Systema training across East Anglia. Weekly classes in Cambridge, Stevenage and Wrestlingworth, led by experienced instructors with direct links to the wider international Systema community.
Develop better breathing, healthier movement, practical self-defence skills and the ability to remain calm when life becomes challenging. No belts. No grading. No performance. Just training that helps you become stronger, healthier and more capable.
Learn from senior international instructors.
East Anglia Systema regularly hosts seminars with senior instructors from the international Systema community, giving students rare opportunities to train with teachers who have dedicated decades to the art.
Whether you are new to Systema or have trained for many years, these events offer a chance to deepen your understanding of breath, movement, health and practical self-defence.
Early bird open
Ryo Onishi
Over 20 years training directly under Vladimir Vasiliev and Mikhail Ryabko. Known internationally for his calm, precise teaching and deep understanding of breath, structure and movement.
Save the date
Vladimir Vasiliev
Founder of Systema Headquarters Toronto and one of the most influential Systema instructors in the world. For more than 30 years, Vladimir has taught military personnel, law enforcement officers, martial artists and civilians across the world.
The foundation is breath.
Systema is a practical training system built around four connected principles: breath, structure, movement and form. Students learn to reduce unnecessary tension, move more naturally, recover more quickly from stress and develop confidence in challenging situations.
The training is cooperative rather than competitive. There are no belts, no forms to memorise and no requirement to be athletic before you begin. People come for many reasons: better health, practical self-defence, stress management, recovery from injury. Most discover that the benefits reach much further than they expected.
Health. Self-defence. Freedom of movement.
Health
Systema uses breathing exercises, movement drills and relaxation methods to help reduce stress, improve recovery and support the body's natural ability to heal and adapt.
Self-defence
Students develop practical skills to respond appropriately to physical threats, protecting themselves and those around them, while remaining calm and aware under pressure.
Freedom of movement
By identifying and removing unnecessary tension, movement becomes lighter, more efficient and more natural. The goal is not simply to perform techniques. The goal is to become a healthier, stronger and more capable human being.
Start with one class.
Your first class is free. You do not need previous martial arts experience, a particular level of fitness or any special equipment. Wear comfortable clothing, bring a bottle of water and arrive ten minutes early. We will take care of the rest.
Experienced teachers. Long-term practice.
East Anglia Systema is led by Gareth Ashby and Andy Cefai. Together they bring decades of training, teaching and organisational experience while remaining committed to the same principles that guide every class: breathing, relaxation, respect and continuous learning.
Gareth Ashby
Certified to teach Systema by Vladimir Vasiliev in 2013. Gareth has trained in martial arts for more than 25 years and in Systema since 2005. He has taught weekly classes across East Anglia for many years and is known for his calm, practical and breath-led approach.
Andy Cefai
Certified to teach Systema by both Vladimir Vasiliev and Mikhail Ryabko. Andy has trained in martial arts since childhood and has more than 25 years of Systema experience. A co-founder of Systema Japan, he has taught and hosted seminars throughout Japan and Singapore before returning to the UK to teach alongside Gareth Ashby.
The results speak for themselves.
Stories from long-standing students of Gareth and Andy. The work compounds over years. So do the testimonials.
The simple truth is to deal with fear you need to relax. Systema has unique breathing methods to help you remain calm and deal with your fear. Don Barrett, former Special Forces soldier
Can't believe the difference in how I feel after just one month. Starting Systema is the best thing I've ever done. Martin
Systema is a complete system that helps develop all areas of you as a person. J. Crichlow