Systema: An Examination of The Russian Martial Arts Network As A Potential Tool of Hybrid Warfare For The Russian Government

Research Report
Alex Goldenberg
New York University | April 2019
Systema: An Examination of the

Russian Martial Arts Network
as a Potential Tool of Hybrid Warfare
for the Russian Government
Contents
Introduction ....................................................................................... 1
Methodology ......................................................................................... 6
Origins and Evolution of Systema ..................................................... 7
The Systema Network .......................................................................... 9
Systema Ryabko ........................................................................... 9
Siberian Cossack Systema ....................................................... 17
Systema Wolf .............................................................................. 21
Systema Spetsnaz ..................................................................... 26
Subject Matter Expert Evaluations .................................................. 27
Trends of Russia’s Use of Martial Arts to Further Interests .... 30
Conclusion .......................................................................................... 35
1
Systema: An Examination of the Russian

Martial Arts Network as a Potential Tool of
Hybrid Warfare for the Russian Government
Introduction
Russia’s use of hybrid strategies is not a new phenomenon, they are remnants of
old Soviet era tactics resurrected for the twenty-first century. During the Soviet
era, Moscow utilized “active measures” to garner influence and attempt to shape the
political landscape abroad. Due to the asymmetric military capabilities of the West,
the Soviets pursued global power and influence through non-military means. 1
According to former U.S. Major Stephanie Kittle, active measures became a critical
strategy for weakening, and eventually defeating opponents of the USSR. 2 Soviets
funded communist political parties, encouraged anti-nuclear protest movements,
manipulated media, and even trained fringe movements like the weather under-
ground in self-defense. According to Mark Galeotti of the European Council on
Foreign Relations, The Kremlin conducted these activities “in conjunction with
efforts to steal state secrets and buy influence through traditional forms of espio-
nage.” 3 The Soviet intelligence community and special forces were specially trained
for such operations.4
1 Kittle, Stephanie. “‘Conquest from Within’: A Comparative Analysis Between Soviet Active Measures and
United States Unconventional Warfare Doctrine.” U.S. Army Command and General Staff College, 2004.
2 ibid
3 Galeotti, Mark. “Putin’s Hydra: Inside Russia’s Intelligence Services.” ECFR.EU, 11 May 1970, www.ecfr.eu/
publications/summary/putins_hydra_inside_russias_intelligence_services.
4 “What Is the GRU? Who Gets Recruited to Be a Spy? Why Are They Exposed so Often? Here Are the Most
Important Things You Should Know about Russia’s Intelligence Community.” Meduza, meduza.io/en/feature/2018/11/06/
what-is-the-gru-who-gets-recruited-to-be-a-spy-why-are-they-exposed-so-often.
Systema: An Examination of the Russian Martial Arts Network as a Potential Tool of Hybrid Warfare for the Russian Government 2
When the Cold War ended with the collapse of the Soviet Union these hybrid
strategies declined as Moscow lacked the resources and will to pursue them. It
lacked the resources because of its poor economic state as well as interest because,
in the 1990s, Russia appeared to be on the path for greater cooperation and inte-
gration with Europe. 5
According to a RAND testimony on Russian hybrid warfare, beginning with the
so-called color revolutions in the early 2000s, Russia’s relations with the West
began to deteriorate.6 At the same time, foreign investment and strong oil prices
revitalized Russian resources that it lacked in the 1990s and Russia invested them
in its military and security services. In a memorable 2007 speech to the Munich Se-
curity Conference, President Vladimir Putin detailed Russia’s deep dissatisfaction
with the world order and denounced the United States for actions that he claimed
had undermined global stability, including the expansion of NATO. The provoca-
tive speech signaled that Russia was ready to push back.7 Just a year later in 2008,
Putin disregarded international objections as he undertook a military campaign in
Georgia.
According to Mark Galeotti, Moscow is currently engaged in a broad strategy to
weaken the European Union and NATO, distance Europe from the United States,
and create a general political and cultural environment more conducive for Moscow
and their interests. This strategy is summarized by Valery Garasimov, the current
Chief of the General Staff of the Armed Forces in Russia, in an article on modern
warfare in which he argues that non-military means are used four times more often
in modern conflict than conventional military measures, and that non-military and
non-state actors are essential to contemporary conflict . 8
The hybrid war tactics that Russia uses today are similar but not identical to those
traditionally utilized in the Soviet Era. The size and ambition of Russian informa-
tion campaigns are greater and facilitated by new information mediums, the use of
cyber operations, and the fact that Russia has more economic levers and influence
5 Chivvis, Christopher S. “Understanding Russian ‘Hybrid Warfare.’” RAND Report, www.rand.org/content/

