Episode 143: Edgars Cakuls

This episode sees the return of Ryo Onishi (Systema Japan) to the podcast, with an engaging discussion of developing real power in Systema. As usual, Ryo brings practicality and a healthy perspective to a topic that can easily drift into the esoteric and impractical. Here, we get into:Common points of confusionAspects of power development: lightness, ease, asymmetric responsesHow to know if you're on the 'right' trackUse of power in combat and lifeIf you enjoyed this topic...See Ryo's relaxed power in action on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9VNjpRLIsUwPurchase Ryo Onishi's instrutional download From Relaxation to Power at www.systemavasiliev.com:https://systemavasiliev.com/store/product/from-relaxation-to-power-downloadableTrain with Ryo - or find out about international seminars - at Systema Osaka:http://systemaosaka.jp/

This episode, a fascinating discussion with Systema veteran and Head Instructor of Systema NYC, Edgars Cakuls.In this second appearance on the show, Edgars reflects on ideas and concepts shared during his recent 2-day, outdoor seminar in Durham, North Carolina, entitled Working From the Spine. Along the way, we cover:The critical importance of spinal integrityStability vs fluidityTraining body awareness versus conceptual-intellectual learningRedirection of force and powerTrain with Edgars at Systema NYChttps://www.systemanewyorkcity.comMentioned in this episode:Ryō Onishi Seminar, June 11-12 2022

Hullo, Friends. After an 8-week sabbatical, Systema For Life returns this month with a broad discussion on the subject of focus, attention, and the attempt to "optimize" your daily training and life routines. I'm joined once again by coach and wellness expert, Howard Jacobson.Here, we get into:Losing and reclaiming routines during the pandemicThe upside and downside of tireless life-optimizationThe focus economy and "productivity porn"Psychological parallels between resolving conflict and resolving your struggles with lifeAdvice for achieving that elusive, healthy balanceHope you enjoy the conversation. Next one due out in a couple of weeks.Find out more about Howie and his health and wellness coaching programs at www.plantyourself.com.

This week, another fascinating conversation with prolific movement scientist, neuroscientist, and martial artist Jan Bloem.As we learned during our first conversation last year (see episode 124), Jan has studied the art and science of movement and combat at the very highest levels – on the theoretical side as an expert in kinesiology and psychomotor therapy, and on the front lines as a world champion karateka; a defensive tactics instructor to military and law enforcement; and as one of the early non-Russian students and instructors of Systema under the legendary Mikhail Ryabko.Here, we build upon upon our earlier discussion of approaches to martial training, focusing on the value (and limitations) of "internal" work to health, self-development, and the realities of practical combat. Taking in along the way:internal work: problems with presentation and misapplied teachingshifting focus between the internal and the externalthe benefit of allowing and encouraging mistakesdiscovering power through the "less is more" approachMany thanks to Jan for his tireless efforts to advance understanding in all martial arts.Mentioned in this episode:SFL Episode 124 (on YouTube):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0sgRtIRjrcAPower Vs Force: the Hidden Determinants of Human Behaviour, by David Hawkinshttps://www.amazon.com/Power-vs-Force-David-Hawkins-ebook/dp/B00EJBABS2The Principles of Effortless Power, by Peter Ralstonhttps://www.amazon.com/Cheng-Hsin-Principles-Effortless-Power/dp/1556433026Books by Neuroscientist Antonio Damasio:Looking For Spinoza: https://www.amazon.com/Looking-Spinoza-Sorrow-Feeling-Brain/dp/0156028719The Feeling of What Happens: https://www.amazon.com/Feeling-What-Happens-Emotion-Consciousness/dp/0156010755/ref=pd_lpo_2?pd_rd_i=0156010755&psc=1Self Comes to Mind: https://www.amazon.com/Self-Comes-Mind-Constructing-Conscious/dp/0307378756Find out more about Jan and his work here:https://www.kinesica.nl/jan-bloem/

