About North County Systema

We practice Russian combatives known as Systema, which emphasizes training on four core fundamentals: breathwork, relaxation,  freedom of movement, and structure. With the development of these fundamentals, the practitioner learns to manage fear, develops a strong body, mind and spirit, and becomes a skilled warrior.

First, be advised… Systema is NOT SPORT. Nothing against competitive martial sports – but that is not what we do.

Michael Muckin is the Instructor – more info about Michael can be found here. Testimonials can be viewed here

What Systema is – and is Not…

Although Systema is indeed a Martial Art, and the combatives are the foundation upon which everything is built, there is so much more to Systema than just a martial art. Vladimir Vasiliev says, “Systema just happens to be a martial art”. Martin Wheeler has recently coined the term “Life art” to describe Systema. I could add many other anecdotes to this list.

One way of looking at Systema is the training replaces your “operating system” – i.e. how you look at life, how you interact with others, how you understand yourself. These are necessary elements to be able to effectively apply the physical concepts of Systema in the way they were designed. Those that look at Systema as only a physical collection of combatives movements will never truly excel at Systema. One must develop the body, mind and spirit to begin to grasp what Systema really is – and how to apply it.

 


 

How it is Taught

A bifurcated training method is employed: one branch focuses on practical self-defense and combat skills, and the second focuses on health and conditioning. Each of the two methods is geared towards practicality and efficacy and are complementary within the training cycle. I.e. – often times both branches are being simultaneously trained regardless of what particular drill or exercise is being done at that moment.

Within the self-defense/combatives side of training this is my philosophy: I do not teach fighting.  When I say fighting, I mean the competitive fighting that is so popular today – UFC and MMA competitions.  I studied these types of systems for years – and while they have great value in the realms of conditioning and one-one fighting, they fell short of realistic combat applications.

Progressive drills, core concepts, exploration of techniques, and application of principles in all conflict scenarios are explored. Understanding the function and mechanics of the human body and how this information can be applied under duress. When techniques are discussed – they are presented to deepen an understanding of a principle or to more fully understand the kinesiology of the body.  Techniques are not taught as programmed responses to a specific scenario.

This philosophy – the development of the mind-body-spirit relationship – creates a complete human being; one who is healthy, happy and wise. This was the philosophy of the ancient warrior traditions, where to be a warrior was considered an honor, along with possession of great responsibility. Many cultures considered the warrior to be the pinnacle of its society’s hierarchy –  including Japan, Korea, China, Europe, Russia, India, Spartan Greece – to name just a few. A true warrior’s skills and values extend far beyond combat.

 


 

Other Influences

Although Systema is the core system taught, any given class may draw from other sources as either comparison of tactics, direct inclusion of certain concepts, or as an educational reference where appropriate.  All martial traditions are honored. Some other systems that have influenced the teachings of North County Systema include:

  • Jeet Kune Do / Jun Fan kung fu
  • Traditional Aikido/Aiki Jujutsu
  • Silat, Kali and Indonesian/Philippine/Malaysian martial arts
  • Muay Thai
  • Wing Chun kung fu
  • Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
  • Tradition Taijiquan, Chen and Yang systems

But to be clear – these systems are not taught. They are used as tools to deepen your understanding of Systema.