Systema may be the most misunderstood martial art today. Those who train in this magnificent art often struggle with the intricate details that masters like Michael and Vladimir perform with ease. Those who do not train, nor ever have trained curiously have unique, often harsh criticism. They too struggle to see the tremendous value and instead choose to compare it with what they know. The end result is a litany of sharp critiques and a complete missing the point.
If you do not do, you cannot know.
Using Game Theory you might be able to understand, at least on an intellectual level.
The words “Game Theory” and “Systema” aren’t typically used in the same sentence. Probably never actually. But they should be.
Game Theory is a branch of mathematics concerned with the analysis of strategies for dealing with competitive situations where the outcome depends on the actions of other participants. It is applied to a wide array of areas ranging from business to biology and even war.
And now, Systema.
There are 2 types of Game Theory – Finite games and Infinite games. In Finite games, there are fixed rules, known players, an agreed-upon objective, and a winner and loser. For example, in baseball, 3 strikes is an out and at the end of 9* innings, one team wins while the other loses.
In Finite game theory, it is about winning and losing.
(*If the game is tied, extra innings are played to determine a winner.)
In Infinite games, there are known and unknown players, changeable rules and the goal is to keep the game in play. There are no winners nor losers. Players drop out when they lose the will or resources to continue but the game continues.
In Infinite game theory, the focus is on evolving the game itself.
If you read about the history of most martial arts, the focus was on Infinite Game Theory for 100s and even 1000s of years. It was about evolving, perfecting, and practicing the art in an atmosphere of respect and open-mindedness.
Today, particularly in the Finite world of MMA and YouTube, martial arts have changed. An art is considered “good” or “effective” if it is being used by one of the UFC champs for example. Or it is “powerful” if it is understood by the majority of those watching a 3-minute clip on YouTube and has a lot of “likes.” This is a “winner” and that is a “loser.” It is very technique driven. Black and white with zero room for gray areas.
It is also the ultimate source of finding never-ending frustration.
Systema is a martial art with its roots in Infinite Game Theory. We do not compete with anyone other than ourselves. We ask, “How can I be better this week versus last week?” instead of “Am I better than him or her.” Victories come from our internal accomplishments and overcoming our egos. We have concepts, not techniques. No winners. No losers. Just the opportunity to become quality martial artists and even better people.
It is the ultimate source for finding joyful growth.
A presenter named Simon Sinek was asked to speak at a conference both at Microsoft and Apple. He noted that at the Microsoft conference, virtually all presenters talked about how to defeat Apple.
At the Apple conference, all of the presenters talked about how to improve their products so that teachers can improve and students can learn better.
Both are hugely successful companies. Just different priorities and vastly different approaches.
Just like other martial arts . . . And Systema.
by – David Orman
Central Florida Systema School 
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