Interview with Master Andrey Karimov:

Part One- Resuscitating Systema.

I finally decided to interview Systema Master, Andrey Karimov. There are too
many questions to fit into one segment, therefore, I decided to make this a
series of articles(with no real form to it). Keep in mind, everything is loosely
translated(by Google translate)..Also, for the record, Mr. Karimov, did not
know any of the questions beforehand.
I will also preface this by saying, I speak to Mr. Karimov, almost daily, and
have for about four months now. There hasn't been one single conversation
where I wasn't pleasantly surprised by a video, a song, or a response. He is
both a mentor and a muse, and I am finding, slowly on this journey, that I am
not the only person he has inspired.Mr. Karimov is a Clinical Psychologist and
Ethnologist and has been practicing martial arts for almost 30 years. He
currently lives in Russia with his lovely wife and three children. He tours the
world hosting seminars and events , and will be coming to the United States,
for the first time in November, 2015.
He has been extremely patient and helpful with me and all of my questions
and comments, that alone, is a testament to this man's demeanor..enjoy!
(yes, my initials are "O.O.")
O.O.:There are many clubs and groups that have tried to define the
word "Systema", can you clear up some of those misconceptions?
A.K: Systema is a way of becoming a mature person, with creativity,
adaptability,the ability to take a punch, all while remaining true to
yourself.This paradox, this dynamic, is Systema.
O.O. : Can you be more specific about that last phrase?
A.K.:The ability to be adaptable, without losing yourself in the process.
O.O.:Most men have trouble being creative and carefree and have
the capacity to take a punch. How can they find that balance?
A.K.:There are many ways. Immersing ourselves in culture is a great way.
Finding your way into a circle, becoming open, not being afraid to make
mistakes or to be judged by others, like with dancing, wrestling and
craftwork.
O.O:Would you say being a good Systema practitioner is almost like
performing?

A.K.: Exactly!
O.O.: Many people struggle with public speaking, let alone
performing. For those just starting out with Systema, what do you
recommend?
A.K.:For those who are just starting, I propose alot of footwork, literally and
physically. Your "legs save". Meaning, your legs are what carry you and save
you. Because of this, we study the steps and dance of the Russian Cossacks.
This style of dance also provides a vast experience and knowledge of motor
skills, both on the ground and upright. It is effective, if you are moving
continuously.Public performance is comparable to fearing death, to some.
Does it define who you are?Does this fear make you who you are? That is a
question many people will have to ask themselves and it is a real question of
personal identity and fortitude. A circle of like minded, positive individuals will
overcome those barriers. That is why , we sit in a circle of support of one
another, we are all equal in the circle.

O.O.:So if anyone has issues with insecurity, it will be best overcome

by finding a group of supportive , like minded people, who can
encourage each other and help each other grow in a positive
direction?
A.K.: Yes. Grow together as a group. Meet with other groups, share power and
positive energy. Closed groups lack communal strength and support. The
energy is reduced.
O.O.:I have discussed the complexity, or lack thereof, of Systema in
the United States versus what I have seen and read and heard about
in other countries. In the U.S., it seems to be more of a
conceptualized idea and less of a "community " feel. Much of what
you are describing , may seem irrelevant to a large number of
practitioners here. How can you explain why it has become more
rigid and less about "art"?
A.K.:I do not know about the U.S. at all and cannot really say anything at the
moment. Maybe it's the fear of losing status, position in society, or fear of
trying new concepts. But, the more you fear it, the more it happens to you.
O.O.: Personally I was thrilled when I first discovered your videos
from a friend (who is a long time practitioner), and became an
instant fan.I was also shocked that I had not heard of you before ,

