146 episodes

Join scientist, author, and Systema Instructor Glenn Murphy for weekly musings on all things Systema. Featuring interviews with top instructors from around the world, seminar reviews, topical discussions, and much, much more. Whether you're just dipping a skeptical toe into Systema, or you're an experienced practitioner with a few million pushups under your belt, there's something here for everyone.

Many thanks to Vladimir Vasiliev and Russian Martial Art HQ Toronto for their approval and support of this podcast.

Systema For Life Glenn Murphy, NC SYSTEMA

    • Sports
    • 5.0 • 41 Ratings

Join scientist, author, and Systema Instructor Glenn Murphy for weekly musings on all things Systema. Featuring interviews with top instructors from around the world, seminar reviews, topical discussions, and much, much more. Whether you're just dipping a skeptical toe into Systema, or you're an experienced practitioner with a few million pushups under your belt, there's something here for everyone.

Many thanks to Vladimir Vasiliev and Russian Martial Art HQ Toronto for their approval and support of this podcast.

    Episode 144: Ryo Onishi - the Power of Systema

    Episode 144: Ryo Onishi - the Power of Systema

    This episode sees the return of Ryo Onishi (Systema Japan) to the podcast, with an engaging discussion of developing real power in Systema. As usual, Ryo brings practicality and a healthy perspective to a topic that can easily drift into the esoteric and impractical. Here, we get into:* Common points of confusion* Aspects of power development: lightness, ease, asymmetric responses* How to know if you're on the 'right' track* Use of power in combat and lifeIf you enjoyed this topic...See Ryo's relaxed power in action on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VNjpRLIsUwPurchase Ryo Onishi's instrutional download From Relaxation to Power at www.systemavasiliev.com:https://systemavasiliev.com/store/product/from-relaxation-to-power-downloadableTrain with Ryo - or find out about international seminars - at Systema Osaka:http://systemaosaka.jp/

    • 56 min
    Episode 143: Edgars Cakuls

    Episode 143: Edgars Cakuls

    This episode, a fascinating discussion with Systema veteran and Head Instructor of Systema NYC, Edgars Cakuls.In this second appearance on the show, Edgars reflects on ideas and concepts shared during his recent 2-day, outdoor seminar in Durham, North Carolina, entitled Working From the Spine. Along the way, we cover:The critical importance of spinal integrityStability vs fluidityTraining body awareness versus conceptual-intellectual learningRedirection of force and powerTrain with Edgars at Systema NYChttps://www.systemanewyorkcity.comMentioned in this episode:Ryō Onishi Seminar, June 11-12 2022 (https://www.systemanewyorkcity.com/ryo-onishi-nyc-seminar.html#/)

    • 41 min
    Episode 142: On Optimization

    Episode 142: On Optimization

    Hullo, Friends. After an 8-week sabbatical, Systema For Life returns this month with a broad discussion on the subject of focus, attention, and the attempt to "optimize" your daily training and life routines. I'm joined once again by coach and wellness expert, Howard Jacobson.Here, we get into:* Losing and reclaiming routines during the pandemic* The upside and downside of tireless life-optimization* The focus economy and "productivity porn"* Psychological parallels between resolving conflict and resolving your struggles with life* Advice for achieving that elusive, healthy balanceHope you enjoy the conversation. Next one due out in a couple of weeks.Find out more about Howie and his health and wellness coaching programs at www.plantyourself.com.

