Perhaps one of the
best-kept secrets in the
martial arts world–a field where there is certainly no
shortage of legendary and obscure fighting styles–is the
existence of the set of
Russian fighting techniques
known simply as
“the system”.
Unlike many of the other more popular
fighting styles from all over the world, the system has little or no
formal positions, no rituals, and no system of measuring proficiency
levels…basically none of the frills and trappings associated
with other martial arts forms. What it does have however is brutal and
potentially deadly effectiveness.
The primary reason for the
system’s obscurity is the fact that it was kept a secret by
the Communist party of Russia ever since they came to power in 1917.
Since then, it was primarily taught to
soldiers in the Soviet armed
forces and to certain special security organizations. The fall of the
Soviet Union, as well as the subsequent atmosphere of freedom that
followed, has brought the existence of the style out in the open where
it quickly spread to other countries. It is now being taught to many
eager practitioners in Russia as well as North America.
The system is actually comprised of a number
of traditional Russian fighting techniques that have been used for
hundreds of years in many parts of the country.
The main characteristic
of the system is its versatility and flexibility to adapt to almost any
type of conformational and combinative situations. Because it is not
reliant on any particular set of movements or techniques, fighters can
quickly adjust to the given situation as they see fit.
Some experts
have described the style as a close range fighting technique that
combines wrestling tactics with more streets oriented fighting skills.
Just as in wrestling, takedown techniques
are many and varied, and hand
strikes are delivered in a fast whipping fashion. Most of the kicks are
applied to the legs, shin and ankles, as this is considered to be a
more efficient use of this particular strike.
A no-nonsense and highly effective
combination of Russian fighting techniques, the system is rapidly
gaining popularity among law enforcement agencies all over the world.