LEVERAGEIf we look at the body from a purely bio-mechanical point of view, we see levers, cylinders and planes. Again, as a basic example, the arm can be used as a lever in order to affect the structure of the body. If working against joints, we can once more follow a triangle principle - simply take the short side of the triangle towards the further angle (Figure Two).

STRUCTURE BREAKINGA person in a neutral position is difficult to move - the shoulders and hips are in line and the feet are directly under the hips. In this position, the spine can take a heavy load. Break that structure, however, and manipulation becomes easier. We have already mentioned leverage, but the structure can also be broken by targeting muscle groups. Simple example - drive the knee into the side of a tense thigh, the muscle is forced to relax and the leg will buckle.

PAIN COMPLIANCE This includes small joint manipulation, working with pressure points or grabbing and

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Systema is unique in that it works almost entirely from a principle base rather than technique. So, what are the principles of takedowns and how can they be realistically practised?

BALANCE POINTSA throw or takedown involves first taking control of a persons balance, so we need to know where the balance points in the body are. A simple example is the Triangle Point. Draw a line between a persons feet - now take a line out from each foot to form a triangle (Figure One). The point of the triangle - front and back - will be the weakest point of balance. Test it out - push down into the base of the triangle, then push towards the point. With the latter you should be easily able to move the person. The natural response for the person is to step to regain balance - so block the hip or leg and you control the balance. You can access the balance points through the limbs, the head, or directly to the torso.

Part of the development of the Russian martial art of Systema in modern times has been its use in close protection and bodyguarding work. Teachers

such as Major Konstantin Komarov (still active in high level CP work) share their considerable practical and procedural experience, giving us a unique insight into the application of Systema at a professional level.

TAKEDOWNSOne aspect of this work is the ability to take a potential threat to the ground where they can be restrained and contained. Why a takedown when there are many excellent throws available? Because a throw can tie up the thrower. Throws can be devastating in the right circumstances, but they can also rely on certain types of clothing being worn and, in some cases, require throwing yourself in order to throw the other person. In a close protection environment this

SELF DEFENCE

is not always desirable and work sometimes needs to be more subtle and containedBut, what does this have to do for anyone

outside of the CPl environment? Actually, quite a bit - for example, if you are working a door or similar, takedowns may be a good option. You need less space, you run less risk of injuring a person (or at least have the option) and, when applied to team work, takedowns provide an almost impossible to counter method of control and restraint. The same applies to other more general self defence

situations - when used

skillfully, take-downs

are quick,

require minimal effort and avoid the

need for grappling, giving you time to escape or to deal

with another threat.

twisting soft tissue. Probably the least reliable option as pain thresholds vary greatly and clothing may negate some methods. Worth exploring though as, when it works, it is very effective.

HEAD MANIPULATIONFor me, the best way to control the body is to control the head. The head has plenty of handles and, when in close, can usually be easily grabbed and controlled. Where the head goes the body follows. If you can, pin the head into your own body, then use your shoulders to guide.

COMBININGThe above methods can be practised separately, but in use you will most likely be combining two or more. For example, break the structure of the legs to bring the head in close, then effect the takedown through head control.

PRACTISINGWe prefer to gain an understanding of this work through a direct, hands on approach. While it is important to understand something of the underlying physical/psychological aspects of work, we have to remember that the Ryabko/Vasiliev method of Systema has been born out of experience and action, not just theory. For this, direct work against a partner is essential, so that our body, and not just our brain, understands.

There are three levels of practise. The first is to work on a partner who acts as something of a dummy for you. Manipulate their body through the methods above and start to get a feel for how joints work, how the spine can be manipulated, balance points and so on...

The second level is for your

partner to be more active - they should feed you a grab, a punch etc...which you have to deal with and effect the takedown. They should use varying levels of speed and tension/resistance - this gets you used to points of entry, positioning, footwork and how much or little force is needed to do the job.

The third level is to go live and work against full resistance. This can be done in a few ways - one is simply to partner up and try to take each other down. Another is to set up a simple scenario - one person has 60 seconds to get through a doorway, the other person stands in the door and tries to affect the takedown/control. Set up a time limit and see how it goes.

REFINEMENTSThese are the basic principles - from here there are plenty of refinements to be worked on - spiral movement, psychological aspects, use of breathing, close range striking and more. If you train in the Systema approach you will also learn how to flow quickly between different methods and positions - there are no guarantees with anything and we have to remain adaptable when working with a live partner.

TEAMWORKI mentioned teamwork earlier. There are a range of methods used by Russian CP squads, from working in pairs up to teams of five or six. They involve co-ordinating actions against a target, including different angles of approach, distraction methods, invisible work and more. These are best learnt from a suitable instructor, but they provide a very practical and ideal method for anyone involved in security/restraint/professional work.

This is a very quick look at the subject of takedowns, but I hope this article gives you a few ideas to put into your own training. If you are used to techniques then take a look at them in light of the above principles. If you find sometimes your technique is not working, come back to the underlying principle of what you are trying to do, or learn to shift into something else. Dont hang on to something that isnt happening.

If you have any questions, feel free to get in touch with any of the instructors in the advert below, or via our Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/46909449959 robert poyton

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SELF DEFENCE