video clip on good posture and how it relates to martial arts from my friend Matt Hill who runs the Systema Academy in Wiltshire, UK. I like the point he makes about animals in nature, and how they are always in good posture. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS44DUYM0AM
BBC self defence clip: “I was nearly raped”
An interesting clip popped up on the BBC website today about self defence for women by a woman. Here it is: https://www.facebook.com/bbcnews/videos/1892934820725635/?hc_ref=ARSXt1EXtzyKsNOTQNWoSmx60PzFKN1gbbepTLY4sH9h8QuTaRcBk2kys8vX3vcd04s Here's my potentially mansplaining view: She makes 3 quick points at the end - I really agree with her first two, (don't be afraid to offend and use your voice) but her last one … Continue reading BBC self defence clip: “I was nearly raped”
Using movement for self defence, not blocks
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saDOW3_3Lfw&feature=youtu.be I really liked the above clip by Rob Poynton of Cutting Edge Systema. It's about the idea of using movement, rather than a fixed, rooted stance or hand blocks, to defend yourself. To break down the message: Your first reaction should be to move. Use the legs for defence (stepping) and not the arms … Continue reading Using movement for self defence, not blocks
Invisible Systema
I recently came across these "invisible Systema" videos, and I thought they were so well made they were worth a share, but I thought I'd also say a few words about Systema first. Having met lots of people who have trained with Vladimir Vasiliev now, some for quite a period of time, the description I … Continue reading Invisible Systema
Strikes – Soul Meets Body by Vladimir Vasiliev and Scott Meredith, a review.
First of all I feel the need to address the elephant in the room. This book (curiously?) doesn’t have the word “Systema” in its title or anywhere on the cover, except on the jumper Vladimir is wearing, but make no mistake, it is a book about the Russian martial art called systema. Systema often gets … Continue reading Strikes – Soul Meets Body by Vladimir Vasiliev and Scott Meredith, a review.
The Tai Chi Notebook 