Systema Melbourne — Russian Martial Art

What is Systema

A Complete System
for Life

Systema is a comprehensive set of concepts and training components that enhance every aspect of life, improving the physical, psychological, and spiritual state of the practitioner.

In Systema, the harmony of three elements creates a true warrior — Combat Skill, Strong Spirit and a Healthy Body. To unlock your natural potential, the body must be free of unnecessary tension, capable of enduring stress with calmness, move naturally with flexibility and freedom, and be able to instantly unleash explosive power.

A strong spirit comes from a mind at peace, free of fear, anger, self-pity, and pride. Combat skill goes beyond technique — it comes from fluid, natural and sufficient movement that is precise, spontaneous, and adaptable.

"Never have I been exposed to a more complete system of defence than that of Russian Martial Art."

The Foundation

Core Elements of Systema

⚔️

Combat Skill

Combat skill goes beyond technique. It comes from fluid, natural movement that is precise, spontaneous, and adaptable to any situation or opponent. No rigid forms — pure response.

🔥

Strong Spirit

A strong spirit comes from a mind at peace — free of fear, anger, self-pity, and pride. Systema training builds unshakeable psychological resilience and inner calm under pressure.

🌿

Healthy Body

The body must be free of unnecessary tension, capable of enduring stress with calmness, moving naturally with flexibility and freedom. Health, not damage, is the measure of good training.

Core Principle

Non-Destruction

A key principle of Systema is non-destruction. Training should strengthen — not damage — the body or the psyche of you or your training partners. Systema is designed to improve life, not diminish it. Every drill, every session builds you up. What you learn in the gym carries into your family, your work, and your community.

Training Schedule

Weekly Classes

All classes are open to beginners. No prior martial arts experience required. Come as you are, we train in comfortable workout clothes.

Tuesday & Saturday

Regular Training

Both sessions are open training and both cover the same ground: breath work, movement, ground work, strikes and partner drills, then applied work such as scenario training, weapons defence and free exploration of movement. Structured but relaxed, and scaled to whoever is in the room.

Tuesday 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm

Saturday 9:00 am – 10:30 am

All levels

Periodic Events

Workshops & Seminars

Special topic workshops and visiting instructor seminars held throughout the year.

Next: Calm on Contact, Sat 7 Nov

📍 Preston, Melbourne. · Contact for further details on the location.

Training Fees

Simple Pricing

Pay as you go or take a pass. No joining fee, no lock-in contract, no grading fees.

Casual

$25 /class

Pay on the day. Train when it suits you.

10-Class Pass

$200

$20 a class. Valid six months, so a missed week costs you nothing.

Private

Ask me

One to one, on its own or alongside the group classes. Get in touch and we'll sort out a time and a price.

All prices in A$. Everyone signs a waiver before their first class.

The Lineage

The Masters of Systema

Systema Melbourne is part of the international network founded by the late Colonel Mikhail Ryabko and as taught by Vladimir Vasiliev — the originators of the modern Systema system.

Mikhail Ryabko

Founder of Systema · Colonel, Russian Special Forces

Colonel Mikhail Ryabko began combative training from childhood and rose to command elite Special Operations units in the Russian Ministry of Interior. He served as tactical commander of hostage-rescue teams and counter-terrorist operations, and trained the Minister's own security detail. His Systema teaching drew on decades of real-world application, blending spiritual depth with unparalleled practical skill. The legendary founder passed away in April 2023, leaving a profound legacy.

Vladimir Vasiliev

Director, Systema HQ Toronto · Chief Instructor

Born in Russia, Vladimir Vasiliev received intensive combative and Systema training directly from Mikhail Ryabko. In 1993, he founded the first school of Russian Martial Art outside Russia — Systema Headquarters in Toronto, Canada. He has personally trained and certified over 600 qualified Systema instructors across more than 40 countries, produced an award-winning instructional film library, and holds the Russian "Order of Duty and Honor" and "Order of Loyalty."

Your Instructor

Scott McQueen

Scott McQueen has been certified to teach Systema since 2004 by the late legendary Colonel Mikhail Ryabko, Founder of Systema, and Vladimir Vasiliev, Director and Chief Instructor of Systema Headquarters, Toronto.

Scott's approach is deeply rooted in the authentic teachings of Mikhail and Vladimir. His instruction frequently features personal anecdotes and teachings from both masters, so students learn the principles of Systema and the reasoning behind them.

Because of his international work, Scott has lived in and founded several Systema schools, teaching in cities across the globe including Tokyo, London, New York, Singapore and Seattle/Bellevue. Melbourne is the newest of them.

Scott believes Systema is a path to better living, gained through martial arts training. Every drill and principle taught in his class is purposeful, and students are encouraged to ask questions, which makes for an open and thoughtful class.

Certified since 2004 Ryabko & Vasiliev Lineage Founder, Systema Japan All Levels Welcome

Train with Scott

Get in Touch

Start Your
Training

Come along, meet the group, feel the training. Tell us when suits and we will see you on the mat.

Location

Preston, Melbourne
Contact for further details

Schedule

Tuesday · 6:00 pm – 7:30 pm
Saturday · 9:00 am – 10:30 am

rmasystemamelbourne@gmail.com

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Better Living
with Systema

A Complete System
for Life