    Episode 141: On Internal and External Work, with Jan Bloem

    Episode 141: On Internal and External Work, with Jan Bloem

    This week, another fascinating conversation with prolific movement scientist, neuroscientist, and martial artist Jan Bloem.As we learned during our first conversation last year (see episode 124), Jan has studied the art and science of movement and combat at the very highest levels – on the theoretical side as an expert in kinesiology and psychomotor therapy, and on the front lines as a world champion karateka; a defensive tactics instructor to military and law enforcement; and as one of the early non-Russian students and instructors of Systema under the legendary Mikhail Ryabko.Here, we build upon upon our earlier discussion of approaches to martial training, focusing on the value (and limitations) of "internal" work to health, self-development, and the realities of practical combat. Taking in along the way:* internal work: problems with presentation and misapplied teaching* shifting focus between the internal and the external* the benefit of allowing and encouraging mistakes* discovering power through the "less is more" approachMany thanks to Jan for his tireless efforts to advance understanding in all martial arts.Mentioned in this episode:SFL Episode 124 (on YouTube):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sgRtIRjrcAPower Vs Force: the Hidden Determinants of Human Behaviour, by David Hawkinshttps://www.amazon.com/Power-vs-Force-David-Hawkins-ebook/dp/B00EJBABS2The Principles of Effortless Power, by Peter Ralstonhttps://www.amazon.com/Cheng-Hsin-Principles-Effortless-Power/dp/1556433026Books by Neuroscientist Antonio Damasio:Looking For Spinoza: https://www.amazon.com/Looking-Spinoza-Sorrow-Feeling-Brain/dp/0156028719The Feeling of What Happens: https://www.amazon.com/Feeling-What-Happens-Emotion-Consciousness/dp/0156010755/ref=pd_lpo_2?pd_rd_i=0156010755&psc=1Self Comes to Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Comes-Mind-Constructing-Conscious/dp/0307378756Find out more about Jan and his work here:https://www.kinesica.nl/jan-bloem/

    • 1 hr 10 min
    Episode 140: Tim Anderson

    Episode 140: Tim Anderson

    This week, a deep dive into the world of Original Strength - a system of natural movement and neurological "resetting" created by company founder, personal trainer, and physical educator Tim Anderson. Tim's simple (but effective) OS system is a wonderful complement to Systema practice - especially for beginning trainees - and for anyone recovering from injury, impairment, or the ravages of modern life on the body. After many years of hearing about Systema, Tim took the jump and began training privately with me a month ago. Here, we discuss:* his motives for building (and miraculous discovery of) Original Strength* the power of natural movement* the dangers of fanaticism (in anything)* his experience as a strength/movement expert in beginning SystemaCheck out the Original Strength books, courses, and associated materials at originalstrength.net (www.originalstrength.net)

    • 54 min
    Episode 139: Gabe Stern

    Episode 139: Gabe Stern

    This week, a dive into the world of martial arts, medicine and holistic health - with impassioned Systema student and Doctor of Chinese Medicine Gabriel Stern.On the medical side, Gabe was a trained EMT and ER nurse before becoming a student and clinician versed in Chinese healing modalities. On the martial arts side, he studied Eskrima and Pekiti Tirsia Kali for several years before venturing into Systema with Edgar Cakuls in NYC, and with us here at NC SYSTEMA. Always candid and radically honest, Gabe turns his dizzying intellect here upon:* the convergence of Russian and Chinese health concepts* comparing Chinese meridians and anatomical fascial chains* how organ health relates to emotional states and personality types* avoiding the pitfalls of self-delusion - in both medicine and martial artsGabe trains and explains at NC SYSTEMA in Durham, NC, and has his own clinic focused on traditional and modern acupuncture and herbology for a variety of conditions. Find him at https://www.centermedicine.com

    • 1 hr 19 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
41 Ratings

41 Ratings

Hoist Petard ,

Insights from experts

The interviews here add depth to the listener’s understanding of martial arts, no matter what their experience level or style of martial art. I’ve practiced several arts with expert teacher forty years; yet I still have AHA! moments while listening to this podcast. Sometimes more than one in a single episode.
Thanks for reminding me that learning is for life!

edsgytuxxzuyuvoUyfyrty ,

Wyt

A

Workplace Warrior ,

Excellent Insights to Help With Everyday Life

I'm a podcast junkie and this is rapidly becoming one of my favorites. The insights shared are relevant to anyone interested in the deeper levels of life and how to navigate stressful situations - with or without combat! I frequently listen to this on my way to work and find myself carrying the learnings into my daily interactions with others. This podcast has helped me to be a more grounded and compassionate person with my colleagues and to take better care of myself, from remembering to breathe when I am stressed to giving more thought to - my thoughts! And how those thoughts are impacting my physicality. I hope lots of folks will support the Patreon for this podcast to enable even better sound quality and more frequent guests.

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