SFL Episode 70: Peter Annazone

Fittingly for our 70th episode, this week we chat with Peter Annazone - US Marine, martial artist, and T'ai Ch'i / Systema Instructor - still teaching and practicing well into his 70s. Peter has been practicing martial arts for over 50 years, and Systema for the last 20. His quests for martial knowledge have taken him all over the world, and he has had the privilege of working with several genuine masters of T'ai Ch'i, Kungfu, and Systema.  Here, we talk about:

  • his experiences training T'ai Ch'i and Chigung in China

  • meeting Vladimir, Mikhail, and the Merrell brothers

  • the necessity of a relaxed approach - not just a relaxed body - in training

  • how adherence to Systema basics confers health and healing for life

    Find out more about training with Peter at https://www.facebook.com/SystemaFortMyers/

SFL Episode 69: On Change

Another extended discussion with health and wellness guru - and Systema aficianado - Howard Jacobson. This week, on the subject of change - both intentional and inevitable. Change is a tricky one. Much as we try to assert our good intentions on the world, life has an irritating way of moving, flipping, and shifting our priorities and goalposts. As has been said before: the only constant in life is change. In the face of this:

how can we learn to accept change in our lives?
how can we work to maintain healthy routines in the face of big change?
how can Systema help us anticipate, endure, and facilitate change?

Handy for martial artists and health nuts alike!  Your thoughts and comments always welcomed.

Find out more about Howard's healthy exploits at plantyourself.com and wellstarthealth.com.

SFL Episode 68: Scott McQueen

This week, an eye-opening interview with Scott McQueen of Systema Japan.

Orignally from Australia, Scott's first experience of Systema was straight in at the deep end - with a weeklong trip to Moscow, training under the legendary Mikhail Ryabko. This turned out to be the first of many such trips, and the beginning of a new phase in his martial and spiritual life. After 25 years in martial arts, and 12 years living and teaching in Japan and Singapore, he now teaches weekly classes in Tokyo, alongside Andy Cefai and Brett Adams. Here, we touch upon:

  • his intense experiences in Russia

  • the growth and popularity of Systema in Japan

  • the rationale behind differentiating ‘New School’ from ‘Old School’ Systema

  • the limitations of fitness training, versus training for health and survival

Find out more about training with Scott and Systema Japan at http://www.systemajapan.jp/

English-language info at http://www.systemajapan.jp/aboutsystemajapan/englishinfo