Absolutely amazing. The most challenging seminar I have ever been to from a mental/psychological point of view, and probably in the top 2 as far as physically challenging. Just watching Martin move is worth the price of admission itself. Conceptually, Systema is just so different from any other disciplines/arts that I have been exposed to, so I had to really train my brain to think differently. And I didn't succeed completely on many counts! Much work to do have I.
From a body mechanics point of view, it all makes perfect sense, once you get past the initial "wtf?". LOL. (Sorry, but I am not too articulate today.) There were people there from a broad range of ability... everything from a several-degreed black belt in Kenpo to someone with zero MA training, and we all got resoundly trounced by Martin no matter what our backgrounds were.
Systema is a tough thing to explain, and I am so newly exposed to it I dare say I can't even begin to try (and wouldn't want to for there are far better people here who could). What I will say is no matter what your base art, this is an art that will enrich your abilities, help you determine which habits don't "work" for you and hone what does. It will also help you see how your mind can be either your best asset or your fast-track ticket to the long dirt nap when engaged in a real life do-or-die conflict.
I've ordered the book and can't wait to train in this art again. I woke up the next morning almost depressed that I couldn't go and play for another 3 hours. Of course, by 4:00 that afternoon my quads were screaming so badly that training again was out of the question. All I could do was whimper around my house with a jar of tiger balm and hopes for the future.
Nevertheless, still "jonesing" for more. I can't recommend it enough.
Michelle