Breathing
Explore how your breath supports movement and helps you respond to pressure.
ULVERSTON, CUMBRIA · THE LAKE DISTRICT
Move freely.
Live fully.
A Russian martial art.
A calmer mind. A freer body.
A practice for life.
In training, and beyond.
TRAINING UPDATE
The weekly class is closed. For private lessons, get in touch by email
REAL PEOPLE. NATURAL MOVEMENT.MORE THAN A MARTIAL ART
Strength without
the tension.
Systema means “the System”: a martial art and a way to develop body and mind together.
Systema develops the person as a whole: body, mind and the ability to function clearly in daily life and under pressure. It is surprising because it does not have fixed techniques. Movement is spontaneous and natural, built on four core principles.
Rather than memorising a response, you explore breathing, relaxation and movement. Self defence, health and a calm state of mind develop together.
Self defence and health belong to the same practice. Training explores fitness, flexibility, mobility and the ability to stay calm under stress.
Explore the four principlesA SIMPLE FOUNDATION
Four principles.
Endless discovery.
Relaxation
Notice unnecessary tension. Learn to let it go without losing your strength.
Movement
Move naturally and continuously, adapting to what is happening around you.
Structure
Find balance and posture that support you, with freedom to change and move.
THE PRACTICE, IN EVERYDAY LIFE
Learn to breathe.
Learn to let go.
The skills you explore in training go with you when you leave.
Relaxation is a skill
Many arts talk about relaxation. Systema actually teaches you how to relax. It is an ongoing journey of increasing awareness: releasing tension in one place can help you notice tension somewhere else.
There is no final destination. You keep discovering how your body responds, and how to move without adding unnecessary effort.
Breathing under pressure
We have breathed every minute of every day since we were born, so what is there to learn? Systema explores how breathing and movement work together, particularly when you are under physical pressure or feeling tense.
The aim is not only a combat skill, but a practice that helps you meet everyday situations with more awareness and control.
Explore Vladimir Vasiliev’s SystemaYOUR INSTRUCTOR
Mike Cameron
SYSTEMA HQ CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR
3RD DAN AIKIDO
Serious practice.
A relaxed, human approach.
It was at a seminar in Windsor in 2012 that Mike first saw Vladimir Vasiliev in person. His effortless, relaxed ability made a lasting impression. Mike came away hooked and went on to attend as many seminars as he could.
Since then he has trained with Vladimir Vasiliev, Mikhail Ryabko, Martin Wheeler, the Zettler Twins and Matt Hill, meeting people from around the world in halls, fields and Swedish forests. He was certified as a Systema instructor by Vladimir Vasiliev.
Mike also trained in Aikido for over twenty years under Sensei George Forbes. That background shares an emphasis on learning to move your body rather than following fixed techniques. Lakes Systema teaches Systema; for Aikido, see Furness Aikido.
Lakes Systema grew from a wish to share that experience: friendly training, mutual respect, no grades and no uniform. You set your own pace and can take a break whenever you need.
Ask Mike about private training
SPACE TO EXPLORE
Find your
own rhythm.
No formal etiquette. Just mutual respect.
At Lakes Systema the aim is good training in a relaxed, friendly environment. There is no formal etiquette or bowing, just mutual respect between good people. There are no grades and no uniform. Comfortable, flexible clothing and trainers are a practical starting point.
You decide how hard to push yourself. If you want to stop, watch, take a breather or have a drink, you can. You do not have to take part in everything.
The original Lakes Systema practice brought together indoor training and the open spaces of the Lake District. Fresh air, natural light and space bring a different aspect to training. Fields, hills and woodland give you a changing environment rather than one perfectly flat surface.
These photographs capture that outdoor spirit. The weekly class is now closed; email to discuss private lessons.
Talk about private lessons
BREATHE. RELAX. KEEP MOVING.START A CONVERSATION
Your practice.
Your next step.
Interested in private lessons?
The weekly class is closed. Email Mike to discuss private training and what you'd like to explore.
Email about private lessons LakesSystema@gmail.com