While Systema is based on a foundation of no rules, no katas, no nonsense, it is a perhaps a bit of a flaw that there are no processes and progresses- tests of character- to earning the privilege of training in a given Dojo. Having said this, there is no real true test of character…there is[…]
If you have ever wanted to accelerate your Systema skills, your strength and stamina, your ability to focus, and to overcome the limits of thoughts and the mind, all while getting stupidly strong, then the Roots Internship on Denman Island is for you. Under the professional and very skilled guidance and teachings of Vali Majd, you[…]
If you train long enough, at some point you will probably come to question your purpose in training. What may have started as a search for practical defense or discipline, health or fitness, or just a plain remedy for boredom- feel good be fit, pride and ego- may not continue to be so as you[…]
Talking to a Roots student the other day, I was reminded of the saying “It’s not the mountain that will wear you down but the pebble in your shoe.” We had been discussing what brought him to Roots from his home gym in Victoria. He replied, in more or less these words: You know when[…]
The ‘reptilian brain’ acts like a filter to our more modern and advanced cognitive brain functions: anything that needs to be assessed, examined, and analyzed, needs to go through the reptilian brain first. Only when that brain approves can it move further. Basically, appease your reptilian brain or there is no room for negotiation. It[…]
What we teach is at the roots of all martial arts: the movement and the basic principles. It is only beyond these that the various martial arts are broken down into a variety of techniques and so on. This is why we are Roots, because we are teaching principles. We stand by the fact that[…]
Learning to Heal. “Your body is not a temple- it is more like a truck- ready to put through hell- take it on a ride, push hard, get it dirty, get it used, but give it the care and attention that is needed.” There are many different definitions of “health”. The absence of illness. A[…]