THE SYSTEMA JOURNEY
What Is Systema?
Ancient Wisdom for Modern Warriors
Systema is more than just a martial art – it’s a comprehensive approach to life mastery that originated from ancient Russian warrior traditions. Unlike rigid, form-based martial arts, Systema focuses on natural movement, practical self-defence, and profound personal development.
Core Principles:
- Natural Movement: Work with your body, not against it
- Breath Control: The foundation of all power and calm
- Relaxed Strength: Maximum efficiency, minimum effort
- Practical Application: Real skills for real situations
Retrain your mind and body
Head Instructor
Meet Istvan
Istvan’s journey to Systema
Istvan’s passion for martial arts began in Hungary in 1992, where he studied Wing Tsun intensively for five years. After moving to London in 2006, he was introduced to an Indonesian/Malaysian Silat teacher, with whom he trained for nine years and became a senior student.
A meeting with Dr. Sam Benson, a senior Russian Systema instructor, marked a turning point in Istvan’s martial arts path. Inspired by Systema’s principles and its focus on holistic health and well‑being, he travelled to Russia to complete demanding instructor development courses under the guidance of world‑class Systema teachers, including Valentin Talanov.
Istvan is a certified Systema instructor with over a decade of teaching experience and more than 30 years of continuous martial arts practice. His teaching is shaped by extensive training under Valentin Talanov and a lifelong commitment to refining his craft through learning from diverse disciplines and coaches. He brings a clear, supportive, and practical approach to personal development.
Alongside his martial arts journey, Istvan is also a certified Reiki master and Prasara yoga practitioner. These disciplines strengthen his understanding of breath, relaxation, and recovery — qualities that complement Systema’s own anti‑stress and health‑focused practices — and enrich his personal approach to teaching and well‑being.
Istvan’s unique teaching methodology reflects his broad experience across multiple martial arts and movement systems. He is dedicated to helping students develop practical self‑defence skills, improve their physical and mental health, and build the confidence needed to navigate life with resilience and clarity.
Teaching Philosophy
“Every Student’s Journey is Unique”
At RMA Systema, we believe in:
- Individual Growth
- Work at your own pace
- Personal attention in every class
- Progressive skill development
- Supportive Environment
- No ego, no competition
- Inclusive community
- Focus on mutual growth
- Practical Excellence
- Real-world applications
- Evidence-based methods
- Continuous improvement
- Holistic Development
- Physical conditioning
- Mental resilience
- Emotional intelligence
Proper Breathwork
- Learn how to breathe to improve your fight-or-flight response, extend your breath length, and reduce tension
Fluidity of Movement
- Develop mobility, functional movement, and natural, intuitive moves
Refined Posture
- Improve your alignment, symmetry, and balance
Increased Relaxation
- Identify and release excessive tension in your body
Health for long life
- Prevent injuries, reduce pain, reduce stress, and improve your relationships by understanding yourself better
Self Protection skills
- Build situational awareness, learn pre-emptive strikes and kicks, deflect attacks, grapple from the floor, and execute takedowns
If you’re interested in honing your flexibility, self-defence skills and nurturing your confidence JOIN our Systema classes. You’ll be amazed at what you can learn in just a short period of time.
What students says about us
The trainer Istvan, demonstrates these moves with such ease, it’s beautiful to observe. Also his explanations are very clear and concise, while always making sure that everyone understands …..
….The whole vibe of the class is very positive and encouraging. ….
Istvan is a passionate and knowledgeable teacher with a wealthy experience on different martial arts. He is eager to hear your feedbacks and he will make sure you will learn….
…..This could be your regenerative time of the week: people tends to feel better and healed after doing Systema.