I was going to the Spring camp with a vague idea to decompress after a stressful COVID year.
I had a couple of main focus points: to increase mobility of my movements and learn to relax when moving, but I did not held my hopes too high - after all, I thought, the camp is only 2 days long, how much can one achieve?
Having provided a great variety of training and activities aimed at mobility and relaxation, breathing and reconnecting to oneself, the camp was transformational for me on so many levels. Starting from the arrival to the camp, when we toasted proper Russian style to "know thyself", I was amazed how much I've achieved.
Firstly, the location and the setting of the camp: in the forest, away from civilisation, where I was not tethered to your electronic devices or chairs, and was free to move in any way I like, provided a unique chance to re-connect with myself and listen to my body. Straight away, I've noticed several mental tension points and was able to work on understanding and relaxing these.
Then came more exercises to relax one's psyche and work on one's fears, from cold water dousing to moving on breath holds, that pushed and challenged me in an unimaginable ways. But once I've overcome my initial fear and hesitation, the results were more than rewarding: pouring a bucket on cold water on myself after a chilly night in the tent left me strangely warm and empowered, and the breath holds let me understand fear and tension management in new ways.
My mobility issue has been that I never could touch the feet on the ground doing leg raises. Under Matt's attentive guidance I managed to do that at the first attempt.
And, although my posture has never been an issue for me, after the camp I walk straighter, lighter and inhabit my body with greater comfort and ease, without even noticing how that happened or having to consciously work on that.
The camping and bushcraft tips and training were also very rewarding and the moment when a spark from the fire rod grows to become your very own fire is hard to forget.
I've met many great, likely-minded people and heard many a great stories and experiences by the camp fire - such a rare treat these busy days!
And, importantly, for someone attending the camp from COVID-ridden London, I did not have to wash my hands for nearly 3 days! I definitely recommend the Systema camp to everyone and will certainly come again.
- Nestor Milyaev.