After studying the 'Systema' with Vladimir Vasiliev

I can safely say that the 'Systema' answers all the awkward questions that are asked about tricky self defence situations. such as knife defence against a frenzied attack and multiple opponents, defending on the ground against multiple opponents and other situations that are not covered by any other Martial art of defence system.

These same questions can not be answered with expediency by ANY other martial art anywhere.

The answers to these impossible questions are there to be seen in the Russian system. The more I train in the 'Systema' the more I am convinced that my training is taking an evolutionary leap.

After training in the RMA for just over two and a half years I have reached a level of proficiency that I could not have believed possible in such a short time, I am now Quietly confident (and not overconfident) that I deal with just about any self defence situation I could come up against, I am no longer afraid of any man whatever his size or bulk, it is now of no consequence , I firmly believe the 'Systema' is the most perfect and matured martial art and the best self defence system in the world.
T Robinson December 2000

I think the 'System' is an extremely realistic martial art with highly effective techniques. It uses natural body movement which makes it very quick to learn compared to other martial arts and relies on practical application rather than traditional form. It's knife techniques and defences are second to none. I have been training in the 'System' since December 1998 and my confidence in my own ability to defend myself has grown tremendously.
Darren Henderson student

I have been studying the 'System' by Vladimir Vasiliev with Trevor Robinson since January 1999.I believe that since I began learning this art I have grown in many areas. I am now more aware both spiritually and psychologically have also found that my physical ability has been enhanced along with my threshold for pain. The 'System' opens up new doorways for the martial artist which were previously closed to those below black belt grades. Overall I would say that combining the 'System' with techniques from the Bujinkan schools creates an art of such devastating technique that I would be hard pressed to find another to better it.
Scott Docherty student

I have been studying the 'System' for ten months with Trevor Robinson and I have found it to be easy to learn and very effective because it relies on the natural movements and reactions that people use when under attack. It is also very realistic because there are no Kamae and no Kata so all your techniques come from your own 'on the spot' instincts and ability. It has taught me that through relaxation of the whole body I can give and receive attacks more effectively than ever before and has given me confidence in all aspects of self defence. One on one, multiple opponents, fighting from the ground or knife defence the 'System' has all the answers.
Brian Riddell student

During my short period of training in the Russian Martial Art, I have learned more about the reality of combat and self defence than I had possibly imagined. The System presents to me a whole new way of looking at Martial Arts. To me it's not just training or techniques but the rediscovery of my natural body movement. Unlike some other Martial Arts and forms of combat the System has not resorted to fixed positions but relies almost solely upon principles and improvisation. I would recommend this style to anyone with an interest in protection, or personal development. Trevor Robinson of the BSA© school has impressed me as an instructor in both his physical abilities and his ability to inspire independent thought.
Nick Jobling student

VLADIMIR VASILIEV COURSE UK 18 + 19 MARCH 2000

AS A CANADIAN TO COME TO UK TO TRAIN IN RMA I FOUND IT VERY EASY TO LEARN IN JUST A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME. WITH THE EMPHASIS ON MOVEMENT MORE THAN TECHNIQUE I FEEL THIS SPEEDS UP THE LEARNING PROCESS. THE SEMINAR WITH VLADIMIR WAS WELL WORTH THE WAIT AND A DEFINITE HIGHLIGHT IN MY LIFE. THERE WAS A GREAT TURNOUT OF PEOPLE FROM ALL WALKS OF LIFE AND STYLE. FROM AIRBORNE PARA'S TO 5 DAN JU JITSU THERE WAS A VARIETY OF STYLES AND ALL WERE AMAZED AT THE SYSTEM. A NEW WAY OF THINKING FOR MARTIAL ARTS MIGHT BE IN ORDER. JUST THE FACT I WAS ABLE TO TRAIN WITH VLADIMIR AND SEE HOW FLUID HE IS WITH THE SYSTEM GAVE ME CONFIDENCE THAT WITH MORE TRAINING I COULD MASTER SOME OF HIS MOTIONS.
Robert Robley student

After attending the March 2000 course with other students from I feel I have developed a deeper understanding of 'THE SYSTEM' and it's application. The fluid movement and general attitude of Vladimir Vasiliev is an example to all who wish to develop themselves and their overall ability within this art. From observing Mr Vasiliev's technique and ability it is easy for me to understand just how devastatingly effective this art can be when mastered and applied within the morals we all must abide by. Don't misinterpreted me when I say the morals by which we abide, for when confronted by an aggressor the necessary force required to repel the committed attacker must be tempered with compassion. The SYSTEM has techniques within its arsenal which could permanently destroy ANY aggressor and one must learn to control this. I have learnt that you do not require total aggression to combat this scenario, thank you Vladimir for showing us the real way forward.
Scott Docherty student

Nick Fraser

User ID: 9627953 Sep 3rd 9:05 AM

I’m posting this after attending my first RMA seminar with Trevor Robinson held in Stoke on Trent.

