SFL Episode 82: Mike Turk

This week, a spirited discussion with Mike Turk - Systema Instructor, Head of Training, and Co-Founder of the Kampfkunst Akademie (KKA) located in Krems, Austria. Mike has a varied background in martial arts, ranging from karate and kickboxing to Systema, BJJ, and military close combat.  He leads regular classes in both Systema and Crossfighting (mixed martial arts), and oversees a kids' program based on Systema principles. Here, we talk about:

  • his journey into martial arts

  • what defines and distinguishes Systema as a martial art

  • breaking free of dogma and restrictive ideas

  • explaining and marketing Systema to kids and parents

Find out more about training with Mike at https://www.kampfkunst-akademie.at/

For the first time in Europe, the KKA is hosting Systema Instructor Menamy Mitanes (The Academy, Beverly Hills) Nov 30 & Dec 01. Tcikets limited to 30 persons. Sign up via their website of Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/kampfkunstA) after May 31.

SFL Episode 81: On Impulse Control (Plant Yourself Podcast)

This week, a special episode in which our regular Systema For Life contributor (and health & wellness guru) Howard Jacobson interviews Glenn Murphy for his Plant Yourself podcast. Ostensibly talking about the problem of Internet technology addiction, they cover a range of topics along the way. Including:

  • the basic biology of impulse control

  • how technology disrupts our sense of agency

  • the special problems presented by social media and smartphones

  • how martial arts training and philosophy - and Systema specifically - can help protect against the tech addiction trap

 Find out more about Howie's healthy exploits at www.plantyourself.com


SFL Episode 80: On Training to Fight, with Martin Wheeler

This episode, we catch up with world-renowned martial artist, Senior Systema Instructor, and founder of The Academy, Los Angeles - Martin Wheeler. Recorded shortly after the East Coast Systema Summit 2019, we discuss his groudbreaking lessons and demonstrations at the Summit, and reveal some of the thinking behind his training and teaching methods. Including:

  • the inherent value of orthodox (or 'classical') fighting wisdom

  • training for a fight, versus training for its own sake

  • the dangers of arrogance, hubris, and certainty of knoweldge in martial arts

  • accelerating your development by combining somatic anc cognitive feedback


For those wishing to experience these groundbreaking methods in person, you may still be able to grab a place on one of Martin's 4-day USA Masterclasses. Each event feature over 20 hours of training over four consecutive days, and incorporate everything from softwork and blindfold work to full-speed grappling and knife attacks.

His West Coast Masterclass will take place at The Academy, Los Angeles from Oct 6-9 2019. To Sign Up, visit http://wheelersystema.com/event/los-angeles-masterclass/

His East Coast Masterclass will take place at NC Systema, Durham NC from Oct 10-13 2019. Strictly limited to 35 persons (latecomers will be wait-listed, but not guaranteed entry). For more information, visit http://www.ncsystema.com/events/4daymasterclass, or click the button below to sign up online.