One of the greatest challenges in Systema is dealing with fear. We are constantly reminded that fear is something that needs to be overcome. Fear is an obstacle to flow. It causes restrictions in movement or no movement at all.
We know this from life. Fear is one of the most difficult things to overcome in any situation. Fear has stopped more people from expressing more of themselves than any other emotion. Perhaps every other emotion. … combined. It has shut down booming businesses before they began. Stopped people from a life-altering education. Put a giant STOP sign in front of adventures, possibilities and hope. It is the ultimate dream-killer.
Despite knowing this, it can be quite a challenge to overcome. We take strikes time and again to overcome fear. We get hit with fists, kicks and even whips in an attempt to conquer the fear.
Even with such valiant attempts, it never seems to go away. We find creative ways to ignore it, forget about it or mask it but deep down, it is always the shadow that follows us.
What can be done?
In my opinion, nothing.
We would be best waving the white flag and letting fear have a place in our life.
Instead, we should turn our focus on not overcoming fear but building courage. One block at a time, start to build a castle made of bravery, fortitude and grit. Put these ingredients together and you have courage.
Build enough courage and it will eventually cast a shadow so great that fear cannot see the light of day. If fear does come for a visit, it must have something of great value to share with us.
Build courage. Befriend fear. Keep training. The formula for success in Systema and in life.
Central Florida Systema School 
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