dam/rand/pubs/testimonies/CT400/CT468/RAND_CT468.pdf.
6 Ibid
7 “Speech and the Following Discussion at the Munich Conference on Security Policy.” President of Russia, 10
Feb. 2007, en.kremlin.ru/events/president/transcripts/24034
8 Valery Gerasimov, “The Value of Science is in the Foresight: New Challenges Demand Rethinking the Forms
and Methods of Carrying out Combat Operations,” Voyenno-Promyshlennyy Kurier, February 26, 2013.
3
in foreign governments then ever before. Furthermore, Russia and the world are
more closely interlinked making it easier for Russia to penetrate Western societies.
The Kremlin has also devoted a significant amount of resources to its intelligence
community, especially the Main Intelligence Directorate (GRU, military intelli-
gence), which are increasingly involved in overseas operations. They are not only
tasked with gathering information about foreign capabilities and intentions but are
also instruments of non-linear warfare, a component of hybrid warfare, that en-
gage in influence operations that spread disinformation, encourage defections, and
break lines of communication. 9 The GRU was named in the Mueller report as the
culprit for the DNC hack. The GRU is also known to cultivate and utilize a range
of proxies to further their interests. For example, Russian soccer hooligans openly
displaying symbols with the initials of Russia’s military intelligence service, GRU,
attacked English soccer fans during a national football game in June of 2016, send-
ing dozens to the hospital. 10 Months later in a separate incident, two officers from
Russia’s military intelligence (GRU) were sought, via Interpol, as suspected orga-
nizers of an unsuccessful 2016 coup in Montenegro. The GRU operators brought
together extremists from Serbia and members of Montenegro’s political opposition,
purchased $200,000 worth of weapons and encrypted cell phones in the alleged
coup attempt. The coup plan fell apart after Montenegrin officials allegedly received
a tip from Serbian intelligence that raised alarms by identifying 50 GRU operatives
that entered the country the night before.11
One of the Kremlin’s most notorious proxies are the Night Wolves, an ultranation-
alist biker club whose leader is a personal friend of Putin. The Night Wolves played
a small but vital role in the Russian military operation to annex Crimea. 12 Ac-
cording to Matthew Lauder, the Night Wolves are a part of a broader effort by the
Kremlin to outsource intelligence and defense activities and may facilitate a range
of hybrid activities behind the scenes. The U.S. government sanctioned the Night
9 “‘Hybrid War’ and ‘Little Green Men’: How It Works, and How It Doesn’t.” E, www.e-ir.info/2015/04/16/hy-
brid-war-and-little-green-men-how-it-works-and-how-it-doesnt/.
10 Carpenter, Michael. “Russia Is Co-Opting Angry Young Men.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 4 Sept.
2018, www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2018/08/russia-is-co-opting-angry-young-men/568741/.
11 Maza, Cristina. “Exclusive: Russian Military Spies Backed Attempt to Assassinate Leader of Montenegro,
Report Reveals.” Newsweek, 29 July 2018, www.newsweek.com/exclusive-russian-military-spies-backed-attempt-assassi-
nate-leader-montenegro-1007324.
12 Lauder, Matthew A. ‘Wolves of the Russian Spring’: An Examination of the Night Wolves as a Proxy for the
Russian Government. Canadian Military Journal, 2018, www.journal.forces.gc.ca/vol18/no3/PDF/CMJ183Ep5.pdf.
Wolves in 2014 and noted in a press release that the “Night Wolves have been
closely connected to Russian Special Services.” 13
While many security experts are aware of the Night Wolves and other well-known
proxies that are pieces of Russia’s hybrid warfare mosaic, the Russian Intelligence
Service’s use of martial arts clubs to recruit agents and expose self-defense enthusi-
asts to pro-Russian values has flown under the radar.
One intriguing martial-arts club, Systema, purportedly has roots in medieval Rus-
sia, particularly the Russian Orthodox Christian faith, and was revitalized during
the Soviet era by the GRU.14 Systema uses fluid and improvisational movements
and is designed to inflict maximum damage to an opponent. These martial-arts
clubs typically train with sticks, knives, and firearms. 15 There is no definite form, no
competition, and no rules. There are over 250 clubs around the world that operate
like normal karate classes. These clubs hold advanced training sessions in Moscow
and other countries all over the world, including the United States.
Attention was first drawn to Systema in Germany in 2014 by FOCUS magazine
which suggested that the GRU was recruiting agents from the martial-arts clubs.
16
The information did not attract a significant amount of attention, but interests
rose again following the release of Boris Reitchuster’s book “The Hidden War of
Putin” in 2016. Reitchuster cited data from German secret services on the existence
of special groups of trained fighters and GRU agents in Germany.17 More recent-
ly, Thuringia’s President for the Protection of the Constitution, Stephan Kramer,
confirmed this assertion and stated that according to “intelligence networks, 250 to
300 agents have been recruited in Germany alone.” 18 The Systema network also has
direct links to the Night Wolves. The clandestine use of these networks is known
in Europe, but the proliferation of Systema clubs in North America require great-
14 “Systema Vasiliev. Russian Martial Art.” Russian Martial Art. Systema by Vladimir Vasiliev, russianmartialart.
com/whatis.php.
16 Hufelschulte, Magazin-Reporter Josef. “Würgen, Schlagen, Töten Lernen.” FOCUS Online, FOCUS Online, 25
May 2014, www.focus.de/magazin/archiv/report-wuergen-schlagen-toeten-lernen_id_3870339.html.
17 Deutsche Welle. “Putin’s ‘Secret Sleepers’ Waiting for a Signal | DW | 18.04.2016.” DW.COM, www.dw.com/
en/putins-secret-sleepers-waiting-for-a-signal/a-19196685.
18 Kramer, Stephan J. The Kremlin’s Network in Europe and Beyond. 2018.
5
er attention. For example, former GRU operators have been training self-defense
enthusiasts in the basement of a shooting range in midtown Manhattan for over 10
years. 19
Systema may be indicative of a larger trend by the Russian government to out-
source activities to non-state actors that are traditionally conducted by state intelli-
gence and defense entities. According to Casey Michel from Think Progress, Sys-
tema clubs could be potential tools of hybrid warfare, rather than operational tools
of hybrid warfare. Perhaps the groundwork is being laid, only to be utilized later. 20
This may fit into what Mark Galeotti terms Russia’s adhocracy, describing the ad-
hoc nature of Russian operations in which groundwork is laid until the operation is
needed at some point in the future.21
It is up for debate whether these forces are part of Russia’s hybrid warfare strategy,
an intelligence-gathering network to push pro-Kremlin talking points, or much
less likely, a benevolent martial arts network operated by “former” Russian military
intelligence operators. Many European security services consider Systema as an
outsourced platform for the GRU. 22 As Stephan Kramer puts it, “once GRU, always
GRU… there is no way out.”
This assessment is critical to global affairs. As the global system shifts once again
and echoes the former Cold War era defined by great power competition, it is im-
perative to grasp that this new competition will be largely unconventional. While it
is still crucial to focus on large-scale military build-ups, measures short of war will
likely dominate in this new Cold War era. Russia for example, has little chance to
compete with the West solely militarily, but every opportunity to exploit the open-
ness of liberal democracies and exacerbate existing divides, subvert international in-
stitutions, and help create a world in which “its corrupt authoritarianism flourishes.”
23
The weaponization of information and culture along with covert and small-scale
19 “Polygon Elite Russian Systema Martial Art.” Polygon Elite Systema, polygonelite.com/.
20 “NYU Graduate Student Thesis Question.” Received by Casey Michel, NYU Graduate Student Thesis Ques-
tion, 2019.
21 Galeotti, Mark. “Controlling Chaos: How Russia Manages Its Political War in Europe.” ECFR.EU, 1 Sept.
1970, www.ecfr.eu/publications/summary/controlling_chaos_how_russia_manages_its_political_war_in_europe.
22 J. Hufelschulte, “Würgen, schlagen, töten lernen” [Learning to choke, beat and kill], Focus, No. 22, 2014,
www.focus.de.
23 Pomerantsev, Perer, and Michael Weiss. “The Menace of Unreality: How the Kremlin Weaponizes Information,
Culture and Money.” Imrussia.org, Institute of Modern Russia, imrussia.org/media/pdf/Research/Michael_Weiss_and_Pe-
ter_Pomerantsev__The_Menace_of_Unreality.pdf.
military operations is a vital part of Moscow’s hybrid warfare, which the world saw
in action in Ukraine. 24 If intelligence assessments are accurate, Systema may be a
cunning tool in Russia’s hybrid warfare tool kit as the network is used to outsource
pro-Russian propaganda, recruit agents, and can potentially engage in targeted acts
of violence. As Russia’s use of hybrid strategies multiply, our ability and willingness
to identify and assess hybrid operations should increase as well.
This assessment has three objectives. First, we will explore the evolution and origin
of Systema. Second, we examine the Systema network, major players, their activi-
ties, and connections to Russian state structures and known proxies. Third, we will
explore the trend of the Russian government to outsource intelligence activities to
non-state proxies connected to mixed martial arts.
Methodology
According to a RAND report on Russian hostile measures in Europe, it is difficult

to definitively prove the absence or existence of Russian influence.25 To address this
challenge, they specified evidence that would ideally be available to demonstrate
Russian influence.
- Evidence of intent from the Russian state
- Evidence of Russian influence on a local proxy
- Evidence that Russian influence on the proxy led to the achievement of a
Russian foreign policy objective.
In practice, this level of evidence is rarely available, and as a result it is difficult to