and was not the only one. It seems, the majority of us were only
aware of one "method" of Systema in the United States. Do you
think that people may be stuck in only learning that style and not
open to others?
A.K.: Making the choice is laid upon the person themselves.God gave us all
the ability to see, hear and understand. Making the personal and conscious
choice, manifests in the person, himself. Personal choices can mature and
strengthen. If people have no choices, they become addicted to the wrong
ones.
O.O.:That being said, to train with you, may take alot of men out of
their comfort zone, in many ways.Since you use several layers of
Cossack dance style and movement, how can you explain to the
people who are not aware of your method, and how it connects to
richer, deeper part of Systema?
A.K.: It is all very simply interconnected. It's continuity , deep and personal.
An experience.
O.O.:So , in reality, Systema cannot be defined by one person or
group. Systema is just a word the classifies "methods" and has
evolved over a long period of time, like karate.There is no specific
"inventor"or "creator" of Systema, is that correct?
A.K.: If someone claims they invented Systema, they are not being truthful
with themselves or others. God invented Systema, it is a method of the divine
laws of nature. Tones, sounds, rythym of the heart, breathing. It is the
prinicple of continuity, integrity, viscosity,consistency, balance, commonality
and many other ideals.Populations of Russian Cossacks were kept and made
to be held in hostile environments, and out of this, a method was
comprehended and proverbs were formed.The social model of success and
maturity was passed down in fairy tales, song and dance. Anyone who claims
they own or created "Systema" creates a barrier to it's further development
and ruins it's original copy, which creates a huge restriction.If Systema is
sanctioned off to one group, you cannot expand as a whole and causes inner
group fighting and corruption.Tradition is time honored, proven and works.
The "system" with the same name, is an attempt to manipulate and
appropriate gullible and naive students who do not have honest information.
It has become a business project and is not the path intended.The fraudsters
are beside you , and if you run out of money, they will toss you aside.You can
become used to this, and either you run from it or stay and pick at the
crumbs left at the table. You cannot pretend to be something you haven't
learned ( and commercializing it, is not teaching it).

O.O.:Can you detail that last statement a little more?

A.K.:If the level of requirements are lowered to teach and to practice, then
that is bad and deceitful.Then , Systema becomes dependent on these same
groups of people. If you are robbed, you will settle for handouts. A
commercialized training program cannot teach you these things.
O.O.:It is very clear, that you encourage your students to grow and
learn as much as possible. If anyone watches your videos , you
sometimes seem superhuman, or indestructible, yet if we pay
attention to your videos, we can see that you play guitar like
instrument called a "balalaika" and have just as many videos of
training with children as your others. Can you explain your
methodology behind this?

A.K.: I encourage my students to learn and grow as much as possible and to

learn from other groups as part of enrichment of ourselves and
others.Training with children is exciting and helps us let go! The Balalaika
organizes the process, creates a space, accelerates understanding, destroys
fear and normalizes the function of internal organs. Children exude strength
and energy and this is what people need. We need this strength and
excitement to strengthen our confidence and it is an important part of
societal function. It is important for young people to have our support and
see us as a source of confidence, with will and purposefulness.
O.O.:Here , in the U.S., often in training or seminars of Systema, to
"break the psyche" students are made to do countless push-ups,
rolls, squats, and sit ups. In your videos, this isn't a common place,
yet the men look relaxed and exhausted after training with children.
Is this perhaps a better way to "warm up" ?

A.K.: It is easier to achieve this level when training with children. It is very
important for their growth , both physical and emotional, and gives them
agility and consistency with their bodies and their minds. Push-ups are for
teenagers. We are not teenagers. We do not have teenage psyches. We need
to move past this.
O.O.:On the subject of working with children, is seems like it is a
huge part of your training style. Is this mandatory for your students?

A.K.: This is not mandatory, but encouraged.

O.O.:In the U.S. , it is not common to see a large training session
including women or children. Often times, women and children are
excluded (or not engaged in) alot of the methodology.In fact, alot of
"Women's Systema" is called "Women's Self Defense" and children's
classes primarily focus on "drills" and "warm up"exercises. This is
not the case with your style. Can you explain why it is important to
openly include women and children in training Systema?
A.K.: Working with women raises social and psychological human adaptability.
As for children, their energy is what we all want, in reality. If we give them a
platform to perform, they will find their place in life.Training with women and
children help all of us remove social and psychological blocks.
O.O.:The psychological and social aspects of Systema are mostly lost
here. In several of your videos , you have a whiteboard or
chalkboard in the background.I have never seen Systema broken
down in a intellectual,holistic and functional format like this. Is this
an important part of teaching your students, the actual discussion of
these topics?
A.K.:Yes, I break down the components of Systema as part of a model of
living. It is a lifestyle. A total environment. A "system".
(...to be continued..)