SFL Episode 50: Funda Gul

This week, a thought-provoking conversation with New Jersey based yogi, dancer, traceur, and Systema Instructor, Funda Gul.

Born in Ankara, Turkey, Funda began her martial training in Aikido, and found Systema (in the form of Systema Manhattan instructor Edgars Cakuls) after moving to the USA for college in 2009. A PhD in mathetmatics, a talented movement artist, and an endlessly curious student and teacher of Systema, Funda brings a unique and fascinating perspective to our style.

Here, we discuss:

  • her early, counter-cultural experiences as a woman training martial arts in Turkey

  • similarities and disctinctions between Systema and improvisational dance forms

  • the essential qualities of touch, connection, and sensitivity in training

  • the origins of ParCon - her unique fusion of Parkour and Contact Improvisation

  • her experiences as a woman training and teaching Systema (both good and bad)

Find out more about training with Funda at https://www.jiyu.us/instructors-1/

Click below to see her working with Pasquale Antonio of Jersey City Systema. (Skip to 2:43 to get straight to the action).

SFL Episode 49: Vali Majd


Deep discussion with veteran Systema Instructor and Founder of Roots Dojo / Systema School of Warrior Arts, Vali Majd.

Vali has been training Systema with Vladimir Vasiliev for almost as long as Vlad has been teaching - nearly 25 years. In addition to his security work and training first responder groups, he runs a full-time Systema school on remote Denman Island, British Columbia, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.

Here, we talk at length about his experiences in training Systema - from the early, brutal dayswith Vlad's orginal Toronto group, to the deep, focused training he explores today. Along the way, we cover:
 

  • the shared roots of martial arts, and the importance of training the basics
  • the importance of periodization, taking the longview in training
  • why he runs an epic 8-year cycle of instruction at his woodland paradise retreat
  • the role of spirituality in martial arts
  • how to ensure that you’re training for the reality of physical violence, while avoiding straying into fighting for pride, vanity, or pleasure

Find out more about training with Vali, and the 3-month internship program at Roots Dojo, here: http://rootsdojo.com/systema/

Referenced in this Episode: Vali's YouTube clip on Systema Attributes (click below)

SFL Episode 48: On Parenting

This week, one for the hardworkin' parents out there, as Glenn Murphy and wellness guru Howard Jacobson address the challenges, similiarities, and reciprocal benefits of Systema and parenting. Along the way, we delve into:

  • what Systema can teach us about being good parents
  • command and conquer vs engage and redirect parenting
  • the role of movement in managing overwhelming emotions
  • avoiding the traps of stubbornness and pride
  • why too much praise is harmful to kids, and to Systema trainees

Mentioned in this episode:

The Whole Brain Child by Daniel Siegel and Tina Bryson
http://www.drdansiegel.com/books/the_whole_brain_child/

Nurtureshock by Pø Bronson and Ashley Merryman
https://www.amazon.com/NurtureShock-New-Thinking-About-Children/dp/0446504130

Leading with Emotional Courage by Peter Bregman
http://bregmanpartners.com/books/leading-with-emotional-courage/

Enjoy!

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