definitively prove the existence of Russian influence. According to Casey Michel
from Think Progress, cataloguing such influence depends on who a particular
group interacts with.26 RAND reported that individuals and groups fall under
24 ibid
25 Cohen, et al. “How to Counter Russia’s Hostile Measures in Europe.” RAND Corporation, 28 Jan. 2019, www.
rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR1793.html.
26 “NYU Graduate Student Thesis Question.” Received by Casey Michel, NYU Graduate Student Thesis Ques-
tion, 2019.
7
a range of several types of influence as some may directly follow Russian orders,
while others may simply share similar interests on a given topic. 27 RAND offers
three dimensions that are not always easily measurable, and for the purposes of this
assessment we will only explore the first dimension. The first dimension is Russia’s
control over an actor, meaning the extent an actor will follow orders of the Russian
government. According to RAND’s typology, Russia has higher degrees of control
over proxies that are fully funded by Russia and staffed by former Russian offi-
cials.28
This assessment will focus on the Systema network and illuminate connections
between the Systema network, the Russian government, the Russian intelligence
apparatus, and a prominent Kremlin proxy. This is not an indictment of all Sys-
tema schools, many of which may be innocuous gathering-places for martial arts
enthusiasts seeking comradery. However, there is evidence of suspicious activity at
a number of gyms. To discover relevant information, we draw on scholarly work,
web pages, and other open sources; in addition to deliberations with subject matter
experts from the transnational security community in order to draw conclusions
where possible. Some of the evidence is circumstantial, but important, nonetheless.
Origin and Evolution of Systema
The combat style, Systema, which in Russian means “the system” has its origins
in medieval Russia. According to the Systema HQ’s website russianmartialart.
com, the Russian style of the martial art dates back to the 10th century. 29 The or-
igins, as described on many of the Systema webpages, appear to be marketed as a
romanticized martial art promoting physical prowess and mindfulness. Profess-
edly, throughout history, Russia had to repel invaders from every direction, each
of which brought their distinct style of combat and weaponry. Battles took place
during freezing winters and hot summers. As a result, the “Russian warriors ac-
27 Cohen, et al. “How to Counter Russia’s Hostile Measures in Europe.” RAND Corporation, 28 Jan. 2019, www.
rand.org/pubs/research_reports/RR1793.html.
28 Ibid
29 “Systema Vasiliev. Russian Martial Art.” Russian Martial Art. Systema by Vladimir Vasiliev, www.russianmar-
tialart.com/whatis.php.
quired a style that combined strong spirit with extremely innovative and versatile
tactics that were at the same time practical, deadly, and effective against any type of
enemy under any circumstances.” 30
Centuries later, seeing Systema as a threat, the Communist regime suppressed this
martial art’s tradition, but were quick to realize how effective Systema was, and
reserved it for Special Operations Units.31
According to the Systema HQ website, Christian Orthodoxy is an integral part of
the foundation of the martial art. For those seriously studying Systema, the site of-
fers a number of Orthodox Christian book recommendations to compliment one’s
study such as The Law of God, My Life in Christ, and Spiritual Awakening, all of
which can be purchased on the Holy Trinity Russian Orthodox Church website.
32
Some may engage with Systema due to an admiration in martial arts, but those
who want to totally immerse themselves are encouraged to explore Russian Ortho-
dox Christianity.
According to Slate Magazine, “when the Iron Curtain lifted, Systema emerged from
the shadows.” 33 Spearheading the rapid emergence of the martial art was Colo-
nel Mikhail Ryabko, and his colleague Vladimir Vasiliev, who founded a Systema
school in Canada in 1993, the first one outside of Russia.
There are over 250 Systema schools today affiliated with Systema Ryabko, and
several offshoots with their own brand of the Russian martial art. Only instruc-
tors who receive certification from Mikhail Ryabko or Vladimir Vasiliev can teach
Systema Ryabko. According to their official website, all affiliated schools are run
by instructors who are certified by Vladimir Vasiliev. There are a number of other
Systema practices and a majority of the founders personally trained with Ryabko
or Vasiliev, and peacefully coexist with the Systema Ryabko, and often participate
in joint seminars around the world together.34 Most Systema schools are cautious
of referencing their association to Soviet and Russian special forces, however, some
30 ibid
31 ibid
32 Ibid
33 Losh, Jack. “The Secretive Martial Art of the Soviet Union Is Making a Comeback.” Slate Magazine, Slate, 13
Apr. 2018, slate.com/news-and-politics/2018/04/systema-the-secretive-martial-art-of-the-soviet-union-is-making-a-come-
back.html.
34 Chleminski, Dimitrij. Schools of Martial Arts: Systema. 2016, s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euobs-media/
b8f047c3a710912fc047ead32bb06bf2.pdf.
9
schools openly use emblems of the GRU and FSB.
The Systema Network

According to Dmitrij Chmelnizki, a scholar of Russian espionage who lives in Ber-
lin, there are at least nine Systema-type schools whose founders were “all officers of
the GRU or KGB-FSB” and whose intense foreign expansion in the past 10 years
has “no visible natural explanation.” A majority of these schools are affiliated with
Systema Ryabko. To get a sense of the network, we begin by assessing Systema
Ryabko, and then analyze other branches in the network.
Systema Ryabko
Mikhail Ryabko, in photo on right Mikhail Ryabko is seen accompanying Vladimir Putin
Systema Ryabko was founded by Colonel Mikhail Ryabko of a special operations

unit. His past roles include over 10 years in Russian special forces, a position as the
Deputy Head of the Russian Federation’s Ministry of Interior Management, and
assistant to the Russian Federation’s General Prosecutor. According to his biogra-
phy, his deeds in the Russian special forces earned him a number of military and
governmental awards and medals, an award from the Russian Federation President,
and many honors presented by the Russian Orthodox Church. 35
Mikhail Ryabko receiving award from Russian Orthodox Church
Currently, Mikhail Ryabko lives in Moscow, where he serves as the director and
chief instructor of Systema HQ, a member of the Board of Trustees for the Con-
struction and Restoration of Russian Orthodox Churches and Monasteries in
Russia and Abroad, a Counsellor to the Justice Minister of Russia as well as the
Russian Federation General Prosecutor Office, and therefore directly subordinate
to Putin. 36
The relationship between Ryabko and the Russian Orthodox Church is significant,
and it appears Russian Orthodoxy is intermingled into Systema’s teachings. Fur-
thermore, the leader of the Russian Orthodox Church, is a former KGB agent and
has endorsed other Russian proxies such as the Night Wolves and Sorak Sarokov.37
According to some experts, the Kremlin leverages the Orthodox Church to further
their foreign policy goals.38 Systema HQ is purportedly blessed by the Russian
Orthodox Church as well.39 According to Ryabko, Systema is the only type of com-
bat in the world based on the Orthodox faith, and that “the system of ancient Rus-
sian martial arts is based on a union of breathing and heartfelt prayer.”40 According
35 “The Founder.” MoscowHQ, systemaryabko.wixsite.com/systema/the-founder.

36 Ibid
38 https://imrussia.org/media/pdf/Research/Michael_Weiss_and_Peter_Pomerantsev__The_Menace_of_Unreality.
pdf
39 Pomerantsev, Perer, and Michael Weiss. “The Menace of Unreality: How the Kremlin Weaponizes Information,
Culture and Money.” Imrussia.org, Institute of Modern Russia, imrussia.org/media/pdf/Research/Michael_Weiss_and_Pe-
ter_Pomerantsev__The_Menace_of_Unreality.pdf.
40 Adams, Brett. “Great Piece about Mikhail Ryabko and Some of His History.” Great Piece about Mikhail Ryab-
11
to Ryabko, in one Systema seminar of 130 people, 10 were christened. 41

Mikhail Ryabko’s current positions and past experiences emphasize direct connec-
tions to the Kremlin, the Russian Orthodox Church, and to “former” special op-
erations officers. Ryabko still conducts daily classes at the Moscow Systema head-
quarters, which works under the patronage of the Ministry of Internal affairs, and
according to a google maps search, is also located in the Interior Ministry’s building.
The Ministry of Internal Affairs controls the police of Russia, and until 2016, the
internal troops of Russia who are akin to the U.S. National Guard. 42
Far left is Mikhail Ryabko, second from the left is Vladimir Vasiliev
Vladimir Vasiliev is the second most influential individual in the Ryabko Systema
hierarchy who operates the Systema Headquarters in Toronto. A cursory search
found no data pertaining to his date of birth, education, military rank, or circum-
stances for his move to Canada. We have found a photo of Mikhail and Vasiliev
suggesting they were in the same unit in the Russian military. His biography on the
official Systema HQ website does not feature any military experience and focuses
ko and Some of His History., 1 Jan. 1970, brettadamssystema.blogspot.com/2010/11/great-piece-about-mikhail-ryabko-

and.html?m=1.
41 “Interview with Mikhail Ryabko by Stanley Pranin.” Membersaikidojournalcom, members.aikidojournal.com/
private/interview-with-mikhail-ryabko/.
42 History, en.mvd.ru/Ministry/history.
instead on Vasiliev’s intense combat training with Mikhail Ryabko. 43

