Fist of Stone (downloadable)

by Mikhail Ryabko

“His punch felt like a sledgehammer.”

Watch the work of the true master of striking.

In this film, Systema founder Mikhail Ryabko shows how to hit and destroy any attack with his fist.

There are no tough poses; Mikhail smiles, stands straight and relaxed, makes a slight turn or step, and yet his strikes knock the opponents off their feet, sending them rolling and flying across the room, collapsed and confused.

Mikhail reveals a number of priceless training tips to develop this precision and power:
Proper fist placement, escapes from the line of attack, the distance of an outstretched arm, use of one hand or both, working on one spot or on the move.
He uncovers how your shoulder can slow your strikes and explains the importance of keeping your wrist straight to prevent the recoil into your head and spine.

Mikhail also teaches the essentials of how to take strikes:
How to tense up only the area of the immediate contact, to exhale not from the stomach but from your chest, and not too early but at the moment of impact.

Mikhail gets into more advanced work too, such as evasions and counter-strikes in one movement, or punches that travel up, down or spiral across the receiver’s body. He can remove the pain of the strike impact from the partner’s body or redirect the energy into the receiver’s hands or internal organs.

It is remarkable that as crushing as Mikhail’s strikes are, the participants volunteer and line up to get punched. This is because while Mikhail’s fists resolutely destroy every attack, they do not cause lasting damage but a provide a profound learning experience.

Filmed in Moscow in 2002, this video is a timeless treasure of mastery.

Running time: 42 min

Support the tradition of strong spirit, profound knowledge, and dedication to training. Be a sponsor or request to be sponsored through Mikhail Ryabko Warrior’s Legacy Scholarship Fund.