Awareness

We train hard at Virginia Systema. A typical workout will involve 20-30 minutes of body conditioning (exercises to get stronger, move more fluidly, or ideally both) followed by an hour or more of combative drills. Our drills cover a really broad range; common topics include striking, lock flow, grappling, ground mobility, knife work, and stick work (single and double). Anyone who wants to stay later and spar or play with what they've learned is welcome. It's a combination of laboratory and playground to experiment with new techniques and concepts.

But techniques and concepts are physical things. And physical training just isn't enough.

In every single martial arts school, seminar, and training event I have attended (which is a lot, going back to 1989) emphasis has been placed on awareness of surroundings. Every single teacher agrees that situational awareness is very important, but almost none of these places has done a good job of explaining how one BUILDS this critical skill.

I've pieced together a large number of drills to accomplish exactly that. I've picked the brains of instructors with 4 decades or more of experience, friends with military/SF backgrounds, public and private forums, and every other relevant source I can think of. When class is in session, the training time that we have is valuable, and should be used to build skills that can only be built with a willing and respectful partner in front of us. But for all the times that class is NOT in session, we can be working to build awareness of the world around us.

Awareness makes us less easy prey. It gives us advanced warning of Bad Things that are about to happen in our immediate area, and gives us extra seconds to respond. It connects us to the world around us and makes us active agents instead of just passive observers.

I have started a Twitter feed where I'll be giving 2 new drills every week that anyone can practice to build greater awareness of their surroundings. Each drill will be thoroughly explained, and any materials needed will be cheap or free whenever possible. The majority of the drills won't require anyone else, because you don't always have the luxury of a good training partner. Drills are spaced out with 3-4 days in between so you can practice them over and over again and share any insights you gain in the process.

Check us out and let us know what you think!