Vladimir Vasiliev wrote a book in 1997, called the Russian System Guidebook,
which offers keen insight into his past.
According to his biography written in 1997, Vladimir spent 10 years with a Special
Operations Unit, and during that time became a master of the Russian Martial Art,
Systema. The bat emblem on the cover of the book which coincides with the patch
on Vladimir’s shoulder is that of the Main Directorate of the General Staff of the
Armed Forces of the Russian Federation (GRU), which is Russia’s military intelli-
gence agency. The bat covering a globe, is specifically a symbol of GRU Spetsnaz, an
elite unit within the GRU. 44
The Russian System Guidebook outlines the main goals of the training in Vladi-
mir’s unit, which was to prepare to endure any military operation and stay sane and
43 “Instructors.” MoscowHQ, systemaryabko.wixsite.com/systema/instructors.
44 “Russia’s Military Intelligence Agency Has a Batman Symbol.” Public Radio International, www.pri.org/sto-
ries/2014-05-02/russia-s-military-intelligence-agency-has-batman-symbol.
13
functional. Excerpt from book:
Even when these people became civilians, they were so skilled and tough that the
Soviet government would call them back into action so to secretly participate
in a mission. It must have been strange for the friends and co-workers of these
people. They’d be doing their regular job in Russian Society and then, suddenly,
they wouldn’t be seen for several days. Then they returned from some incredible
mission, nobody would know where they’d been. Nor could they talk about what
they’d done. They simply went back to work as if nothing happened. The people
in these special units were so well-trained and efficient that the Russian Army
couldn’t afford to let them go. Even when they were out of the Army, they were on
call. Vladimir was one of those people.
Notably, the 2018 re-release of The Russian System Guidebook omits both the
GRU emblem on the cover, as well Vladimir’s military photo displaying a GRU
patch on his shoulder.
(25th Anniversary re-release)
According to the Systema HQ website, Vasiliev has personally trained over 500
qualified instructors in Systema, and also certified more than 200 schools in 30
countries around the world.
Advanced training is offered yearly at immersive retreats with attendees from

around the world. Retreats are held in both Moscow and North America. In North
America, Vladimir Vasiliev hosts the Structure of Freedom camp in the woods
north of Toronto with over 100 guests per year.45 The camp focuses on Systema
fundamentals like striking, fear control, movement, survival, and conditioning.
There was also an exercise titled “psychological and physical preparation for mass
attacks.” Time is also allocated for instructor certifications.
Remarkably, we have found references that Ryabko and Vasiliev claim to have psy-
chic abilities, which begs the question if cult-like practices are introduced into the
curriculum. 46 These practices seem to be carefully excluded from their advertising
on their websites and in martial arts magazines, but present in literature written
by the instructors as well as martial arts forums. In Vasiliev’s book, The Russian
System, there is a section dedicated to psychic training, in which he encourages his
pupils to stand in a dark room in front of a mirror with only a candle, and stare at
the reflection without blinking, until your image is replaced before your eyes with
45 “Structure of Freedom.” Russianmartialart.com, 2018, www.russianmartialart.com/camp2018_info.pdf.

46 Training, Professional Combat. “Russian Martial Art Systema - No Contact Fighting 1.” YouTube, YouTube, 21
Apr. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TiybwIOrS0.
15
that of an animal that matched your true nature. 47 Students are also instructed
to pour cold buckets of water on themselves twice a day to release negative energy
from their “bioplasmic psychic aura.” Vasiliev claims to know people personally,
who could burn holes in the pavement from the negative energy leaving their body.
48
There are also a number of videos online, not advertised by Systema HQ, of the
gurus disabling opponents without touching them, through psychic energy. 49
Image on left of Vladimir Vasiliev from Structure of Freedom Brochure, Image on right from Systema
HQ Instagram
Although not stated in the brochure, there appears to be a religious element to the
Structure of Freedom camp as well.
47 Vasiliev, Vladimir, et al. Inside Secrets of Soviet Special Forces Training. Optimum Training Systems, 1997.
48 ibid
49 Training, Professional Combat. “Russian Martial Art Systema - No Contact Fighting 1.” YouTube, YouTube, 21
Apr. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=-TiybwIOrS0.
Father Vladimir Malchenko, Immersion Camp, 2008
Martial arts enthusiasts attend these retreats to deepen their understanding of Sys-
tema are also encouraged to explore Russian Orthodoxy and culture.
Major Konstantin Komarov
Another key influencer in the Systema network is Major Konstantin Komarov, a

senior instructor in Systema Ryabko who trains regularly in Moscow and other
locations around the world. Komarov is a retired special forces officer who served in
with the GRU and elite Ministry of Internal Affairs Spetsnaz units. He also holds
a PhD in psychology. 50
50 “Systema Vasiliev. Russian Martial Art.” Russian Martial Art. Systema by Vladimir Vasiliev, www.russianmar-
tialart.com/trainingtips.php?authors_id=3.
17
Ryabko Systema has direct links to the Kremlin, the Russian Orthodox Church,
and is staffed by former operators of the GRU. We can assume that Russia exerts a
significant amount of influence over this network.
Certified schools of Systema Ryabko are located in every European country and are
also present in Asia, Australia, Africa, South America, and North America. The
map illustrates the extensive but not exhaustive outline of the Systema network. A
number of coaches who were trained in the Systema Ryabko system have their own
networks of schools.
Systema Siberian Cossack School
The Siberian Cossack School was created in 2009 by Andrey Karimov, a former
student of Mikhail Ryabko. The school has 15 branches in Russia, and 12 world-
wide including the United States. According to his biography, Karimov is an an-
thropologist, ethnographer, practicing psychologist, and organizer of seminars for
the general public as well as Special Forces and police units in Russia and Serbia.
He has been awarded testimonials and diplomas from the Ministry of Defense of
Russia and Siberia.
The focus of his study is not exclusive to combat, but also focuses on the resto-
ration of Russian folk culture, and Cossack culture.51 Cossacks are those who can
trace their ancestry to Cossacks in the Tsarist era. Cossacks tend to practice Or-
thodox Christianity. The Cossacks are a strong symbol of pride among the Russian
people. Furthermore, this particular brand of Systema is unique because children
and adults are encouraged to train together in seminars titled “Empower the Child.”.
52
An American participant attended a seminar in Moscow in 2015 led by Karimov
described his experience on a martial arts forum. The participant voiced his disap-
pointment with the lack of martial arts taught at the seminar, and how seminar was
focused on dancing practice in traditional Cossack garb in preparation for a Victory
Day celebration commemorating Russia’s triumph over Nazi Germany.53 The event
was promoted as a martial arts seminar but instead took the form of a Russian cul-
tural event. These cultural events are analogous to those held by the Night Wolves,
who host motorcycle shows as a platform for their youth patriotic education. 54
The events are veiled by a façade of martial arts, but in actuality are deeply focused
on cultural restoration. Below is a photo from Siberian Cossack Texas Systema’s
facebook page showing men, women, and children dressed in Cossack garb holding
traditional Cossack weapons. Kamarov hosted a six-day seminar in Austin, Texas
in 2015. 55
51 Unknown. “A Brief Interview with Andrey Karimov from Free Tribune Russia.” A Brief Interview with Andrey
Karimov from Free Tribune Russia, 1 Jan. 1970, cowboysandcossacks.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-brief-interview-with-an-
drey-karimov.html.
52 “Q&A With Andrey Karimov, Siberian Cossack.” Sing. Dance. Fight., 26 Apr. 2017, singdancefight.
com/2014/09/27/qa-with-andrey-karimov-siberian-cossack/.
53 “Thread: Siberian Cossack Systema Seminar Review, May 2015.” Bullshido The Art of Fighting BS RSS,
www.bullshido.net/forums/showthread.php?t=124528.
55 Overturf, Olivia. “Seminar in Texas Part 6 with Andrey Karimov.” YouTube, YouTube, 28 Nov. 2015, www.
youtube.com/watch?v=O2cPteDGz14.
19
Photo from Siberian Cossack Systema Texas Facebook page (2016)
In an interview in 2014 with Free Tribune Russia, Kamarov offers his perception of
Russian culture and their place in the world.
“I think there is a special mission and destiny that exists in Russia… What is now
happening in the world is a huge, big idea and Russia plays a major role in it. In
other countries, people look at Russia with hope.” 56
The interviewer asks Kamarov if he is talking about Ukraine, and he responds
“Ukraine – is only part of a big plan, what is happening in the world. 57
The main Systema Siberian Cossack facebook page has over 15k followers and is
filled with pro-Putin rhetoric as well as Russian Orthodox, martial arts, guns, and
cultural Russian imagery. 58
56 “Giving You What You Need.” 2014, 1 Jan. 1970, cowboysandcossacks.blogspot.com/2014/.

