by Ola Skodvin

 

 

A clear advantage in Systema and other martial arts is to be able to operate with both hands (and both legs) with minimal limitations to the non-preferable limb. In Systema I find it extremely important because of the need of being spontaneous and adaptive.

 

The first thing I would point out is to start doing everyday stuff with your opposite hand. By that I mean that if you’re a “righty” you should try to do things with your left hand. For instant: brush your teeth with your left hand. At first this seems kinda impossible and you might find it easier just to hold the brush still and just move your head. I know I did. Try to switch which hand you use for holding knives and forks while eating. If you are a carpenter or an electrician, or just a hobby jack-of-all-trades, try hammering or screwing with your left. And so on and so on……you are all bright people so you get the idea.

 

In class, or at home if you’d like, start by drawing circles (small/large) with your hand, arm, leg and foot in the air. Then move on to drawing figure-8s and then all the figures from 0 to 9 (can go as high as you like). As a drill, have the instructor calling out a number and the students should try to draw that number.

 

Then continue to draw the letters of the alphabet. As another drill (similar) to the previous one, have the instructor calling out a word, and the students should try to write the words in the air. Of course the instructor should use Systema vocabulary to keep up the atmosphere of the training. Words like: inhale, exhale, spetsnaz, tension, honest work, deep punching etc. etc. That last part was meant as a joke by the way.

 

These drills are great to use on both arms and legs to gain control and awareness of your body-mechanics and improving your dexterity.

 

If you find yourself mostly performing with your preferable arm, you should put that one in your pocket, or tie it behind your back and only performing with the other arm. This may be used whether you are defending from kicks, punches or knives for instant.