Training at Lexington Systema

This website is no longer being updated. For current information on Systema training in Southwest Virginia, please visit valleysystema.com.

You might be wondering what it’s like to train at Lexington Systema. We’ve tried to answer some of the most frequently asked questions about our classes.

What is the usual structure of the class?

Classes usually start with a warm-up period that emphasizes joint mobility and proper structure. Sometimes the warm-up with include a bit of a work out, other times it is very gentle. You are encouraged to participate at a level appropriate for your fitness. After warming up, we move on to drills focused on the topic of the day’s class. Drills start out simple and slow, and progress in both complexity and speed. At the end of class, we sit in a circle to discuss the class and ask questions.

What topics are covered in training at Lexington Systema?

We cover a wide range of topics in our training, including (but not limited to):

Hand-to-hand training
Defense against and use of traditional weapons such as knives and guns
Defense against and use of improvised weapons
Ground fighting and correct falling
Defending against multiple attackers
Defense in non-traditional settings, such as in confined spaces, in a car, or up against a wall.
The psychology of violent confrontations, and how to use breathing and relaxation to control your response to an attack.
The fundamentals of protecting your loved ones as well as yourself.

Can I come watch a class?

Of course! Observers are always welcome. We think you’ll learn more about us if you participate though. We will help you get started, and your first class is always free.

Is there a specific beginner class?

No. All our students, regardless of experience, train together. The instructor and more experienced students will help you get comfortable during your first few classes. Beginners are welcome to start at any time.

Will I need to sign a contract?

No! Our regular adult classes run on a month-to-month basis. You can either pay by the month, with payment due the first class of each month, or you can pay a drop-in fee per class. Our kids classes and women’s self-defense classes meet in 6 week long sessions, and there is a flat fee for each session. For current rates, please contact us.

What should I wear to class?

Systema does not have a uniform, so you can wear whatever you find comfortable. We encourage you to wear something that gives you good freedom of movement. Many people wear gym clothes, or loose fitting pants. On nice days, we might train outside, and you would want long pants for that. Indoors you can train in either bare feet, socks, or clean, soft-soled street shoes (think wrestling shoes or clean tennis shoes). Outdoors you can wear whatever shoes you prefer.

Do you offer kids classes?

We will begin offering kids classes in summer 2013. See our Kids Classes page for more information.

Do you offer women-only classes?

While we encourage women to train in our regular adult classes, we understand that not everyone will be comfortable in that environment. To address this, we will begin offering short sessions of women-only self-defense classes in the summer of 2013. These classes are designed to be both stand-alone classes, and to provide a bridge to our regular adult classes. For more information, see our Women’s Self-Defense page.

Do you offer private lessons?

Private lessons may be offered for an additional fee. For more information and scheduling, please fill out the contact form on this site, and we will get back to you.

My group is interested in offering a self-defense seminar. Is that something you provide?

Yes! We are happy to work with your group to develop a self-defense class that meets your needs. Seminars can range from a few hours to an entire weekend of training, or even an ongoing class. For more information, please fill out the contact form on this site and we will get back to you.

Where can I learn more about Systema?

We recommend you read our article “What is Systema?” linked below for an overview of Systema. For further information, we recommend the Systema Headquarters website. You are always welcome to contact us or pay us a visit to learn more.

What is Systema? (lexingtonsystema.com)

Lexington Systema