Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Rigan Machado has publicly endorsed Systema, a controversial Russian martial art that has faced widespread skepticism and ridicule in online martial arts communities.
Machado shared his experience with Systema practitioner Martin Wheeler in a recent video on his channel. The encounter took place at Eric Paulson’s gym, where Machado was training high-level MMA stars.
Despite initial reservations about Wheeler’s ability to handle training with heavyweight fighters, Machado was impressed by his performance. “He did really good,” Machado stated, noting Wheeler’s ability to survive against top UFC contenders.
What particularly caught Machado’s attention was Wheeler’s approach to ground fighting. He described Systema master’s method as focused on staying calm, breathing, and constantly moving to escape difficult situations. This philosophy, central to Systema’s teachings, apparently resonated with the BJJ master.
Machado went on to reveal that he now recommends Systema training to over 70% of his students, believing it complements Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and addresses areas where BJJ alone might fall short.
“I recommend for my students to train Systema to improve areas of your Jiu-Jitsu. Sometimes, Jiu-Jitsu is not enough. The result is fantastic.”
This endorsement from such a prominent figure in traditional martial arts has raised eyebrows in the combat sports community. Systema, often criticized for its lack of pressure testing and seemingly unrealistic techniques, has long been a subject of derision among martial arts enthusiasts online.
Machado’s embrace of Systema may lead to renewed interest in the Russian martial art, potentially sparking debates about its effectiveness and place in modern combat sports training.