57 ibid
58 “‘СИСТЕМА СИБИРСКИЙ КАЗАК - SYSTEMА SIBERIAN COSSACK.’” Facebook, www.facebook.com/
pg/systemasiberiancossack/photos/?tab=album&album_id=176091388921.
Andrey Karimov also has some alarming associates. In 2009, Karimov organized
the Systema School RRB Siberian Cossack with Denis Ryauzov, a known Russian
separatist and senior member of the Night Wolves, who was sanctioned by the U.S.
Treasury Department in 2017.59
Denis Ryauzov (front seat) and Andrey Karimov (outside)
Of special note, Denis Ryauzov is seen training at the Siberian Cossack Systema
in Hungary in 2012, openly bearing the Siberian Cossack Systema insignia on his
sleeve. 60
59 Chleminski, Dimitrij. Schools of Martial Arts: Systema. 2016, s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euobs-media/

b8f047c3a710912fc047ead32bb06bf2.pdf.
60 Ряузов, Денис. “Болевые Приемы/МЦПП ‘ВОЛК’ /Боевые Искусства. Спецподготовка. Денис Ряузов.”
21
Deniz Ryauzov in Hungary, 2012.
In short, Siberian Cossack Systema, is run by a former Russian special force opera-
tive whose practice incorporates Russian and Cossack culture. He has trained with
Systema Ryabko and is closely associated with a senior member and combat train-
ing leader for Wolf Holdings which is associated with the Night Wolves motorcy-
cle gang, a well-known Russian proxy. This illustrates how a seemingly innocuous
network is linked to more well-known pernicious actors who work at the behest of
Russia.
Systema ‘Volk’ Wolf
Denis Ryauzov
Denis Ryauzov is the combat training leader for Wolf Holding of Security Struc-
tures, an organization owned by the Night Wolves motorcycle club, a well-known
YouTube, YouTube, 21 Sept. 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAA1SpDA8n8.

Kremlin proxy involved in the Russian military operation to annex Crimea. 61

Ryauzov was also personally named and sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury Depart-
ment in 2017 for his role in Crimea and involvement with the Night Wolves. The
leader of the Night Wolves, Alexander Zaldostanov, is a personal friend of Vladi-
mir Putin. 62
According to Ryauzov’s biography, he is currently a reserve officer in the Russian
military and has spent much of his career conducting special combat training
seminars in Eastern Europe.63 Ryauzov teaches his own branch of Systema, called
Systema Wolf, which is owned and operated by Wolf Holding through the Wolf
International Centre for Special Training. While Systema Ryabko focuses on fluid
movements, defense, and psychological training, the Systema Wolf training agenda
includes tactical knife, shooting, and combat first-aid training. Training also takes
place in environments that attempt to mimic actual war. He allegedly trains repre-
sentatives from special forces, police, the army, and civilians as well. 64 This version
of Systema seems dedicated to offensive tactics using lethal weapons and the ro-
manticization of warfare.
“At Crimea” Photo taken from Wolf International Facebook Page
61 “U.S. Department of the Treasury.” Treasury Designates Individuals and Entities Involved in the Ongoing
Conflict in Ukraine, www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/pages/sm0114.aspx.
62 “Putin’s Biker Best Friend.” National Geographic, 29 Mar. 2017, www.nationalgeographic.com.au/history/
putins-biker-best-friend.aspx.
63 “Женская Самооборона.” Международный Центр Боевой и Специальной Подготовки ВОЛК, spezpod-
gotovka.ru/zhenskaya-samooborona.html.
64 “СПЕЦПОДГОТОВКА.” Международный Центр Боевой и Специальной Подготовки ВОЛК, spezpodgot-
ovka.ru/.
23
While other Systema branches tend to avoid Russian intelligence insignia on their
webpages, Systema Wolf openly brandishes them.
Note the GRU Emblems (Photos taken from Wolf International’s Facebook Page)
Many of these Systema Wolf branches have their own Instagram pages with hun-
dreds and sometimes thousands of followers that offer additional insight into the
motives of this organization. The Systema Wolf training center in Crimea hosted
a training seminar titled “Survival in the zone of local conflict.” In the description
of the event, they state “the ring of hostile states around Russia is getting denser.
The most powerful military block of the world, NATO, openly proclaimed us its
next goal.” This suggests that a number of these seminars are not solely focused on
self-defense but are geared towards preparation for conflict with NATO. Note in
the image below, an assortment of rifles leaning against the wall.
Photos taken from Systema Wolf Crimea’s Instagram page
This network has a number of branches in Russia, Italy, Switzerland, Serbia,

Greece, Taiwan, Crimea, and Germany. 65 There are no branches of Systema Wolf
in North America, however, a number of Systema instructors certified in the Ry-
abko Systema in the U.S. have touted their training with Denis Ryauzov and are
associated with Systema Wolf social media pages.66
Graphic taken from Systema Wolf Germany website
65 “International Center for Special Training ‘Wolf.’” Facebook, www.facebook.com/pg/International-Cen-

ter-for-Special-Training-wolf-1439008119666939/photos/?ref=page_internal.
66 “SYSTEMA Buffalo Russian Martial Arts.” SYSTEMA Buffalo Russian Martial Arts, www.systemabuffalo.
com/.
25
Graphic Taken from Wolf International Website
The German branch of Systema Wolf started their own division of the Night Wolves
motorcycle gang. 67 Their members do not conceal support for Putin’s policy either. 68
The Systema training center in Regensdorf, Switzerland run by German Dimitri Zais-
ar is of interest. 69 By his own account, Zaisar spent eight years in the Russian Military,
and since 2013 has been traveling to and from Switzerland and Germany setting up
Systema branches in Regensdorf and Ludwigsburg. He claims to be personal friends
with Alexander Saldostanov, leader of the Night Wolves, and is listed on Wolf Interna-
tional’s website as a representative of Wolf Holding in Switzerland 70 71 The gym is very
pro-Putin, Zaisar stated in an interview that he “finds it positive what the man does…
the Crimea was always Russian.” Zaisar may also be connected to the Ryabko Systema
network, as he is registered as a training partner in Regendorf on the official Systema
HQ website. 72
In 2014, members of the Systema Training center in Regensdorf attended a training
camp in Crimea with other Systema trainers and Night Wolves.
According to Jaraslaw Podwarski, a member of the Polish activist group Generation As-
sociation, and organizer of opposition against the Night Wolf rallies which have arisen
67 Applebaum, Anne. “Russia Finds Young Men Who Love Guns - and Grooms Them.” The Washington Post, WP
Company, 18 Jan. 2018, www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/global-opinions/russia-finds-young-men-who-love-guns--and-
grooms-them/2018/01/18/0090fbb2-fbd1-11e7-a46b-a3614530bd87_story.html.
68 Euromaidan Press Contributor. “Night Wolves. Russian Killing Machine Factory |.” Euromaidan Press, 25 Apr. 2015,
euromaidanpress.com/2015/04/25/night-wolves-russian-killing-machine-factory/.
69 “Systema WOLF.” SwissListing.com, swisslisting.com/systemawolfswitzerland.
70 “Putins Nachtwölfe Heulen Auch in Der Schweiz.” Tagesanzeiger.ch/, www.tagesanzeiger.ch/schweiz/standard/
putins-nachtwoelfe-heulen-auch-in-der-schweiz/story/30414586.
71 “Дмитрий Викторович Цайзер.” Международный Центр Боевой и Специальной Подготовки ВОЛК, spezpod-
gotovka.ru/dmitrij-czajzer.html.
72 “Systema Vasiliev. Russian Martial Art.” Russian Martial Art. Systema by Vladimir Vasiliev, www.russianmartialart.
com/findpartners.php?action=browseresults&osCs=440a97072a93875705e90bbe15dbff97.
all over Polamd:
“The philosophy of martial arts and military discipline build closely-knit teams of faith-
ful soldiers, various other factors, including social engineering and manipulation may
additionally control the attitudes of people trained in this way.” 73
When assessing Russia’s control over the Systema Wolf network, we have come to
learn that Wolf Holdings receives funds from Russia, are ideologically aligned with
the Kremlin, and are heavily staffed by current and former Russian officials.74 We can
assume Russia asserts a significant amount of control over this network.
Systema Spetsnaz
Systema Spetsnaz was founded by Vadim Starov, a former GRU member. 75 He runs
Systema branches in Italy, Greece, and Cyprus and regularly travels abroad. In 2018
Systema Spetsnaz held seminars in Germany, Ireland, Italy, Slovakia, Poland, Japan,
and Latin America. On his Instagram page, there is an image of him in Las Vegas, Ne-
vada.
73 Euromaidan Press Contributor. “Night Wolves. Russian Killing Machine Factory |.” Euromaidan Press, 25 Apr. 2015,
euromaidanpress.com/2015/04/25/night-wolves-russian-killing-machine-factory/.
74 Lauder, Matthew A. ‘Wolves of the Russian Spring’: An Examination of the Night Wolves as a Proxy for the Russian
Government. Canadian Military Journal, 2018, www.journal.forces.gc.ca/vol18/no3/PDF/CMJ183Ep5.pdf.
75 Marlène Laruelle, “Russia’s Militia Groups and their Use at Home and Abroad”, Russie.Nei.Visions, No. 113, Ifri,
April 2019.
27
Subject Matter Expert Evaluations
Stephan Kramer, Thüringen’s President in the Office for The Protection of the
Constitution (BfV), which is one of Germany’s domestic security agencies, high-
lighted Systema’s activities in Europe. According to Stephan Kramer, speculations
spread in 2014 regarding Russian separatists who would frequently travel and
train fighters in martial arts. The earliest reported activity came out of Finland
and Sweden. According to intelligence reports, the Systema network is meant to
promote Russian culture and reinforce the Russian military in the event of an
insurgency akin to the Night Wolves function during the annexation of Crimea.
The main goal is to “initiate unrest and insecurity among the population in the
target area, and also recruit a network of future elites.” 76
Germany has at least 63 Systema clubs today, most of which are taught by former
Russian military intelligence personal. Some of which may be considered cells of
the GRU. Of the 63 schools, intelligence estimates between 250-300 people have
been recruited. Many of these clubs display the insignia of Russian military and
intelligence units. The target clientele are members of the German military, po-
lice, and the justice department. 77 According to Focus, a reputable German news
outlet, Systema raised an alarm when a 29-year-old police chief from northern
Germany applied for a position at the BfV. During his background check, officials
discovered the man had recently been baptized at a Russian Orthodox Church
and had repeatedly traveled to Moscow. While in Moscow, he received training
from officers in the GRU. 78 According to an official at the BfV, “anyone who trains
Systema, and, as a German, does some of the Spetsnaz training, sooner or later
gets in touch with people we do not trust.” 79
Focus also reported that two employees of the Brandenburg State Office of Crim-
inal Investigation (LKA) were also involved in the Systema network. One em-

