Maryland Systema
@marylandsystema.bsky.social
Real-world self-defense. Focused on control, adaptability, and real outcomes.
Maryland Systema classes in Rockville, Silver Spring, and Takoma Park.
First class is free. Come see what most martial arts leave out.
Maryland Systema classes in Rockville, Silver Spring, and Takoma Park.
First class is free. Come see what most martial arts leave out.
Faster reactions are not always better reactions.
In real self-defense, moving too early can create openings and limit your options.
Maryland Systema training focuses on improving timing by teaching when not to move.
In real self-defense, moving too early can create openings and limit your options.
Maryland Systema training focuses on improving timing by teaching when not to move.
February 8, 2026 at 1:46 PM
Faster reactions are not always better reactions.
In real self-defense, moving too early can create openings and limit your options.
Maryland Systema training focuses on improving timing by teaching when not to move.
In real self-defense, moving too early can create openings and limit your options.
Maryland Systema training focuses on improving timing by teaching when not to move.
Systema trains footwork that stays grounded and balanced.
Small, controlled steps improve stability and reduce slipping when pressure is applied.
These habits transfer into daily life, helping people move more safely through crowded, uneven, or confined spaces.
#SelfDefenseTraining #DMV
Small, controlled steps improve stability and reduce slipping when pressure is applied.
These habits transfer into daily life, helping people move more safely through crowded, uneven, or confined spaces.
#SelfDefenseTraining #DMV
February 7, 2026 at 1:28 PM
Systema trains footwork that stays grounded and balanced.
Small, controlled steps improve stability and reduce slipping when pressure is applied.
These habits transfer into daily life, helping people move more safely through crowded, uneven, or confined spaces.
#SelfDefenseTraining #DMV
Small, controlled steps improve stability and reduce slipping when pressure is applied.
These habits transfer into daily life, helping people move more safely through crowded, uneven, or confined spaces.
#SelfDefenseTraining #DMV
Blunt weapons are dangerous because of speed and reach, not strength.
Systema stick defense teaches how to manage distance, enter safely, and control the arm holding the weapon instead of blocking force directly.
Systema stick defense teaches how to manage distance, enter safely, and control the arm holding the weapon instead of blocking force directly.
February 6, 2026 at 1:31 PM
Blunt weapons are dangerous because of speed and reach, not strength.
Systema stick defense teaches how to manage distance, enter safely, and control the arm holding the weapon instead of blocking force directly.
Systema stick defense teaches how to manage distance, enter safely, and control the arm holding the weapon instead of blocking force directly.
Stress alone does not prepare you for real violence.
Training that spikes adrenaline without regulation teaches the body to rush or freeze.
Systema focuses on staying functional under pressure.
Group classes Tuesday & Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
#SelfDefense #MartialArts
Training that spikes adrenaline without regulation teaches the body to rush or freeze.
Systema focuses on staying functional under pressure.
Group classes Tuesday & Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
#SelfDefense #MartialArts
February 5, 2026 at 12:53 PM
Stress alone does not prepare you for real violence.
Training that spikes adrenaline without regulation teaches the body to rush or freeze.
Systema focuses on staying functional under pressure.
Group classes Tuesday & Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
#SelfDefense #MartialArts
Training that spikes adrenaline without regulation teaches the body to rush or freeze.
Systema focuses on staying functional under pressure.
Group classes Tuesday & Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
#SelfDefense #MartialArts
Systema training helps you stay mentally clear under pressure. Students learn how stress affects breathing and decisions, then practice restoring control while moving.
The first class is free so you can experience the training directly, without pressure or obligation.
#SelfDefenseTraining #Systema
The first class is free so you can experience the training directly, without pressure or obligation.
#SelfDefenseTraining #Systema
February 3, 2026 at 1:11 PM
Systema training helps you stay mentally clear under pressure. Students learn how stress affects breathing and decisions, then practice restoring control while moving.
The first class is free so you can experience the training directly, without pressure or obligation.
#SelfDefenseTraining #Systema
The first class is free so you can experience the training directly, without pressure or obligation.
#SelfDefenseTraining #Systema
Systema often looks unimpressive because it prioritizes function over appearance.
Small internal shifts disrupt balance and timing before force is visible.
What works in real situations rarely looks dramatic.
#SelfDefenseTraining #FunctionalMartialArts
Small internal shifts disrupt balance and timing before force is visible.
What works in real situations rarely looks dramatic.
#SelfDefenseTraining #FunctionalMartialArts
February 2, 2026 at 12:56 PM
Systema often looks unimpressive because it prioritizes function over appearance.
Small internal shifts disrupt balance and timing before force is visible.
What works in real situations rarely looks dramatic.
#SelfDefenseTraining #FunctionalMartialArts
Small internal shifts disrupt balance and timing before force is visible.
What works in real situations rarely looks dramatic.
