Russian Martial Arts

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In spite of what the movies may suggest, martial arts are not limited to the Chinese martial art, the Korean martial art and the Japanese martial art. There's a plethora of martial arts styles from all around the world. They all came up the same way, too: local authorities outlaw the lower class from owning weapons and the people find a way to protect themselves regardless. Martial arts history tells us that people began refining the martial art styles back then, until the forms were refined into what we have today. This is how the Russian martial art was developed.

Russia is no exception. Russia has a long history of internal conflict and invasion. It is a massive country with borders that span over 11 time zones. The Russians came to expect the unexpected when in battle and no two enemies would fight the same. From these encounters, the Russian warriors developed into the type of fighter that reacted on instinct. They had to face the enemy as an individual and adapt to whatever the enemy threw at them. The Russian martial arts had to be as versatile as the men who practiced it.

Russia is so huge that, in the beginning, a standard army was not possible. There were too many tiny villages and towns scattered across the land, as well as too many lords and territories, that made this type of organization nearly impossible. During times of war, men were recruited from the towns and villages to fight and, when the battle was over, they went home. During peacetime, these men would continue to train on their own. This Russian martial arts were tailor-made to fit the common man.

Systema has no prearranged kumite (choreographed two man fighting) like the martial arts of the Far East. Russian martial arts are fluid -- the goal being able to fight without consciousness. Like the many forms of Eastern martial arts, Russian martial arts started with one "ideal" and evolved into many different styles of that form across Russia, each one geared towards that locale's specific needs. The basic principals remained consistent and provided the common thread of the Russian martial arts.

The Russian martial art came from a conglomeration of loose teachings that were slowly brought together via friendly competitions between towns. From this, the martial art styles became known as systema. Sadly, when the Communist party took over in 1917, they outlawed most Russian traditions, including the combative arts. But, like all traditions, it would not be killed. The Russian martial art went underground, being taught from family to family, father to son, and generation to generation.

When the new Soviet government had to focus on arming their soldiers, they sent agents to find the best fighting systems in the world. They didn't have to search too far, the answer was right under their nose. From that point on, the Russian army began instruction in an age-old technique pulled right from the roots of their own heritage.

Today, the martial arts of Russia have been completely subsumed by systema. Mostly used by Spetsnaz, the Russian Special Operation Units, the Russian martial art has still managed to spread across the world and is currently gaining popularity in the United States.

I hope that any questions you may have had have now been answered.

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Today's Tip On Martial Arts

Although kickboxing has been around for almost 2,000 years, the United States did not enjoy its popularity until the 1970s. Because of its martial arts traditional training, competitors were allowed to use full contact with kicks and punches that were banned in previous karate competitions. As a result of the full contact, safety gear was brought in to keep martial arts competitors safe. Whether you are a beginner, a novice, or an expert, there is a type of kickboxing in the martial sports to suit your individual skill level.