77 Ibid
78 Hufelschulte, Magazin-Reporter Josef. “Würgen, Schlagen, Töten Lernen.” FOCUS Online, FOCUS Online,
25 May 2014, www.focus.de/magazin/archiv/report-wuergen-schlagen-toeten-lernen_id_3870339.html.
79 ibid
ployee applied to the Federal Criminal Police office. A background check revealed
that both employees had received Spetsnaz training in Russia and were working
at the behest of the GRU. Officials confronted the employees and supposedly
they responded by shouting “Respect that we are officers of the Russian Army.” 80
It would appear that the operation takes a keen interest in officials climbing the
ranks in their respective countries.
Boris Reitchuster, a journalist and expert on German-Russian relations, asserts
that we should not suspect that every Systema practitioner is a secret Russian
agent. According to Reitchuster, many practitioners attend class as they would
any other martial arts class. However, some people are recruited, find tradition-
al Russian values appealing, and under the pretext of further education are sent
to Moscow and trained in not only hand-to-hand techniques but also firearms,
knives, explosives, and sabotage. 81 While “further education” in Europe takes place
in Moscow, we assume a similar mechanism exists in the North American HQ in
Toronto.
Systema clubs likely include Russian intelligence agents in a traditional sense and
they certainly include “former” Russian intelligence agents. Many of these “agents”
are likely agents of influence, sometimes unaware of their manipulation by an
intelligence service, but whose interests and/or ideology aligns with the Kremlin
and may be used at a later time. 82
According to Anne Applebaum, a Pulitzer Prize-winning historian, Russia seeks
out young men who love guns, and grooms them. In 2017 for example, Latvia
banned the Open Baltic Airsoft Cup, which was expected to draw roughly 300
participants, after Latvia’s security police identified three Russian would-be judges
with possible intelligence connections. 83 A number of participants were associ-
ated with Systema. According to Applebaum, these groups attempt attract mili-
80
ibid
81 Deutsche Welle. “‘Putins Geheimtruppe Wartet Auf Ein Signal’ | DW | 18.04.2016.” DW.COM, www.
dw.com/de/putins-geheimtruppe-wartet-auf-ein-signal/a-19195549.
82 Carpenter, Michael. “Russia Is Co-Opting Angry Young Men.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 4
Sept. 2018, www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2018/08/russia-is-co-opting-angry-young-men/568741/.
83 Applebaum, Anne. “Russia Finds Young Men Who Love Guns - and Grooms Them.” The Washington Post,
WP Company, 18 Jan. 2018, www.washingtonpost.com/opinions/global-opinions/russia-finds-young-men-who-love-
guns--and-grooms-them/2018/01/18/0090fbb2-fbd1-11e7-a46b-a3614530bd87_story.html.
29
tary-minded clientele.
As for activities in the United States, we discovered a Systema gym called Polygon
Elite that has been operating in the basement of the Westside Rifle and Pistol
Range, the only gun range in Manhattan. 84 Sergei Maslikhov, the instructor of
Polygon Elite is certified by Vladimir Vasiliev of the Systema Headquarters in To-
ronto. According to the Polygon Elite website, the gym provides “elite combative
and weaponry instruction to the United States Armed Forces and its Allies, law
enforcement, security professionals” and specialized civilian self-defense training
in the New York City area. 85
In 2016, the New York Times published a piece on the gym titled Teaching a
Medieval Russian Martial Art in a Flatiron Basement. The piece highlighted the
martial-arts’ history and technique and profiled several Systema participants.
According to Sergei Maslikhov, his past students include “New York police offi-
cers and Blackwater security contractors.” The article is accompanied by a photo
gallery that offers additional insight regarding who the instructor was, and who
trains at the facility. A close look at the photos show tattoos that imply they are
former Russian military intelligence (GRU).
Photo taken from NYT Gallery titled Not Elegance but Survival
84 “Systema Russian Combatives.” Westside Rifle & Pistol Range, westsidepistolrange.com/systema-rus-

sian-combatives/.
We also identified a similar tattoo on the instructor, Sergei, in a photo gallery at a

