I was wondering if anyone here could give me some advice.I have practiced martial arts for many years including 12 years of karate and four years of Yiquan.Eighteen months ago I started training in Systema with the Uk's chief instructor and have found the art to be fascinating and very similar to Taichi in some ways.At nearly fifty years of age I have suffered some injuries practicing Systema including aching joints.Nothing seemed to cure the problem but recently I have started training in Sun style Taichi with a very experienced instructor.The Taichi has started to heal a lot of the injuries so its obviously something I want to pursue.I also like the fighting aspect of Systema as I believe a certain amount of full contact training is essential for self defence.The Sun style class is more geared for health even though the applications of the form are shown but the students tend to be older and don't have that much interest in fighting.So I practice the Systema for self defence(here I have a variety of martial artists who are far better and younger than myself at fighting so I get a lot of pressure)and Taichi for health.The other benefit of Taichi is that I can practice everyday without having training partners around.Systema can't really be practiced on your own.I was wondering if its possible to practice the two arts side by side.

Tony,

They are compatible. Use Systema as application and after practice, heal with Sun style on off days.

Tony,

It sounds as if you have already successfully integrated the practice of the two arts already.

I do the same. When I am at home, I do yoga and Taiji for my strength and health and then when I am at my gym, it's time for the partner work, like sparring and drills. I think they really compliment each other. Plus if you concentrate on the principles, Taiji is every fighting system.

I do both taiji and systema. If done correctly, Systema should not cause injuries, other than a few bruises. The conditioning exercizes are meant to strengthen joints, tendons, and ligaments, as well as the important muscle groups. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend taking a seminar with Mikhail Ryabko or Vladimir Vasiliev. Be sure to tell them about your aches and injuries.

Just like taiji or any sport for that matter, if your form (by which I mean body posture and body mechanics) is not correct, you can develop habits that will lead to injury.

You may also want to check out the message board on Vladimir's site at www.russianmartialart.com. Good luck!