#SelfDefenseTraining #FunctionalMartialArts
Real self-defense is not about domination. Pressure changes how the body and mind work.
We train how to stay functional under stress through posture, breathing, and movement instead of memorized patterns.
Learn why this approach is different. Try a free intro class.
#SelfDefenseTraining #Systema
We train how to stay functional under stress through posture, breathing, and movement instead of memorized patterns.
Learn why this approach is different. Try a free intro class.
#SelfDefenseTraining #Systema
February 1, 2026 at 1:20 PM
Real self-defense is not about domination. Pressure changes how the body and mind work.
We train how to stay functional under stress through posture, breathing, and movement instead of memorized patterns.
Learn why this approach is different. Try a free intro class.
#SelfDefenseTraining #Systema
We train how to stay functional under stress through posture, breathing, and movement instead of memorized patterns.
Learn why this approach is different. Try a free intro class.
#SelfDefenseTraining #Systema
Close-quarter training in Systema focuses on functioning when space is limited.
Students train near walls and in crowded conditions to learn posture, pressure control, and awareness under contact.
What you will experience: realistic proximity and practical self-defense education.
#SelfDefense
Students train near walls and in crowded conditions to learn posture, pressure control, and awareness under contact.
What you will experience: realistic proximity and practical self-defense education.
#SelfDefense
January 31, 2026 at 12:51 PM
Close-quarter training in Systema focuses on functioning when space is limited.
Students train near walls and in crowded conditions to learn posture, pressure control, and awareness under contact.
What you will experience: realistic proximity and practical self-defense education.
#SelfDefense
Students train near walls and in crowded conditions to learn posture, pressure control, and awareness under contact.
What you will experience: realistic proximity and practical self-defense education.
#SelfDefense
Knife defense training at Maryland Systema starts slow and controlled.
Beginners learn distance, angles, and how to safely control the arm holding the knife before any pressure is added.
Aggressive testing comes later, under supervision.
#SelfDefenseTraining #KnifeDefense #AdultBeginners
Beginners learn distance, angles, and how to safely control the arm holding the knife before any pressure is added.
Aggressive testing comes later, under supervision.
#SelfDefenseTraining #KnifeDefense #AdultBeginners
January 30, 2026 at 1:43 PM
Knife defense training at Maryland Systema starts slow and controlled.
Beginners learn distance, angles, and how to safely control the arm holding the knife before any pressure is added.
Aggressive testing comes later, under supervision.
#SelfDefenseTraining #KnifeDefense #AdultBeginners
Beginners learn distance, angles, and how to safely control the arm holding the knife before any pressure is added.
Aggressive testing comes later, under supervision.
#SelfDefenseTraining #KnifeDefense #AdultBeginners
High stress without regulation trains panic, not readiness.
Our classes introduces pressure gradually so beginners learn how to stay aware, breathe, and think under stress.
That’s why it’s safe for adults starting self-defense training.
#selfdefense #adulttraining #calmunderpressure
Our classes introduces pressure gradually so beginners learn how to stay aware, breathe, and think under stress.
That’s why it’s safe for adults starting self-defense training.
#selfdefense #adulttraining #calmunderpressure
January 29, 2026 at 1:17 PM
High stress without regulation trains panic, not readiness.
Our classes introduces pressure gradually so beginners learn how to stay aware, breathe, and think under stress.
That’s why it’s safe for adults starting self-defense training.
#selfdefense #adulttraining #calmunderpressure
Our classes introduces pressure gradually so beginners learn how to stay aware, breathe, and think under stress.
That’s why it’s safe for adults starting self-defense training.
#selfdefense #adulttraining #calmunderpressure
Systema strike training is about understanding how the body works under pressure.
Power comes from alignment and movement, not rigid patterns.
Controlled impact teaches how breathing and balance are affected during contact, reducing panic and improving control.
#Systema #DMV #SelfDefense
Power comes from alignment and movement, not rigid patterns.
Controlled impact teaches how breathing and balance are affected during contact, reducing panic and improving control.
#Systema #DMV #SelfDefense
January 26, 2026 at 1:32 PM
Systema strike training is about understanding how the body works under pressure.
Power comes from alignment and movement, not rigid patterns.
Controlled impact teaches how breathing and balance are affected during contact, reducing panic and improving control.
#Systema #DMV #SelfDefense
Power comes from alignment and movement, not rigid patterns.
Controlled impact teaches how breathing and balance are affected during contact, reducing panic and improving control.
#Systema #DMV #SelfDefense
Fear is not what shuts people down. Loss of breathing control is.
When breathing collapses, thinking follows.
Systema self-defense training teaches adults how to maintain steady breathing under pressure so awareness and decision-making stay intact.
When breathing collapses, thinking follows.
Systema self-defense training teaches adults how to maintain steady breathing under pressure so awareness and decision-making stay intact.
