A relatively unknown martial art is the Russian style of Systema (Wikipedia), which, unfortunately, may sometimes just be referred to as “Russian Martial Art”. This style is most notably employed by some Spetsnaz units (Russian special forces). The style is reported to date back to the 10th century, with the first practitioners being Stalin’s bodyguards; however, only since the fall of Communism in Russia has the art started getting greater exposure, which may explain why it’s relatively unknown in the West. Schools for Systema can be found in Various places in the UK, Canada, and the US.

Mikhail Ryabko is shown demonstrating the style in the video above. The movements are quite reminiscent of Aikido, in terms of redirecting force and dealing with an opponent. While the demonstrations show that this may be a “soft” art, some quick short jabs, weapons, and ground fighting are shown in the demonstration video as well.

Of course, the style is not without its detractors, mostly centering around the psychic or internal parts of some schools. You be the judge:

It also doesn’t help that there are few clips of the highly skilled practitioners, and a lot of clips of the lesser skilled ones, for such a relatively unknown art. From the video I’ve seen, it looks like it incorporates many of the same techniques that are used to good effect in Aikido, Aikijutsu, Judo, and Jujutsu. Is this art good, and if so, how does one determine a good school? Such questions hold true for any style.