Systema retreat in the Poconos in 2010.
Sergei Maslikhov and student at seminar in the Poconos, 2010
Dr. Michelle Miranda, a leading forensic analysis expert on tattoos, stated that
these are typical tattoos for special forces of Russia/post-Soviet Union countries.
The bat is a symbol of military special forces intelligence –only intelligence. 86
If European intelligence assessments are correct in their assumption that Systema
is an outsourced network of the GRU, and actively recruiting agents in Europe,
then special attention to elements of this network in North America is crucial.
Trends of Russia’s Use of Martial Arts

to Further Interests
Three trends help illustrate the extent of Russia’s utilization of martial arts as-
sociated networks to further Russian interests. The first trend is the outsourcing
86 “NYU Graduate Student Thesis Question.” Received by Michelle Miranda, NYU Graduate Student Thesis
Question, 2019.
31
of state propaganda activities to martial arts associated networks. 87 The second

trend is utilization of martial arts networks to recruit agents. The third trend is
the outsourcing of targeted violence to martial arts associated networks.
The outsourced propaganda can serve to promote Russian cultural enlightenment
through acquainting patrons with Russian Orthodoxy, and Cossack culture. For
example, Orthodox movements are offering paramilitary and martial arts training
at camps in Russia and abroad. One movement is known as the Eurasianist Youth
Union (ESM), the group declares it represents “the squadrons of the Eurasian
Revolution.” 88 During the summer camps, children study Russian History and
Orthodoxy, martial arts, urban warfare, and prepare for street demonstrations.
They consider their “main evil,” the United States. The Russian Orthodox Church
has also institutionalized an Orthodox militia, the Sorok Sorokov, led by Andrey
Korumkhin.89 The group’s stated goal is to defend Orthodox churches and rein-
troduce the Church’s values into everyday life. Some have accused the group of
being neo-nazi, as their social media and website contain Nazi and KKK imagery.
The movement is supported by the Moscow municipality, and has connections to
the security services. 90 This movement also uses champion martial arts athletes
to advocate for Russian Orthodoxy. Korumkhin is personal friends with MMA
legend Fyodor Emelyanenko who supports the movement, as well as other boxing
and karate champions, which reinforces the link between the martial arts world
and the Russian Orthodox Church. 91 According to a Chatham House published
study, a major area of Russian influence activities is the dissemination and support
of the Russian Orthodox faith in the world. 92 Russia hopes that compatriots and
believers of the Russian orthodox faith will unite globally to spread and strength-
88 Laruelle, Marlène. Russia’s Militia Groups and Their Use at Home and Abroad. The Institut français
Des Relations Internationales (IFRI), Apr. 2019, www.ifri.org/sites/default/files/atoms/files/laruelle_russia_militia_
groups_2019.pdf.
89 Волчек, Дмитрий “Гвардейцы РПЦ.” Радио Свобода, Радио Свобода, 30 Sept. 2017, www.svoboda.
org/a/28762569.html.
90 Laruelle, Marlène. Russia’s Militia Groups and Their Use at Home and Abroad. The Institut français
Des Relations Internationales (IFRI), Apr. 2019, www.ifri.org/sites/default/files/atoms/files/laruelle_russia_militia_
groups_2019.pdf.
91 V. Emel’ianov and A. Puchugin, “‘Pravoslavie i sport’: Svetlyj vecher s Vladimirom Nosovym” [“Orthodoxy
and sport”: a bright evening with Vladimir Nosov], Vera—Svetloe Radio, 10 September 2015, http://radiovera.ru.
92 Lutsevych, Orysia. “Agents of the Russian World: Proxy Groups in the Contested Neighbourhood.” Chatham
House, 7 Dec. 2018, www.chathamhouse.org/publication/agents-russian-world-proxy-groups-contested-neighbourhood.
en ideas of a central Russian world in opposition to the EU, NATO, and the
perceived acceleration of the moral decline of the Western World. 93
Russian Cossack networks are also on the rise, with a total of 740,000 members
who are encouraged to cooperate with their counterparts in the post-soviet space.
94
Cossack units have opened chapters across Eastern Europe where they regularly
host paramilitary camps. A year before the Crimean annexation, 170 young peo-
ple from Ukraine and Russia gathered in Crimea to learn martial arts, shooting,
and survival skills. The organizer of that camp received financial support from the
Russian consulate, and “any discussion of foreign policy and the West had a dis-
tinct pro-Kremlin ideological angle.”95
Similar groups are active in the United States as well. The Cossack National
Union regularly co-hosts patriotic camps in Portland and California with local
Russian Orthodox parishes.96 These camps are run by a martial arts school own-
er and alleged former GRU officer, Colonel Stanislav Kholodkov.97 These camps
teach martial arts, Russian history, and Russian Orthodoxy. According to a Rus-
sian press outlet, Kholodkov told his young pupils about the traditions of the
Airborne Forces of the Russian Federation who have “shown courage and heroism
in local conflicts and various special operations.”
93 ibid
94 ‘Kozachije Organizatsii Budut Reorganizovany’ [Cossack Groups Will Be Reorganized], Yugregion.ru, 03
July, 2008, http://cosaque.net/articles/news_post/mezhdunarodnye-kontakty-kazachih-organizaciy-rossii-sovremen.
95 Lutsevych, Orysia. “Agents of the Russian World: Proxy Groups in the Contested Neighbourhood.” Chatham
House, 7 Dec. 2018, www.chathamhouse.org/publication/agents-russian-world-proxy-groups-contested-neighbourhood.
96 “Cossack Children’s Camp 2017.” Western American Diocese, wadiocese.org/news_171025_1.html.
97 “Who Is Funding Pro-Putin Paramilitary Formations in America?” Slavic Sacramento | Russian News in Cali-
fornia, 24 May 2018, www.slavicsac.com/2018/05/21/russian-cossacks-national-union/.
33
Above photos are of Stanislav Kholodkov at Youth Patriotic camp in the United States
Systema fits in this trend and may serve as a propaganda tool that often recom-
mends Russian Orthodox literature, hosts priests at retreats, and romanticizes
Russian culture and military.
The second trend is the utilization of martial arts networks to scout and recruit
potential agents. According to European intelligence assessments, the Systema
network’s target clientele are members of the military, police, and justice depart-
ments, but also cater to run of the mill martial arts enthusiasts 98 While Systema
clubs may include Russian intelligence agents in the traditional sense, and defi-
nitely include former Russian intelligence agents, many others are likely agents of
influence, unaware of their own manipulation by Russian intelligence. 99 Other
martial arts networks apparently work in similar manner. According to a senior

