Dog Pile: This Russian Systema exercise was designed to teach you how to breathe and work yourself free from under a pile of about 10 people. What was amazing was the realization that there were "gaps" even with all that flesh pressing down and that it was possible to still breathe and slowly, without strength, work yourself free.

Rodger and the Masters: I am surrounded by the Masters of the Russian Systema martial arts. From left to right; Konstantin Komarov, Mikhail Ryabko, Your's truly, Vladimir Vascillev and Mikhail's son, Daniel Ryabko. I love the look on Vladimir's face! It was truly awesome to be in the presence of these great and humble teachers.

Mass Attacks: We used the 200 students from 14 countries to simulate a mass attack, fight or riot situation to learn how to survive a situation like this. With the use of breathing techniques and relaxation, the panic you feel as the crowd intensity and pressure increased was actually easy to control. Staying relaxed and going with the crowd flow, using small steps and keeping your ribs free with your elbows ensured you could breathe, move and ultimately free yourself from the crush of humanity.