July 25, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov balances at the top of this concrete wall, in a yoga pose, for the camera. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 25, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov demonstrates his acrobatic capabilities for the camera. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 25, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov demonstrates his acrobatic capabilities for the camera. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 25, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov demonstrates his acrobatic capabilities for the camera. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 25, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov demonstrates his acrobatic capabilities for the camera. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 25, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov demonstates his acrobatic abilities for the camera. He scaled down this wall, and then dropped to the ground at the end. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 23, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov invites his students to a sauna in Kiev, to sweat, relax and take part in some tradition Russian sauna exercises. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 20, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov demonstrates his acrobatic capabilities for the camera. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 20, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov hangs upside down for a number of minutes. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 20, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov teaches his students some yoga moves as part of a stretching routine. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 20, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov teaches his students some yoga moves as part of a stretching routine. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 20, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov shows his students yoga moves as part of a stretching routine. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 7, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Svetlana Guziy is one of Maksimtsov's top students and she teaches his classes for most of the year while he lives in Tenerife. She practices a movement here with one of her students Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 20, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov grabs and locks a student's hands during a lesson in the center of Kiev. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 7, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Two students balance on each other during a training exercise with Maksimtsov in the center of Kiev. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 7, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. These two twins train in Systema for self defense purposes. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 20, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov performs some acrobatic movements for the camera. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 6, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. A man practices rolling on the ground during a class with Maksimtsov in the center of Kiev. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 6, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov demonstrates a combination of movements on one of his pupils. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 6, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Students practice a combination of movements during a lesson with Maksimtsov. The classes take place on concrete ground. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 5, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov demonstrates some of his acrobatic skills for the camera. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 5, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov demonstrates some of his acrobatic skills for the camera. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 5, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov teaches a movement called 'refinement'. This could also be translated like 'finish'. It is a combination of strikes, rotation and squeezing the enemy's body. It's used to immobilize the enemy. It's like a human handcuffing of the enemy. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 5, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov conducts a movement while his wife records a video for online uses, intended for students living abroad. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 5, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimstov conducts an exercise while making an online video, with the help of his wife, for students living abroad. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 5, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov demonstrates a move for an online video his is recording (with the help of his wife), for students who live abroad. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 5, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov demonstrates a move for an online video, which his wife is recording. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 5, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov sits after a lesson in the center of Kiev. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 5, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov demonstrates his skill for the camera. He hangs off these metal bars for over a minute. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 5, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov demonstrates some of his acrobatic skills for the camera. He is sommersaulting down these stairs. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 5, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov demonstrates some of his acrobatic skills for the camera. He just rolled down these concrete stairs. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 5, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov demonstrates some of his acrobatic skills for the camera. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 5, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov uses one of his top students for an educational video he is recording for his students abroad. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 4, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Students practice a combination of movements, taught by Maksimtsov, during evening classes in the center of Kiev. This exercise involves escaping a weapon (in this case a pistol) Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 4, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Students learn a comination of movements, taught by Maksimtsov, during evening classes in the center of Kiev. This exercise involves escaping a weapon (in this case a pistol) Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 4, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Students practice a combination of movements, used to get an enemy to the ground, in the center of Kiev. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 4, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Students practice a combination of movements, used to get an enemy to the ground, in the center of Kiev. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 4, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Students practice a combination of movements, taught by Maksimtsov, during evening classes in the center of Kiev. This exercise involves escaping a weapon (in this case a knife) Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 4, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Students practice a combination of movements, taught by Maksimtsov, during evening classes in the center of Kiev. This exercise involves escaping a weapon (in this case a knife) Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 4, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Students practice a combination of movements, taught by Maksimtsov, during evening classes in the center of Kiev. This exercise involves escaping a weapon (in this case a knife) Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 4, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Students learn a comination of movements, taught by Maksimtsov, during evening classes in the center of Kiev. This exercise involves escaping a weapon (in this case a pistol) Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 4, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Students practice a combination of movements, taught by Maksimtsov, during evening classes in the center of Kiev. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 4, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. You can basically call this movement 'refinement'. This could also be translated like 'finish'. It is a combination of strikes, rotation and squeezing the enemy's body. It's used to immobilize the enemy. It's like a human handcuffing of the enemy. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 4, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov leads an exercise where he swings a stick through a circle, and students must jump over it from a push up position Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 4, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Students practice a combination of movements, taught by Maksimtsov, during evening classes in the center of Kiev. This exercise involves escaping a weapon (in this case a knife) Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 4, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov teaches a comination of movements, during evening classes in the center of Kiev. This exercise involves escaping a weapon (in this case a pistol) Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Students learn a comination of movements, taught by Maksimtsov, during evening classes in the center of Kiev. This exercise involves escaping a weapon (in this case a pistol) Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 2, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Two groups of guys have sticks and make two lines, leaving a passage in the middle. Maksimtsov describes the exercise, explaing "A pupil goes ahead through the passage while the others move their sticks (top to bottom) to potentially hit the pupil. The pupil has to use moves to avoid the stick, to somehow fit along with the movement of the stick to avoid it. To fit into this movement, you have to use all your entire body to either smoothly step through or crunch and twist." Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Students stretch at the edge of a river in Troechnia neighbourhood in Kiev, Ukraine, during a workshop with Maksimtsov. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 1, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov sits at the edge of the river at the end of the workshop he was conducting for students in Ukraine. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 1, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Training tools (some soft weapons) on the ground, waiting to be used in Maksimtsov's workshop Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 1, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. This is a simple military excercise, where one man retrieves an injured man from the water. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov sits at the edge of a river, at the edge of Kiev, at the end of the workshop he conducted for his Ukraine students. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 1, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov guides his students through an exercise in balance. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 1, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. This is an exercise in balance. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 1, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov stands with a baton used for various exercises. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 1, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov guides his students through a "massage like" relaxation technique in a river at the edge of Kiev. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 1, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Maksimtsov guides his students through a "massage like" relaxation technique in a river at the edge of Kiev. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 1, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Students stand and stretch in the river at the edge of Kiev after an intensive training exercise with Maksimtsov. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 1, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. Students stand and stretch in a river at the edge of Kiev after an intensive training exercise with Maksimtsov. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 1, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. This is an exercise in balance, where students must balance a baton on their hands while walking. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 1, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. This is an exercise in Balance Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 1, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. This is an exercise in balance, where students must balance a large wooden baton on their hand while walking and possibly also leading another student behind who is blind folded. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 1, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. This exercise takes place with its participants in a line blindfolded or with their eyes closed. The first guy is allowed to see where he goes, and he typically chooses a difficult path, and the rest need to follow by feeling the shoulders of their comrades. This is how you train trust for each other. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.

July 1, 2017. Kiev, Ukraine. This is an exercise lead by Maksimtsov. This exercise takes place with its participants in a line blindfolded or with their eyes closed. The first guy is allowed to see where he goes, and he typically chooses a difficult path, and the rest need to follow by feeling the shoulders of their comrades. This is how you train trust for each other. Systema is an ancient Russian art of combative fighting that dates back to the 10th Century and is based on physics. It focuses on removing tension from the body to enhance effortless movement and was used in battle to fight off invaders. However, when communism emerged, Systema was suppressed from the public in 1917. It was quickly recognized by authorities as a devastating and powerful system of combat - and was then reserved for Special Operations Units. Ukrainian ex-police colonel, Alexander Maksimtsov, claims Systema cured a major trauma to his spine, which was generated by over-exercising in more traditional sports during the 80s. He has since become a master of Systema and left Ukraine to Tenerife at the beginning of the War in Donbass. Systema currently has no political affiliation.