Apologies for not responsing sooner, Bill, work has kept me busy.
Thanks very much for your introductory post. Very nice introduction,
and I'm glad to hear you are teaching your battallion Systema. I
often wish all of our soldiers, guardsmen, sailors, etc. could learn
Systema as I sincerely believe it would help keep our servicepeople
safe. My friend and teacher Jim King, former U.S. Army Ranger, did
take some initiative to introduce Systema to the Army, and I think he
even demonstrated it to some higher-ups who make such decisions, but
in the end, they chose BJJ as the preferred training style (I mean,
combined with other H2H, I don't think they teach pure BJJ).
That's the story as it came to me, so if it doesn't ring true, it's
because the information is rather second-hand. Anyway, glad to know
that the Guards in your battallion have access to Systema training
with you. BTW, if you get in touch with Vlad (if you haven't
already), he may have some suggestions for your training group. I am
sure he would be glad to offer advice. Make sure you subscribe to the
RMA newsletter as that has some good training tips and helpful
drills. Also the newsletter often contains writings from Konstantin
Komorav which are immensely helpful.
I'm very glad my posts have helped you and your group. I'm working on
my notes from Emmanuel Manolakakis' recent seminar at Fighthouse, and
also finishing my Day Two notes from Scott Connor's October seminars.
So I will have new material to post to the group shortly.
Thanks for introducing me to a new Russian phrase "Ochen priatna" and
I would say, in my own native New Yorkese, "right back at ya, kid!"
*Vsego nailuchshego* (best wishes),
Rachel

--- In systema_group@yahoogroups.com, "CPL William Kobbs"
<genghis358@y...> wrote:
>
> Just wanted to introduce myself. My name is Bill Kobbs, and I am a
> former student of various asian styles including aikido, goju ryu,
> mantis style kung fu, and other stuff. I have about 22 years of
> experience. I am also in charge of the self defense instruction in
my
> National Guard Battallion in Akron, Ohio. My only live experience
> with Systema was a time when a guest instructor, Tom (I don't
> remember his last name) taught a 2 hour seminar on improvised
weapons
> and movement. Immediately, I was in love (not with Tom, with
> Systema). I felt like everything I had been learning for the past
22
> years was utterly wrong. I had to learn this "new" style. The
problem
> was that Tom's training area is too far away. I then did searches
on
> the internet and found Vlad's website, ordering a couple of his
DVDs,
> which I found to be extremely helpful (I hopr to acquire the entire
> collection). I have started a study group at my armory that begins
> after drill (about 5:30 PM), and ends whenever we can go on no more
> (about 8pm). It's all voluntary, of course, but all of my
> subordinates participate (I wonder why?).
>
> I really want to thank you Rachel. By the way, Ochen priatna (nice
to
> make your acquaintance). I have seen a number of your postings on
the
> RMA website, and I have yet to find one without substance. Very
well
> written material- I read and re-read them. I try to learn from
> everyone I meet, whether or not they are certified as instructors.
> Thanks again. And thank God for RMA!
>