How We Started continued. . .

I watched the clip in full. Then again and proceeded to look up everything I could find about this art. To say I was fascinated is a huge understatement. It was THE art I had been looking for, for so many years.

After going to the main web site (russianmartialart.com) and learning about Vladimir Vasiliev, the only quality teacher I could find was David Merrell, some 3 hours away. I spoke with Mr. Merrell and was quite impressed. Speaking with and training with are 2 different worlds, so I proceeded to take a trip to W. Palm.

Amazement! That would be the word to pick if I was limited to just one. He, along with this art, were truly incredible. . . . so much so that I decided to pack up my aikido gear, forget the black belt test and proceeded to study Systema.

At first it was slow and difficult. I only had one person to train with here in Orlando, my friend Carlos. Getting to W. Palm once or twice a month allowed me to learn at a slow pace, along with the now mountain of DVDs I purchased.

Little by little, Carlos and I would train a couple of times per week in my driveway. Not exactly the most luxurious environment but at least it was functional. Over time, we received some inquires and decided to form a study group.

With the help of Sensei Kermit Gonzalez (who we will be forever grateful to), we were allot use of his karate dojo. We trained hard and continue to move forward. Trips to W. Palm were steady, as well as seminars by David and Rick Merrell being held here.

Over this time, I tested for and received my Instructor (in training) certification and opened up the Central Florida Systema school. Predictably, it was slow in the beginning but through word of mouth - particularly from Bob Elder Sensei of East Coast Martial Arts Supplies, our group has steadily grown.

We are proud of what we have accomplished in a relatively short amount of time. Our members are first and foremost, quality individuals who are open to learning and apply themselves consistently.

Now. . . . . the sky is the limit.

--David Orman