Forging Resilience: A 5-Day Intensive Seminar at the Systema AcademyDates: 20th - 24th November 2024
Location: Systema Academy, Wiltshire, UK
Instructor: Matt Hill, Professional Systema Instructor, Ex-Parachute Regiment Captain
Ready to build unshakable resilience in mind, body, and spirit?
This 5-day immersive seminar is designed to integrate deep health practices with combat training, providing a complete experience for both martial artists and those looking to enhance their physical, mental, and emotional well-being.
What You'll Experience:
Each day will involve a unique blend of Systema Health practices and Systema Combat training designed to forge a resilient mind, body, and spirit:
Health Practices:
- Hot Sauna Therapy: Relax and detoxify in our brand-new sauna.
- Cold Dousing & Immersion: Revitalize your body and mind with cold therapy.
- Systema Breathwork: Develop inner calm and focus through controlled breathing.
- Nature Immersion & Walks: Connect with nature, cleanse the mind, and reset.
- Massage & Bodywork: Release tension and rejuvenate the body.
- Quiet Time for Reflection: Breathwork, prayer, or meditation to center yourself.
Combat Training:
- Strikes, Grappling, and Groundwork: Build a calm, stoic resilience in combat.
- Weapons Training: Knife, stick, and chain work for real-world application.
- Outdoor Environment Work: Train in natural terrain—fields, woods, and varied environments.
- Multiple Opponent Scenarios: Safely train progressive asymmetric responses to combat situations.
Why Attend?
Whether you’re a seasoned martial artist or someone seeking a holistic approach to health, this seminar offers something for everyone:
- Step away from daily life and rejuvenate in the peaceful Wiltshire countryside.
- Deepen your skills in Systema combat training, exploring new techniques in varied environments.
- Immerse yourself in health practices that will leave you relaxed, focused, and resilient.
- Connect with a like-minded community, building camaraderie with both old friends and new faces.
Spaces are limited to just 25 participants, ensuring a focused, high-quality experience.
These practices are crafted to cultivate a deep connection between physical capability and psychological stability, enhancing overall resilience. Participants will leave with a stronger, more capable body, a calm and focused mind, and a spirit fortified by disciplined, holistic training—ready to handle any challenge with efficiency, control, and minimal harm to themselves and others.
Don’t miss your chance to join this one-of-a-kind seminar.
Typical Daily Schedule
10:00: Training Starts
12.30: Lunch
13:30: Afternoon Training.
16.00: Rest.
Timings may vary on certain days.
On Thursday there are two extra evening classes at the Academy that you can attend.
On Saturday morning there is a family class that is high energy and also available for you to attend.
A full day of training may seem like a lot. However, the unique methodology of Systema training will leave you feeling relaxed, whole and invigorated.
Stresses and strains will fall away leaving you with greater levels of physical and emotional health and well-being.
Location, Food & Accomodation
Your Accomodation Options
B&B at the Academy
Stay on-site for a fully immersive experience, with access to:
- Heated facilities: Sauna, toilet, and shower.
- Sleeping options: Sleep on mats (provided), bring your own tent, or bring a camper van.
- Continental breakfast served each morning.
- There is a kitchen for Lunch and Dinner.
Or, if you prefer, there are local accommodations in nearby Devizes with shops, restaurants, hotels, inns, and B&Bs just a short walk away.
Pricing & Options:
-
Early Bird Discount (until November 1st): £350 - Standard Price: £400
-
B&B Option: £100 for five days (additional)
-
For those unable to attend in person, we offer a Zoom option with live access to all five days, including recordings, for £50.
-
Card or Paypal Payment options available below:
Pay by card
Pay by Paypal
Cancellation Policy
As soon as the payment has been received, the registration is considered valid and binding.
You can cancel up to 6 weeks before the date of the seminar.
Participants who are absent from the seminar after this date forfeit the entire amount of payment. There is no right to a refund of the seminar cost in this instance, but another person can take your place.
But don't just take my word for it...
Here's what previous attendees have had to say:
Testimonials:
Good morning Matt,
I waited until this morning before writing because I wanted some time to digest all that had taken place over the weekend.
I went to the gym this morning and, as I came out of the shower, one of the guys said "what the (insert expletive) happened to your back?". To be honest I'd forgotten all about it but I just laughed and said "you really don't want to know". That's what sort of a weekend it was - every bruise is attached to a memory that brings a smile straight to my face.