January 25, 2026 at 1:24 PM
Fear is not what shuts people down. Loss of breathing control is.
When breathing collapses, thinking follows.
Systema self-defense training teaches adults how to maintain steady breathing under pressure so awareness and decision-making stay intact.
When breathing collapses, thinking follows.
Systema self-defense training teaches adults how to maintain steady breathing under pressure so awareness and decision-making stay intact.
Familiar drills feel safe.
But safety in training does not equal readiness in chaos.
Maryland Systema removes predictability so adaptation becomes the habit, not memorization.
Maryland Systema is different: we train the nervous system to function under uncertainty.
But safety in training does not equal readiness in chaos.
Maryland Systema removes predictability so adaptation becomes the habit, not memorization.
Maryland Systema is different: we train the nervous system to function under uncertainty.
January 24, 2026 at 1:25 PM
Familiar drills feel safe.
But safety in training does not equal readiness in chaos.
Maryland Systema removes predictability so adaptation becomes the habit, not memorization.
Maryland Systema is different: we train the nervous system to function under uncertainty.
But safety in training does not equal readiness in chaos.
Maryland Systema removes predictability so adaptation becomes the habit, not memorization.
Maryland Systema is different: we train the nervous system to function under uncertainty.
Systema knife defense training starts with realism. Blades move faster than vision. Distance disappears. Control is uncertain.
Our students learn to redirect the attacking arm, move at angles, and stay oriented under pressure without relying on strength or speed.
Our students learn to redirect the attacking arm, move at angles, and stay oriented under pressure without relying on strength or speed.
January 22, 2026 at 12:48 PM
Systema knife defense training starts with realism. Blades move faster than vision. Distance disappears. Control is uncertain.
Our students learn to redirect the attacking arm, move at angles, and stay oriented under pressure without relying on strength or speed.
Our students learn to redirect the attacking arm, move at angles, and stay oriented under pressure without relying on strength or speed.
Systema is designed for people who want practical self-defense, even if they are brand new to martial arts.
There is no belief system to accept. Training focuses on breathing, posture, and staying calm when things feel uncertain.
Start with a free introductory class to see how the training works.
There is no belief system to accept. Training focuses on breathing, posture, and staying calm when things feel uncertain.
Start with a free introductory class to see how the training works.
January 20, 2026 at 12:53 PM
Systema is designed for people who want practical self-defense, even if they are brand new to martial arts.
There is no belief system to accept. Training focuses on breathing, posture, and staying calm when things feel uncertain.
Start with a free introductory class to see how the training works.
There is no belief system to accept. Training focuses on breathing, posture, and staying calm when things feel uncertain.
Start with a free introductory class to see how the training works.
Confidence built on certainty collapses when uncertainty shows up.
We train people to stay functional when outcomes are unclear. Instead of rehearsed responses, students learn to breathe, move, and adapt as situations change.
It is quieter confidence, but far more reliable.
#Systema #Maryland
We train people to stay functional when outcomes are unclear. Instead of rehearsed responses, students learn to breathe, move, and adapt as situations change.
It is quieter confidence, but far more reliable.
#Systema #Maryland
January 19, 2026 at 12:15 PM
When things get intense, the body does not rise to ideals.
It falls back on habit.
Self-defense training works best when it prepares people for how stress actually affects breathing, movement, and attention.
Calm is not accidental.
It is built through practice under pressure.
It falls back on habit.
Self-defense training works best when it prepares people for how stress actually affects breathing, movement, and attention.
Calm is not accidental.
It is built through practice under pressure.
January 18, 2026 at 1:25 PM
When things get intense, the body does not rise to ideals.
It falls back on habit.
Self-defense training works best when it prepares people for how stress actually affects breathing, movement, and attention.
Calm is not accidental.
It is built through practice under pressure.
It falls back on habit.
Self-defense training works best when it prepares people for how stress actually affects breathing, movement, and attention.
Calm is not accidental.
It is built through practice under pressure.
Rules make training feel reliable. Violence does not follow rules.
We remove certainty so students learn to adapt while moving and thinking under pressure. This prevents freezing when situations look nothing like training.
Group classes meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
We remove certainty so students learn to adapt while moving and thinking under pressure. This prevents freezing when situations look nothing like training.
Group classes meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
January 17, 2026 at 1:30 PM
Rules make training feel reliable. Violence does not follow rules.
We remove certainty so students learn to adapt while moving and thinking under pressure. This prevents freezing when situations look nothing like training.
Group classes meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
We remove certainty so students learn to adapt while moving and thinking under pressure. This prevents freezing when situations look nothing like training.
Group classes meet Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
Fear is not a flaw. It is a signal.
Maryland Systema trains people to work inside fear rather than deny it, maintaining breathing, posture, and awareness under pressure.
