Systema Solo Training Paperback – Illustrated, 23 Jun. 2017

Really interesting book, so you can always train even on your own

briliant

This is, without a doubt, an excellent guide to Systema solo training. I purchased it a few months back when it first came out and - to be honest - it has fuelled the equivalent of a personal renaissance in my own Systema training. As I live in the countryside and have found it a little difficult finding a regular training partner in the past (aside from attending my club once a week), this guide has been invaluable in providing a basis for solo training to supplement my club sessions.I have used it regularly since purchasing the book and use it to plan my sessions in advance.The writer, Rob Poyton (an excellent trainer who I've known for many years) covers a wide range of Systema training principles, starting with basics formed around the four pillar principles and then moving on to mobility solo training drills which include ground and movement practice, and an excellent joint mobility drill which I use as part of my warm-up. There is a great section on stretching and movement, followed by my personal favourite which is the use of equipment.The latter section includes lots of great ideas for solo training drills using equipment, including the stick, chain and the sledgehammer (I went out and bought a 7 lb hammer especially for this - brilliant piece of kit for solo training!) There is also a good section on solo martial arts weapons training - this one re-invigourated my interest in sword in particular. I also loved the section on the use of ball, which also led me onto checking out Martin Wheeler's excellent MP3 on Systema Medicine Ball training on Rob's recommendation. There's also some great guidance on training in the environment.Rob also provides some great advice on diet and health, again with some great drills using equipment such as a roller massager (like this as well!) He concludes with some ideas for progression regarding solo drills, many of which I still need to work towards - nice to have some further goals to achieve!There isn't much I can fault about this guide, in all honesty, as there is so much in it to work on - especially given that its only 105 pages long. The descriptions are good and the pictures provide a great supplement to illustrate the principles that are detailed therein. I have certainly gained a lot from using this guide and its certainly a great intro to the style as well. I think the only thing that would improve upon it would be a downloadable MP3 equivalent to supplement the guide so as to assist with really being able to correctly develop the drills contained within.This is definitely a much needed book (which supplements well the guides produced by Matt Hill), and has been a long-time coming. Well recommended as an aide to developing your personal Systema practice.

This is a well written and very easy to read book that is packed with ideas, tips, hints and explanations of exercises to complete at home alone. A good start for systema or just general health, fitness and breathing.

Love this book, incredibly insightful and easy to use!

Having been a student of Systema for 7 years I've always thought that a really good manual of solo drills to work on away from class has been sorely missing. Fortunately this excellent guide with clear instructive text accompanied with easy-to-understand pictures gives a very comprehensive set of drills to help work on mobility, breathing, core, health and stretching fills exactly that gap and should be an essential reference for all students. Great job Rob!

Having recently purchased this I like the clarity and prose the author writes in to get across quite fundamental training concepts.Its covers a wide range of training drills that martial artists of any background will find useful.Will worth the read.