I’m new to Russian Martial Art but have trained in numerous styles (Muay Thai, Wing Chun & Escrima) over the years and made a point of studying some of the videos available before attending.

I must admit that I arrived at the seminar fairly sceptical about some of the claims being made about RMA, surely, I thought, some of the guys featured in the video seemed to be diving, falling left right and centre at the lightest touch from Vladimir. How wrong I was!!

Training with Trevor turned out to be an inspiring (and sometimes painful)event, with the class size being small I was lucky enough to spend a large amount of time with Trevor, who took us through a large range of hand to hand and knife based material.

Having studied the Filipino arts and trained with renowned fighters such as Vincente “inting” Carin in the Philippines I felt that my knife work was fairly solid and anyone would have a hard time disarming me.

Trevor was easily able to cope with anything I had, never repeating the same defence twice and this was all the more shocking when he admitted that he hadn’t spent a great deal of time on knife work, concentrating more on body movement, and the principles behind RMA.

I can honestly say that I have never spent so much time on the ground before, sparring with Trevor was a real grounding experience for me, he seemed able to anticipate my every move and take my balance time after time, I honestly think that I spent more time fighting myself than Trevor.

Trevor sensed that at one stage I wanted to test him a little so switched up a gear, I became totally confused, being unable to judge where the next strike or takedown was coming from and felt that at any time he could have “turned it on” and swatted me.

After the seminar I found myself grinning like the Cheshire Cat, my wife tells me that I was almost bouncing off the ceiling with excitement. I really felt that I’d found something totally unique, I also felt that I’d learnt a lot in five hours but it’s difficult to pinpoint exactly what it is, more of a feeling than a new list of techniques.

So many thanks to Trevor & Nick Jobling for inviting me, I would recommend that anyone interested in this totally unique martial art attend one of Trevor’s seminars as I found both his martial and teaching abilities to be of the highest order.
Sorry if this post went on a little, but it feels like I’ve re-discovered martial arts for the first time.

Nick Frazer

By Martin Clarke (Combatsombo)
SYSTEMA COURSE
EAST STREET SPORTS CENTRE
SITTINGBOURNE
Saturday and Sunday October 28th/29th 2001
As most of you know I have been involved in the Russian Grappling Sport of Sombo (Sambo) Wrestling since the early 70’s visiting the ex Soviet Union on several occasions and competing on a regular basis with soviets. So when the Soviet Union collapsed I was somewhat surprised to see such a sudden influx of so-called Russian Martial Arts.

While the Communists ran the country the only Combat sports practised were Judo, Wrestling, Sombo and Boxing all others were banned so it was rather strange when the political system changed all these so called experts appeared claiming to have practised for years. Knowing how ruthless the communist system was it took some believing that anyone would risk life and limb to practise some weird Martial Art especially as what I had seen was second rate to what the Japanese and Europeans were doing.

So when Alan Cain the clubs Kickboxing and Jiu Jitsu instructor asked if my club would run a RUSSIAN SYSTEMA course I was some what dubious to say the least but agreed any way. I can say I was very pleasantly surprised, here was a self defence system which did not have heavy throwing, heavy punching or kicking yet proved very effective and popular. I even tried a couple of the technique and found they worked. Our instructor was Trevor Robinson the first systema instructor in the country. Trevor was a very quietly spoken person who was very good at not only teaching but also at demonstrating his art .

What is Systema it seems the people promoting this particular style suggests that it dates back to the 10th Century and has been up dated by the SPETSNAZ (Russian special forces) to be used as an effective fighting system. After seeing SPETSNAZ soldier Mikhail Ryabko demonstrating this style on video it seems more has come from their expertise rather then some peasant from the 10th Century. So how can I explain what Systema is well it is a mixture of Aikido, Juno Kata, Goshin Jitsu and Tai Chi yet it is none of these, the only way is to experience it for yourself. There were parts that I still had doubts about like the idea of some sort of hidden inner energy which can render your opponent incapacitated. I say doubts not disbelief as someone who has been in Martial Arts for 45 years I have seen things that if I had not seen for myself I would not have believed.

I believe Systema will become very popular so long as it is run properly as I am led to believe there is already people are having weekend courses and calling themselves experts. Trevor Robinson UK’s leading authority on the subject has promised to keep in regular contact with us and help us start a club here in Sittingbourne in the New Year. It is also hoped to bring over a leading Russian expert (Vladimir) in the summer of 2001. Trevor has started his own association naturally called the British Systema Association and will be affiliated to the IBF, allowing all his members insurance cover.

I enjoyed watching Systema but I still prefer the hard bash, smash of Judo and Sombo Wrestling even if it does mean having Philosophical knees (Dodgy knees). I jokingly said they ought to make a film of myself and my Grappling one of the youngsters piped up said they have! it is made by Walt Disney and called Dinosaurs.