Systema No Contact Combat

Training for Systema can be divided into three parts:
THE BIOMECHANICAL SKILL SET
The definition of Biomechanical as it pertains to Systema: The mechanics of the living body, especially of the forces of the muscles and gravity on the skeletal structure.
The Biomechanical skill set consists of three parts: Breathing, Structure, and Movement. We shall deal with each of these briefly in turn.
THE PROPRIOCEPTIVE SKILL SET
The Proprioceptive skill set consists of three parts: Chaining/Joining, The Wave, and Summation. Chaining/Joining is the process of uniting all the components of the body in a strike or other movement, beginning from the most distant point and cascading through the joints until reaching the impact point. The effect of Chaining/Joining is to increase the velocity and therefore the power of the striking component through consecutive rotation of the joints. The Wave describes the manner in which the components of the body are joined together. The Wave, as the name implies, is an undulating, pulsing motion transmitted from one component of the body to another. Summation is orchestration of the Intent or Mental Focus, the breath, and skeletal/muscular exertion so that everything culminates at the point of impact. Russian research has concluded that proper utilization of the principle of Summation increases power up to 28% at the point of impact. There exists for each of these components a complete set of exercises which will be explained in a later volume.
THE PSYCHOPHYSIOLOGICAL SKILL SET
The Psychophysiological skill set consists of three parts: Flexibility, Sensitivity, and Acceptance. The term Psychophysiological is defined as the relationship between physiological processes and thoughts, emotion, and behavior. Flexibility means that one is able to choose between several different strategies and tactics according to the situation without preconceived bias. Sensitivity means that one is both aware of the surroundings but also constantly aware of one’s physiological and emotional state as well, so that one can detect and act upon cues that are necessary to ensure survival. This awareness is a process called “Scanning”, in which various important components of the external and internal environment are monitored on a constant basis. Acceptance means to open oneself to all outcomes, trusting in the “higher self” to resolve the conflict. This requires the creation or reinforcement of this aspect of the personality and surrendering ego control to it. Development of the psychophysiological skill set is the key to understanding and mastering No Contact Combat in Systema. This training is detailed in the following chapters.