Group self-defense training classes are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
Maryland Systema trains people to work inside fear rather than deny it, maintaining breathing, posture, and awareness under pressure.
Group self-defense training classes are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
January 16, 2026 at 12:28 PM
Fear is not a flaw. It is a signal.
Maryland Systema trains people to work inside fear rather than deny it, maintaining breathing, posture, and awareness under pressure.
Group self-defense training classes are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
Maryland Systema trains people to work inside fear rather than deny it, maintaining breathing, posture, and awareness under pressure.
Group self-defense training classes are held Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
Systema teaches students how to manage personal space dynamically as pressure increases.
Small positional changes can reduce risk without escalation.
Just as important is learning how emotional boundaries shift before physical contact occurs.
Small positional changes can reduce risk without escalation.
Just as important is learning how emotional boundaries shift before physical contact occurs.
January 15, 2026 at 1:08 PM
Systema teaches students how to manage personal space dynamically as pressure increases.
Small positional changes can reduce risk without escalation.
Just as important is learning how emotional boundaries shift before physical contact occurs.
Small positional changes can reduce risk without escalation.
Just as important is learning how emotional boundaries shift before physical contact occurs.
Stress removes complexity.
The body falls back on what was trained first.
Systema focuses on breath, posture, and attention because those skills remain when fear takes over. Self-defense training that ignores regulation rarely holds up under pressure.
Train what survives.
The body falls back on what was trained first.
Systema focuses on breath, posture, and attention because those skills remain when fear takes over. Self-defense training that ignores regulation rarely holds up under pressure.
Train what survives.
January 14, 2026 at 12:45 PM
Stress removes complexity.
The body falls back on what was trained first.
Systema focuses on breath, posture, and attention because those skills remain when fear takes over. Self-defense training that ignores regulation rarely holds up under pressure.
Train what survives.
The body falls back on what was trained first.
Systema focuses on breath, posture, and attention because those skills remain when fear takes over. Self-defense training that ignores regulation rarely holds up under pressure.
Train what survives.
Many people assume self-defense is about winning. In reality, situations often continue and get messier.
Systema training shifts the goal to staying functional under pressure. Breathing stays accessible. Movement stays responsive. Awareness stays wide enough to create space or disengage.
Systema training shifts the goal to staying functional under pressure. Breathing stays accessible. Movement stays responsive. Awareness stays wide enough to create space or disengage.
January 13, 2026 at 1:20 PM
Many people assume self-defense is about winning. In reality, situations often continue and get messier.
Systema training shifts the goal to staying functional under pressure. Breathing stays accessible. Movement stays responsive. Awareness stays wide enough to create space or disengage.
Systema training shifts the goal to staying functional under pressure. Breathing stays accessible. Movement stays responsive. Awareness stays wide enough to create space or disengage.
Constant aggression looks decisive but drains awareness fast.
Systema training focuses on regulating intensity so people stay functional when situations unfold instead of ending quickly.
This is trained directly in group classes every Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
Systema training focuses on regulating intensity so people stay functional when situations unfold instead of ending quickly.
This is trained directly in group classes every Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
January 12, 2026 at 12:29 PM
Constant aggression looks decisive but drains awareness fast.
Systema training focuses on regulating intensity so people stay functional when situations unfold instead of ending quickly.
This is trained directly in group classes every Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
Systema training focuses on regulating intensity so people stay functional when situations unfold instead of ending quickly.
This is trained directly in group classes every Tuesday and Thursday evenings and Sunday afternoons.
Under threat, your nervous system can hijack you. Vision narrows. Breathing tightens. Fine control disappears.
That is normal human biology.
Systema trains people to stay present as pressure rises so skills remain accessible when it matters.
Try a free intro group class.
That is normal human biology.
Systema trains people to stay present as pressure rises so skills remain accessible when it matters.
Try a free intro group class.
January 11, 2026 at 1:34 PM
Under threat, your nervous system can hijack you. Vision narrows. Breathing tightens. Fine control disappears.
That is normal human biology.
Systema trains people to stay present as pressure rises so skills remain accessible when it matters.
Try a free intro group class.
That is normal human biology.
Systema trains people to stay present as pressure rises so skills remain accessible when it matters.
Try a free intro group class.
Tight muscles feel prepared, but excess tension often works against you during physical confrontation. It restricts movement and makes reactions easier to predict once contact occurs.
Systema training focuses on reducing unnecessary tension so the body stays functional under pressure.
Systema training focuses on reducing unnecessary tension so the body stays functional under pressure.
January 10, 2026 at 12:48 PM
Tight muscles feel prepared, but excess tension often works against you during physical confrontation. It restricts movement and makes reactions easier to predict once contact occurs.
Systema training focuses on reducing unnecessary tension so the body stays functional under pressure.
Systema training focuses on reducing unnecessary tension so the body stays functional under pressure.