This week, a deep dive into the world of Original Strength - a system of natural movement and neurological "resetting" created by company founder, personal trainer, and physical educator Tim Anderson. Tim's simple (but effective) OS system is a wonderful complement to Systema practice - especially for beginning trainees - and for anyone recovering from injury, impairment, or the ravages of modern life on the body. After many years of hearing about Systema, Tim took the jump and began training privately with me a month ago. Here, we discuss:his motives for building (and miraculous discovery of) Original Strengththe power of natural movementthe dangers of fanaticism (in anything)his experience as a strength/movement expert in beginning SystemaCheck out the Original Strength books, courses, and associated materials at originalstrength.net

This week, a dive into the world of martial arts, medicine and holistic health - with impassioned Systema student and Doctor of Chinese Medicine Gabriel Stern.On the medical side, Gabe was a trained EMT and ER nurse before becoming a student and clinician versed in Chinese healing modalities. On the martial arts side, he studied Eskrima and Pekiti Tirsia Kali for several years before venturing into Systema with Edgar Cakuls in NYC, and with us here at NC SYSTEMA. Always candid and radically honest, Gabe turns his dizzying intellect here upon:the convergence of Russian and Chinese health conceptscomparing Chinese meridians and anatomical fascial chainshow organ health relates to emotional states and personality typesavoiding the pitfalls of self-delusion - in both medicine and martial artsGabe trains and explains at NC SYSTEMA in Durham, NC, and has his own clinic focused on traditional and modern acupuncture and herbology for a variety of conditions. Find him at https://www.centermedicine.com

This week, a rare hour with bestselling author, speaker, and leadership specialist Greg McKeown.  Greg is the author of the best-selling Essentialism: the Disciplined Pursuit of Less (2014), and the new New York Times bestseller, Effortless (2021). If you haven't read them, the relevance of Greg's central principles to Systema training are well worth exploring.Here, we discuss: the futility of trying to "do it all" minimum viable actions vs minimum effective doses of effort releasing, noticing, and removing the cataracts of distraction creating and maintaining an effortless state of action Sign up for Greg's newsletter and purchase his books here: https://gregmckeown.comListen to Greg's podcast, What's Essential, on your favourite podcatching app, here: https://gregmckeown.com/podcast/  

This week, an enlightening conversation with veteran Systema, Filipino Martial Arts Instructor Al McLuckie.   Al has over five decades of experience in arts ranging from Western Boxing and Kempo Karate, to Eskrima, Kali, Silat, and (of course) Systema. A former instructor for the famous Degerberg Academy of Martial Arts in Chicago, Al's unique and unparalleled knife skills, in particular, have seen him teaching famous martial artists such as Lee Wedlake, Scott Glenn, and Martin Wheeler, along with workshops for the Lethal Force Institute. Here, we talk about: - his path into martial arts training and teaching- rare experiences working with FMA, Systema, and H'sing-i masters - the deep principles he has observed across multiple martial styles- posture, connection, and attitudes to "reality-based" training Al is also a prolific oil painter. See examples of his work at http://www.almcluckie.com  

This week, a brief chat with Senior Systema Instructor Martin Wheeler, following his recent Redwoods Systema Camp in California, and foreshadowing his 4-day Masterclass events in Los Angeles and Raleigh/Durham, NC. Here, we chat about:- insights from teaching and training worldwide- the benefits of multi-day immersion training- the surprising effects of training outdoors- discomfort as a necessary path to awarenessBoth of Martin's Masterclass events - East Coast and West - are still open for registration. Click below for details.Masterclass Los Angeles (Oct 1-4 2021)The Academy Beverly HillsEast Coast Masterclass (Oct 21-24)Falls Lake (nr Raleigh), North Carolina

This week, another engaging conversation with author, podcaster, and expert health and wellness coach, Howard Jacobson.  Here, we get into the tricky question of how to discern truth from falsehood, reality from creative (and compelling) stories. Using concrete examples in the fields of nutrition, exercise, and martial arts practice.  Touching upon: How we decide what is true (or true enough) The necessity and paradox of trust Resolving conflicting ideas What science, medicine, and Systema training have in common   Follow Howie's healthy exploits at www.plantyourself.com Mentioned in this episode:Burn, by Herman Pontzer, PhD:https://www.amazon.com/Burn-Research-Really-Calories-Healthy/dp/0525541527Reality-making: the Art of Distinguishing Truth from Falsehood:https://medium.com/the-understanding-project/reality-making-the-art-of-distinguishing-truth-from-falsehood-a30d5c3c3d7c