From my observations, any credible attempt to disarm someone will require the one doing the disarming to get close, to clinch and secure the weapon and then to manipulate it free and disengage or use the weapon close.

This makes a pretty clear argument for learning how to work in exteme close quarters as opposed to arms length/ sparring distance. This does not mean that you clinch with everyone, just like training the ground does not mean you take everyone to the ground and choke them out.

You'll have to do your own research on the Spetznatz stuff. From what I have seen, I cannot comment.

Been gone for a bit ...

The age old question: Which art dominates the realistic world ? As Fletch comments, Systema used by the Russian Spetnaz most likely untouchable by us mere civilians. Yet exagerated claims have been made by many ... Including JKD/TKD/Harang do/Sayoc Kali/BBJ, all in the same money making sceem.

Their alure is the greatness of becoming untouchable. A great warrior/super soldier or god forbid another H.Gracie.

No such system exists: Thus the reason for military combatives changing the drum beat every time something new comes out. Trying to stay a top of the martial circus often offends me, since many regular people laught at our ways. The image we create is often not the lone Samurai warrior, that holds honor & respect. In fact, not even the opposite: Clownish how we pretend to be so invicible, & dark as we parrad in our Gi's holding shurikens. Throwing them, at targets forgeting the truth.

War-Martial-Bushi means the same: Reflect upon your Kris sword as soldiers peace keep in Ruwanda. Body gathering for burning puts death in a strange perspective.

As for the Spetznas: They were very effective, ask any Aphgani who lost family.

Personal defense: This is the reason I strive to be the best. Not only physicaly, but mentaly ... Thus remmember that instead of following some Sensei blindly, effectively judge what is on the curriculum.

Training
conditioning
skill
chance

There lies the truth in the Bushi

Kobun-Loki

Putin is 6th Dan Judo, I believe... however I think he was GRU rather than KGB.

I believe that Sambo was developed, in part, from a number of traditional wrestling styles found in the former USSR, as well as things like Judo/JJ

Systema is definately not every ones cup of tea and there is no martial art that can turn anyone impervious of any attack. However it is a very valid approach to the realities of real combat. The main problem is the view point that it looks at the subject is very different from what mast people have already accepted as there own.

The only real way to make an informed judgement is to turn up and have a go with a decent instructor. This is exactly what happened recently when a member of the Geoff Thompson Forum decided to check us out. The guy in question is of the RBSD style martial artist variety and an experienced doorman.

If interested in his opinions check out this link to Geoff's forum.

Forum link

Paul Genge
Russian Martial Arts Northwest

I stand corrected, Comrade Putin was indeed KGB.

The Russians lost the cold war.

The japanese lost WW2, is that a comment on Karate?

No, I like the Japanese.

Let me guess, because the Japanese beat the Russians in a war?

So what is your problem with the Russians?

I'm going to bow out of this discussion. I don't want the Russian Mafia or some elite killing team chasing me around the streets of my little city. I've made enough enemies as it is.