The Russian style of martial art dates back to the 10th century.

Throughout the history of this huge country, Russia had to repel invaders from the north, south, east, and west. All attackers brought their distinct styles of combat and weaponry. The battles took place on different terrain, during freezing winters and sweltering summer heat alike, with the Russians often greatly outnumbered by the enemy forces. As a result of these factors, the Russian warriors acquired a style that combined strong spirit with extremely innovative and versatile tactics that were at the same time practical, deadly, and effective against any type of enemy under any circumstances. The style was natural and free while having no strict rules, rigid structure or limitations.

Reinforcing this emphasis on adaptability was the absence of a formal army to protect the people. As civilian warriors, fighters of this era required an art that was quick and easy to learn on top of their daily obligations as farmers, hunters and merchants. As a result, emphasis was placed on natural body movements that could be learned quickly. The goal of training was always to improve the way the body moved, improving health and general well-being in the process, while mastering the art of fighting.

The next greatest evolution occurred in 1917 when the new Communist government publicly forbade the practice of all traditional martial arts, in the hopes of further destroying the roots of nationalism. Despite their efforts however, the government could not deny the sheer effectiveness of their indigenous combat styles. Secretly, they worked to merge the various cultural traditions into a single concentrated hybrid. In the end, this enhanced version of their national arts was reserved exclusively for the most elite tiers of the Russian Special Forces or “Spetsnaz” troops. It was in this arena of real-world application that the full power of the ancient Russian combat traditions remained alive and continued to grow.

In the modern era, this art was first revealed outside of Russia by Vladimir Vasiliev, a 10-year veteran of Russia’s most elite Special Forces Unit and former instructor for Special Forces. Master Vasiliev sent shockwaves throughout the martial world with his phenomenal skill and generous teaching style and has launched a global awakening to the awesome potential of this once secret art.