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lowwattliving
lowwattliving
10 years ago

I loved Jacks moment of silence when the guest said that Systema is mostly just for show.

Adam Perrins
10 years ago

My knowledge of systema has been limited to a series of “Systema Spetsnaz” training DVD’s one of our students had collected and gave to us. There are a few impressive demonstrations but it is really hard to judge, and I try not to, if you are not there experiencing it yourself.

The system is very different from what we teach. Better? Worse? Who really knows. From the little I have seen of Val he seems more then capable and knows his stuff. I would never claim that WWII combatives is the best fighting system ever devised, I simply believe it is the most applicable to the common man due to it’s simplicity.

lowwattliving
lowwattliving
10 years ago

It just made me laugh because I knew that you were going to say something about it. I just wasn’t sure how it was going to go down. I think you handled it properly.

Zed
Zed
10 years ago

My dad was in the Royal Canadian Air Force during WWII and received “Commando” training (as he called it) before he went overseas. When I was about 14 he had a stroke and although he recovered he walked with a cane.

Anyway, I remember an incident when I was about 16. My friends and I were at the park hanging out and my dad came by with my little nephew to play on the swings. As he was taking him home, about half way through the park these 2 guys came up who were about the same age as my friends and I and started to harass my dad. My friends and I were all relatively big guys and played a lot of sports so we started running toward my dad and nephew but before we were even half way there one of the guys was laying flat on his back and the other was about to wear my dads cane across his forehead… by the time we got there they had decided they messed with the wrong guy and took off… It was hilarious. My friends and I definitely had a new respect for the old bugger after that. And after hearing this podcast I know why he was so effective at handling those 2 morons.

Adam Perrins
10 years ago
Reply to  Zed

A couple of years ago Bill was working on a history television program called “Devils Brigade.” It was a documentary profiling the First Special Service Force from WWII. A few of the surviving members, now all in their late 80’s or early 90’s were on set to ensure the authenticity of what was being shown. A few of them were not hesitant to mix it up with younger soldiers who had volunteered to be part of the show. It was surprising how well they could still implement their skills.

Got to love the old guy beats up young buck stories…..feels like the story of my life some days training. haha

Mike
Mike
10 years ago

I trained with Bill Wolfe for a period in the late nineties, and I can attest to his skill level . He is one of the best instructors I have encountered , and I have been training for many many years. He is practical and no nonsense, and if he tells you he’s been there and done that, he’s actually been there and done that. I also laughed at the awkward systema moment.. I was was thinking ” oh no! This will be a great interview! It’s too early to get off on the wrong foot! ” haha. Like Jack, he won’t pull punches, but is sensible and reasonable. His exposure to systema may be limited, but I’m sure he is open minded enough to consider someone’s opinion who has actual( read, quality) experience. Great talk. Thanks Jack.

Adam Perrins
10 years ago
Reply to  Mike

It’s great to see one of Bill’s former students on here. You summed him up pretty well. He hasn’t changed a bit.

Brian
Brian
10 years ago

I have studied Systema for over a year now and although I am by no means an expert , the value of instruction , and its practical application is by far one of the most useful methods out there. But that said it works for me and I like to keep an open mind for other methods .This guy really turned me off though because I don’t like when people make negative judgements/comments on something rather than speak to the real and subjective differences between two things. That would be like someone saying that Ar15’s are better than AK 47 ‘s because they look cooler rather than talking about the real operational differences.
I could hear Jack getting all bent out of shape and ready to wind up a rant. Good job ,boyo for keeping a cool head.

Jose Garcia
10 years ago
Reply to  Brian

Where do you train Brian. Is there a network of systema instructors?

Brian
Brian
10 years ago
Reply to  Jose Garcia

There is a studio here where I live in Beverly Hills ca (I know that’s gonna raise some eyebrows. ) I don’t feel comfortable giving the name since I don’t want to get into trouble with Jack by promoting someone’s business on his website. Suffice to say as with any martial arts , you need to audition potential studios and see if you can take a free first class etc. to see if it right for you. I don’t know what you want to get from your training ie:fitness ,endurance or self defense help so you should try a few places if needed. I’m lucky because the guy I train with is a personal friend if mine and systema for me , is more than just a rock em sock em art. It makes you look holistically at being present in every situation not just combat. It puts you in touch with your breathing and your tension (read “fear”)
It’s helped me with so much more than just combat training. And again I haven’t been doing it for long so I am by no means an expert. it’s about the journey for me. Hope this helps.