99 Carpenter, Michael. “Russia Is Co-Opting Angry Young Men.” The Atlantic, Atlantic Media Company, 4
Sept. 2018, www.theatlantic.com/ideas/archive/2018/08/russia-is-co-opting-angry-young-men/568741/.
FSB agent who fled Russia and spoke to German press on the record, Ramzon
Kadyrov, the leader of the Chechen Republic, created a network of fight clubs to
assimilate Chechens and use them for political purposes in the West. 100 ZDF re-
ported that either Putin or Kadyrov could use these Chechen agents to influence
the Muslim community in Europe.101
Russia’s network also appears to extend into the right-wing extremist fighting
scene through a mixed martial-arts clothing brand called White Rex. The founder,
Denis Nikitin, is a well known Russian right-wing extremist who sponsors ex-
treme right-wing events across Europe. Nikitin currently resides in Germany and
has marshaled German extremists on visits to Russia. Some speculate that Ni-
kitin is leveraged by Russia to access the far-right MMA scene in Europe. 102Ac-
cording to Michael Carpenter at The Atlantic, the radical right is attractive to the
Kremlin because it provides a pool of recruits for stirring social protests, and also
serves as a backdoor for establishing ties to far-right political parties and anti-es-
tablishment politicians.
The third trend is the outsourcing of targeted violence. We have no evidence to
suggest the Systema network has engaged in targeted violence, and for now it is
likely an intelligence gathering and network expanding effort that evidently pushes
Russian Orthodoxy and pro-Kremlin talking points. However, this network has
the potential to be deployed later in marches, disruptions, and may provide mus-
cle in the case of a military confrontation. There is evidence that Systema Wolf in
Ukraine held seminars in preparation for a conflict with NATO, and that Russia
leverages other martial-arts oriented groups to engage in targeted violence. Soccer
hooligans in Russia are also trained in martial arts (sometimes four days a week),
are organized, and violent. At the 2017 European Cup in France, a coordinated
attack carried out by 150 trained Russian hooligans put 30 England supporters in
the hospital. Members of the Russian government openly supported the violence
at the European Cup.103 According to Stephan Kramer of the BfV, these fighting
100 Zidan, Karim. “Chechen Crime Boss Linked to Kadyrov Opens Boxing Gym in Ukraine.” Bloody Elbow,
Bloody Elbow, 7 Feb. 2019, www.bloodyelbow.com/2019/2/7/18215474/chechen-gangster-kadyrov-boxing-gym-
ukraine-karim-zidan-feature-mma-crime-news.
101 Rettman, Andrew. “[Investigation] Fight Club: Russian Spies Seek EU Recruits.” EUobserver, euobserver.
com/foreign/137990.
103 News, VICE. “Soccer Hooligans In Russia Are Trained, Organized, And Violent: The Most Feared Fans
(HBO).” YouTube, YouTube, 23 Feb. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRrUeW6dvZM.
35
hooligans were using Systema techniques and openly sported GRU-Tattoos. Brit-
ish Intelligence also suspects many of those who attacked England supporters are
in Russia’s uniformed services, and it looked like a continuation of hybrid warfare.
104
Russia can utilize these networks in a similar fashion they use organized crim-
inal networks who have allegedly been involved in numerous instances of targeted
violence at the behest of the Russian government. 105
Conclusion
The media has reported – and intelligence sources in the United States and Eu-
rope have confirmed – that Russia has launched a “Hybrid War” against the West.
For instance, the Mueller report outlined GRU cyberattacks on the Democratic
National Committee as well as the Internet Research Agency’s effort to leverage
social media platforms intended to target propaganda designed to influence U.S.
elections. It is established beyond a doubt that the “little green men” who appeared
in Ukraine during the annexation of Crimea were in fact Russians, that Russia
cultivates fringe groups on both sides of the political spectrum, and leverages the
Night Wolves and other proxy groups, to promote Russian patriotism and Or-
thodoxy, and potentially bolster military operations.106 Russia’s use of the Systema
network and other martial arts-associated groups in this context seem to be a
blind-spot, and must be carefully assessed by Western intelligence agencies, aca-
demics, and journalists.
Our findings suggest Systema may be indicative of a broader trend to outsource
104 Boffey, Daniel. “Whitehall Fears Russian Football Hooligans Had Kremlin Links.” The Guardian, Guardian
News and Media, 18 June 2016, www.theguardian.com/football/2016/jun/18/whitehall-suspects-kremlin-links-to-rus-
sian-euro-2016-hooligans-vladimir-putin?utm_medium=twitter&utm_source=twitterfeed.
105 Peter C. Oleson, Stalin’s Disciple: Vladimir Putin and Russia’s Newest “Wet Affairs,” (Virginia: Journal of
US Intelligence Studies, Fall 2016); and Andrew Osborn, “Banker who fought Russian mafia is killed,” in The Indepen-
dent (14 September 2006), accessed 07 July 2017, at http://www.inde- pendent.co.uk/news/world/europe/banker-who-
fought-russian-mafia-is-killed-416063.html.
106 Orenstein, Mitchell A., and Peter Kreko. “How Putin’s Favorite Biker Gang Infiltrated NATO.” Foreign
Affairs, Foreign Affairs Magazine, 15 Oct. 2018, www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/russian-federation/2018-10-15/
how-putins-favorite-biker-gang-infiltrated-nato.
activities to proxies for the purpose of engaging in actions traditionally reserved

for state intelligence and defense structures. The Systema network has the capac-
ity to outsource pro-Russian propaganda, recruit agents in a burgeoning network
of martial-arts clubs and can potentially engage in targeted acts of violence. In
Germany alone, intelligence officials estimate between 250-300 individuals have
been recruited through the Systema network, and one German gym opened their
own Night Wolves branch. 107 In Crimea, Systema practitioners held seminars to
prepare members for the anticipated confrontation with NATO. 108 In Toronto,
Systema patrons from around North America train with former Russian special
forces and are encouraged to explore Russian Orthodoxy and culture.109 And
evidence suggests that a former GRU operative is openly using New York City’s
only legal shooting range as a Systema training facility. 110 Predicated on the infor-
mation assembled within this report, we consider the Systema network a genuine
threat.
As part of a Western strategy, we have an obligation to develop a better under-
standing of the Systema network and other martial-arts affiliated networks con-
nected to the Russian state so we can counter their potential threat to society. At
the very least, the activities of these networks in host countries should be closely
monitored, and such groups should be closed down if they are believed to be
engaging in clandestine activity. We understand that democratic governments
cannot prevent native individuals from exercising their rights to free speech and
association. But they can find ways to prevent current and “former” members of
hostile intelligence agencies from organizing proxies, training, and recruiting citi-
zens within their borders.
108 “International Center for Special Training ‘Wolf.’” Facebook, www.facebook.com/pg/International-Cen-
ter-for-Special-Training-wolf-1439008119666939/photos/?ref=page_internal.
109 “Structure of Freedom.” Russianmartialart.com, 2018, www.russianmartialart.com/camp2018_info.pdf.
37
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Research Report

Systema: An Examination of the

Systema: An Examination of the Russian

5 Chivvis, Christopher S. “Understanding Russian ‘Hybrid Warfare.’” RAND Report, www.rand.org/content/

According to a RAND report on Russian hostile measures in Europe, it is difficult

In practice, this level of evidence is rarely available, and as a result it is difficult to

Origin and Evolution of Systema

schools openly use emblems of the GRU and FSB.

The Systema Network

Systema Ryabko was founded by Colonel Mikhail Ryabko of a special operations

Mikhail Ryabko receiving award from Russian Orthodox Church

35 “The Founder.” MoscowHQ, systemaryabko.wixsite.com/systema/the-founder.

to Ryabko, in one Systema seminar of 130 people, 10 were christened. 41

ko and Some of His History., 1 Jan. 1970, brettadamssystema.blogspot.com/2010/11/great-piece-about-mikhail-ryabko-

instead on Vasiliev’s intense combat training with Mikhail Ryabko. 43

43 “Instructors.” MoscowHQ, systemaryabko.wixsite.com/systema/instructors.

functional. Excerpt from book:

(25th Anniversary re-release)

countries around the world.

Advanced training is offered yearly at immersive retreats with attendees from

45 “Structure of Freedom.” Russianmartialart.com, 2018, www.russianmartialart.com/camp2018_info.pdf.

Father Vladimir Malchenko, Immersion Camp, 2008

Major Konstantin Komarov

Another key influencer in the Systema network is Major Konstantin Komarov, a

Systema Siberian Cossack School

Photo from Siberian Cossack Systema Texas Facebook page (2016)

56 “Giving You What You Need.” 2014, 1 Jan. 1970, cowboysandcossacks.blogspot.com/2014/.

Denis Ryauzov (front seat) and Andrey Karimov (outside)

59 Chleminski, Dimitrij. Schools of Martial Arts: Systema. 2016, s3.eu-central-1.amazonaws.com/euobs-media/

Deniz Ryauzov in Hungary, 2012.

Systema ‘Volk’ Wolf

YouTube, YouTube, 21 Sept. 2013, www.youtube.com/watch?v=wAA1SpDA8n8.

Kremlin proxy involved in the Russian military operation to annex Crimea. 61

“At Crimea” Photo taken from Wolf International Facebook Page

Photos taken from Systema Wolf Crimea’s Instagram page

This network has a number of branches in Russia, Italy, Switzerland, Serbia,

Graphic taken from Systema Wolf Germany website

65 “International Center for Special Training ‘Wolf.’” Facebook, www.facebook.com/pg/International-Cen-

Graphic Taken from Wolf International Website

Subject Matter Expert Evaluations

76 Kramer, Stephan J. The Kremlin’s Network in Europe and Beyond. 2018.

84 “Systema Russian Combatives.” Westside Rifle & Pistol Range, westsidepistolrange.com/systema-rus-

We also identified a similar tattoo on the instructor, Sergei, in a photo gallery at a

Sergei Maslikhov and student at seminar in the Poconos, 2010

Trends of Russia’s Use of Martial Arts

of state propaganda activities to martial arts associated networks. 87 The second

98 Kramer, Stephan J. The Kremlin’s Network in Europe and Beyond. 2018.

activities to proxies for the purpose of engaging in actions traditionally reserved

Волчек, Дмитрий “Гвардейцы РПЦ.” Радио Свобода, Радио

“Cossack Children’s Camp 2017.” Western American Diocese, wadiocese.org/

Infiltrated NATO.” Foreign Affairs, Foreign Affairs Magazine, 15 Oct.

“Systema Russian Combatives.” Westside Rifle & Pistol Range, westsidepistolrange.

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