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In September, classes will return to the Concordia gym from 5:30-7pm Fridays, starting on September 17th. 
Concordia registration information can be found here: Concordia University athletic centre (Le Gym). The gym is located at the intersection of Guy and St. Catherine streets in downtown Montreal on the metro level (metro Guy-Concordia). For registration, please contact Concordia or call (514) 848-2424, ext. 3860. View Map to Concordia Gym
I will also be opening a Systema school in October on the Plateau and will post information here as it becomes available. To receive updates, please email me so I can put you on the mailing list or sign up to the NEW Flow Systema Montreal Facebook page. (Note that the old Concordia Systema Facebook group is, as of now, only for the classes held at Concordia; for general information, sign up to the new one.) Private and semi-private classes are available; please contact me for details. Systema training focuses on learning to intuitively adapt and improvise responses to conflict scenarios. Instead of learning a series of fixed responses, students work on understanding the basis of effective technique and making it intuitive and adaptable to any situation. Simple principles of bio-mechanics form the basis of the work and (epitomizing the adage that stiff things break and flexible things bend) students are taught to respond to scenarios without letting the stress of the conflict dictate their physiological response. Students develop the clear-headed reaction and quick and precise movements needed in a time of stress and learn how not to compromise these with the physical effects of stress, such as tension and poor breathing. Throughout the training, Systema practitioners gain physical and psychological confidence, better neuro-muscular control, functional agility and injury-resistance. |
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Systema conditioning includes integrated movements (such as rolling and other types of ground flow) and partner drills that recruit and co-ordinate different muscle groups. Such whole body movement teaches you to relax and breathe and makes you aware of body alignment and co-ordination in a way that is not possible in isolation exercises. The conditioning is specifically geared towards effective martial skills but the practice has many health benefits. The goal is to develop an intuitive, functional awareness of how breathing, muscular tension and relaxation relate to each other in order to make good bio-mechanical movement intuitive. Each class starts with conditioning and movement exercises and progresses to include combative and self defence applications; at the end of each class there is an open period to test and practice what has been learned in the course of the class. Topics include ground fighting, striking, escape from holds, take-downs and restraint tactics. There is overlap with some sport techniques and those interested in sport application (e.g. MMA) will find the approach a good introduction, providing a deeper understanding of the mechanics behind basic fighting techniques. The work is based on traditional Russian practices and forms the basis of the Russian Martial Art known as Systema. Systema originated with 10th century Cossack warriors and developed into its modern form with 20th century Russian research into bio-mechanics and athleticism. For more information, click here ContactIf you have any questions, email or call Andrew Middleton at 514.845.7387. New essay on the objectives of Systema conditioning posted here: "Push-up in a teacup".NEW Flow Systema Montreal Facebook page:
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The InstructorAndrew Gordon Middleton is a Montréal-based writer. He is a Certified Systema Instructor under Vladimir Vasiliev and is available for private and semi-private classes and seminars. See http://v11.org for a selection of his writing. |
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