610Alpha
610Alpha
10 years ago
Reply to  Jose Garcia

Yes there is a network of schools:

http://www.russianmartialart.com/schoollocator.php

Woodbutcher
Woodbutcher
10 years ago

Great show,

I thought the point about it being easier to defend in court, killing someone with a firearm rather than with your bare hands is interesting.

Instinctively I agree with Jack in that you’d think a jury would attribute more malice to a bare handed fatality rather than one involving guns, despite the fact your are way more vulnerable without a gun.

But I suppose in an enfeebled society where the people are not trusted to own firearms freely, there is less chance of of that comparison.

In fact it is often assumed here that if you are one of the lucky few aloud a gun, then well, you must be up to something. Sad.

Hope they have a Uk affiliate soon, Vancouver is a little too far…

Rick Allen
Rick Allen
10 years ago

Very germane podcast. I couldn’t help but think back to what happened to my favorite cousin who was more like a brother. He was in a bar and two if his acquaintances got into a fight. He tried to break it up and ended up with a knife through the abdominal aorta. He was dead in less than a minute. A real tragedy but it proves just how fast things can go bad. Situational avoidance is important.

Adam Perrins
10 years ago
Reply to  Rick Allen

Sorry for your loss.

I always like to say “I don’t get paid to fight.” So the best solution is to avoid the situation to begin with. Knives are a sad and scary reality. Someone that is intelligent or trained in using one will not let you know they have it until it’s too late.

It is a very challenging situation to deal with but thankfully most people are not trained how to properly use a knife offensively.

Unfortunately it doesn’t take much for a bad guy to get luck with his use of a knife.

Jose Garcia
10 years ago

Jack, do you have a link to what you would consider an accurate depiction of a Systema on youtube? I’ve been looking at a few videos and it seems to have a lot of commonality with traditional Japanese Shotokan.

Insidious
Insidious
10 years ago

The ability to take the strike is pretty darn impressive.

As is the ability to strike without telegraphing.

Jose Garcia
10 years ago

The knife videos are amazing. I have never seen the dynamics of a knife attack explained that way. It makes sense to release your lung pressure if you are getting stabbed. It reminded me of what Ferfal once said about professional criminals in Argentina fasting before a hit because a bullet on an empty gut is a lot less dangerous than on a full one.

Regarding the punching video, also amazing how the big guy goes down with a seemingly innocent punch, but endures multiple punches from the black belt.

Brent Eamer
Brent Eamer
10 years ago
Reply to  Jose Garcia

Yes, I found that pretty enlightening as well. I have little knowledge of such techniques. I may have to download some video. This info could be vital if one finds oneself in a situation. Only problem is up here in PEI, there is little such training in most of these skills. This is fascinating stuff

Brent Eamer
Brent Eamer
10 years ago

I wonder if there is a way to teach yourself *some* of this alone, or do you need a human victim LOL. Or is there any repetitive exercises, practice one could do. A Wii simulation?

Jose Garcia
10 years ago

I read in Val’s web site that he is currently not available to teach in person.
I was wondering if by way of the TSP Val would do a 3-5 day seminar in the DFW metroplex. I’ve got 6 years of Shotokan (Shodan), but would love to incorporate some of these techniques to what I know.

Jose Garcia
10 years ago

I’m sure the training would be worth every penny, I just did not realize Val was anchored in the Emirates and hence the overhead to get him here.

Rolando
Rolando
10 years ago

No offense to the previous martial arts guests you’ve had but these guys where spot on. Another great guest would be Matt Larsen who has pioneered the Modern Army Combatives Program. He even help develop the LHR, it’s a knife and sheath that prevents the enemy from taking the knife from the holster/sheath.

610Alpha
610Alpha
10 years ago

Hope that an MSB discount can be worked out.

PeterK
PeterK
10 years ago

I’m behind on my listening (just finished this one, on the next one as I type).

Anyway, just interesting that when I click over to Wolfe’s Combatives I see: Bandwidth Limit Exceeded. Way to go, TSP!

Adam Perrins
10 years ago
Reply to  PeterK

I just saw this now. We are so grateful for all the interest. Should have this fixed shortly. Thanks TSP!