Building Blocks: A perspective on attaining mastery - James Rolph

The Russian martial art of Systema is not widely known to the general public both outside and inside of Russian borders. Based in concepts of movement, breathing and sensory awareness, Systema is a fantastically liberating approach to martial art (and personal development), emphasising spontaneity and creativity over set forms or techniques.

The interesting thing about Systema is the rate at which practitioners develop proficiency and depth of skill compared to the more recognised martial arts systems of the far east - months in contrast to years. The key to this lies in Systema's unique approach to training.

Systema consists of a loose collection or exercises that are designed to develop specific skill sets and bring out personal attributes and creativity. There is no set curriculum, and Systema instructors are adept at spontaneously creating exercises that fit the particular training needs of the group they are working with in that moment. Instructors also share exercises and insights, meaning that the system as a whole is alive and able to adapt to new contexts as it needs to. There is also no 'right' or 'wrong' in Systema, only more or less functional.

What is of particular note is that during a Systema training session, all participants will do the same exercises regardless of their level of experience in the system. So you might get a 20 year veteran working with total beginner and they will both progress their skill as a result of what they are doing. This works because the exercises simply exist to generate learning experiences for the practitioners - and Systema believes that there is no end to learning.

I was recently telling somebody that I am planning to retake my NLP Master Practitioner with Richard Bandler next year. "What's the point, you wont learn anything that you havn't already covered" came the response. I was stunned! Coming from my background in martial arts this persons perspective seemed nonsensical to me. In my Chinese martial arts practise I am endlessly pleasantly surprised at the new insight I gain through playing around with 'beginners' material. In Systema there is no beginners material and there is only beginners material!

The strongest lesson my martial arts practise has taught me is that that skill lies in refinement, in making better distinctions and in re-evaluation in the light of new information. Regarding NLP, I often hear people stating that they have done their practitioner/master practitioner/trainer training, and I often wonder - what if you where to continue doing it to the point where your skills become truly profound? Not necessarily retaking; but revisiting, re-evaluating and refining. What if indeed?

Come to the Re-focus Practise Group and find out!