History + Founders
HISTORY
The Russian style of martial art dates back to the 10th century.
Throughout the history of this huge country, Russia had to repel invaders from the north, south, east, and west. All attackers brought their distinct styles of combat and weaponry. The battles took place on different terrain, during freezing winters and sweltering summer heat alike, with the Russians often greatly outnumbered by the enemy forces. As a result of these factors, the Russian warriors acquired a style that combined strong spirit with extremely innovative and versatile tactics that were at the same time practical, deadly, and effective against any type of enemy under any circumstances. The style was natural and free while having no strict rules, rigid structure or limitations (except for moral ones). All tactics were based on instinctive reactions, individual strengths and characteristics, specifically designed for fast learning.
click for video of systema history.
FOUNDERS
Mikhail Ryabko
Colonel of the Special Operations Unit with the Russian Military, Chief Instructor of tactical training for the Emegergency Response Team, Advisor to the Supreme Judge of the Russian Federation
Mikhail Ryabko was trained from the age of five by one of Stalin's personal bodyguards, and was inducted to Spetsnaz at the age of fifteen. He has been a tactical commander of hostage-rescue teams, counter-terrorist operations and armed criminal neutralization. Mikhail resides in Moscow, holds the rank of Colonel and serves as a Special Advisor to the Supreme Judge of the Russian Federation. He continues to train his many students as the Master Teacher of Systema. He has authored a textbook on Tactics of Special Operations. He has been in numerous military campaigns and holds many government medals and awards. www.systemaryabko.ru
Vladimir Vasiliev:
Director and Chief Instructor of Systema Headquarters
Born in Russia, Vladimir received intense training form the top Special Operations Units instructors and is the top student of Mikhail Ryabko. Vladimir's work spans across 10 years of extensive service with the Special Operations Unit. He also served as trainer for elite units, SWAT teams and bodyguards. Vladimir moved to Canada and in 1993 founded the first school of Russian Martial Art outside Russia - Systema Headquarters. He has since personally trained and certified well over 300 qualified Russian Martial instructors and schools worldwide, and has provided and award-winning instructional film collection. www.russianmartialart.com
(source:russianmartialart.com)
FOUNDER OF SYSTEMA RHODE ISLAND
Sasha Komocar:
Owner of Systema Rhode Island & Superior Tae Kwon Do Academy
Sasha has been in the Martial Arts for over 20 years. He has been studying Systema since 2006. He was drawn to Systema by its practicality and effectiveness as a self defense dicsipline and escpecially the unique approach to healing and its application to daily life. His background is in the Olympic style of Tae Kwon Do and he has competed both nationally and internationally. He holds a 4th Dan Black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Currently he resides in Cranston, Rhode Island where he owns and operates a Martial Arts/Fitness Facility name Superior Tae Kwon Do Academy (www.superiortkd.com). He brings a diverse wealth of experiences as a professional in both sports and in the corporate/financial industries. Having an avid love for the Martial arts , he understands how the combat arts is a lifelong pursuit and forever will be a student.