I don't know if they were still running Exercise Snow Queen when you served, but if they did you will probably know what I mean when I say that this weekend reminded me very much of those exercises: day after day of hard work (and great fun) skiing with your mates, followed by evenings sitting and drinking, swapping stories and laughing with Officers, NCO's and O/R's alike. This weekend brought those days back to me - hard work, lots of fun and some amazing memories.
So, I'm extremely grateful to you, Matt, not just for the obvious effort you put into making these weekends possible. Not even for the memories you've given me, or the patience and understanding you showed when things became too much and I revealed aspects of my character that I would rather keep hidden. But for the way you've created an atmosphere at your school that can make such a diverse group of people work together, support each other and even trust each other like very few people in civvy street will ever come to know. Whilst working with you during the last few days, you reminded me of all the best officers I ever served with. And I thank you for that.
As I get back into the rhythm of things here at work, walking around the factory, I carry with me the knowledge that the trust and camaraderie that I thought I'd never see again is alive and kicking (literally) down in Wiltshire, and probably in all the other Systema clubs dotted around the world. I also know that my journey in Systema is only just beginning.
I'm sure we will be seeing much more of each other over the coming years. Thanks again Matt,
Regards,
Clark.
The University of Systema
If you are local to Melkham, Wiltshire, then you are extremely lucky to live in the hometown of Matt Hill’s Systema Academy, the most prominent Systema club in England in my opinion. However, if you live a hundred miles away, like me, or even further, you can still be a part of this vibrant Systema community.
I have just got back from my third 4-day event with Matt. It was clearly well-attended by a wide range of people ranging from complete beginners to very experienced Systema practitioners. The topics we covered in four days were very varied, ranging from joint mobility and stress release techniques to knife fighting in urban environment. Not a single boring moment in four days! In fact, the time flew by so fast, I wish I could stay and train for longer.
What I appreciate about Matt’s seminars the most is being able to explain complex topics in plain English and to design a series of training drills that facilitate a steady progress in his students. To put it straight, there is a large number of Systema instructors out there, but very few of them are great teachers like Matt.
The seminar was also so affordable that even people on a fairly tight budget, like me, could come and enjoy it. The added value was in staying overnight with a bunch of fellow students at Matt’s dojo / gym. Many interesting conversations, comradery and even occasional impromptu Systema play at 10pm are just some of the things that I will remember dearly.
As we don’t have a local Systema club in Brighton (but my friend and I started a training group earlier this year!), I now have 6 months to practice what I learnt from Matt until his next seminar comes along. Consequently, I consider Matt’s Systema Academy as an analogue of The Open University for Systema. It will be a few years till I graduate!
Dr Sasha Mitrofanov,
Q&A
Q: Will I be fit enough?
A: Again don't worry. Everything can be done at your pace and is designed to be accessible for all participants.
Q: What if there are things that I don't want to or cant do?
A: You don't have to do everything. You are very welcome to sit and watch some activities or rest. Participation in each session is optional.
Q: Do I have to be into Martial Arts to do it? I just want to feel calmer, more energised and move with more ease and freedom.
A: No not at all! All activities on the seminar are optional and the Systema approach is different to many Martial Arts. It begins with the checking and improving the health and function of the mind, body and psyche and then progressively moving to martial applications.
Q: What if I have to leave early late?
A: No problem, just let me know beforehand.
Q: What are the arrival and leaving times?
A: Arrival 11am on day 1 and you will be finished by 4pm on the final day.
Time to relax, absorb and assimilate the information.
You will get a lot of information during the course of the week. You need time to process and absorb it. It is also hugely beneficial to have the time to just sit and reflect, taking the time out for yourself.
A deep reset for the Mind, Body and Spirit...
Spending time in nature will help you relax and reset. There is something elemental in sitting around a camp fire in the evening with friends. It is a timeless way to share the training, experience and let the day sink in.
Spaces are limited to 25 - Secure your spot now!
Pay by card
Pay by Paypal
Cancellation Policy
As soon as the payment has been received, the registration is considered valid and binding.
You can cancel up to 6 weeks before the date of the seminar.
Participants who are absent from the seminar after this date forfeit the entire amount of payment. There is no right to a refund of the seminar cost in this instance, but another person can take your place.
matthill.co.uk | 2024 | All Rights Reserved