NC Systema

"Instructor / founder Glenn is a great combo of smart, humble, skilled, and knowledgeable. He and the NC Systema team are super welcoming and inclusive, no matter how much of a newbie -or not- you might be! My teenager and I were looking for a form of self-defense that IS practical and effective and IS NOT encouraging of fear or aggression. Even a few sessions (private, workshop, and group classes) of NC Systema have been incredibly helpful for both of us —middle-aged mom and young teen— in increasing our self-confidence and awareness, and just having fun."

"I am in my 60s with no previous martial arts experience having discovered Systema after being assaulted in a shopping center parking lot. Although I’d defended myself successfully, I realized that I now probably looked like an easy target to certain people and that I needed to learn some new coping skills. After assessing a few self-defense instructors, I was impressed by Glenn Murphy’s presentation of Systema and what I witnessed while observing a training session. Systema is based on principles of breathing, movement and state-of-mind rather than repetition of specific techniques. It recognizes that individuals are unique in terms of structure and movement, and instruction serves as a guide to what is most effective for you. Furthermore, Systema teaches certain breath control and meditative practices that are helpful in every day life. The therapeutic benefits of instruction and practice are impressive, and accrue more rapidly than I imagined. Some aspects can be too strenuous for me and I’ll take a break — the atmosphere is such that there is no pressure or criticism, and safety is top of mind. Nevertheless, I am becoming stronger and increasingly more flexible, as well as more consistently mindful of my physical structure, capabilities and surroundings. Many of the aches, pains and physical limitations I’d come to associate with aging, and thought inevitable, are disappearing. I always leave a training session feeling better than when I arrived and my daily Systema regimen serves as a basis for my fitness program. Make no mistake: Systema is an extraordinary self-defense discipline and can be devastatingly effective when necessary. It is the fighting method taught to Russian military special forces, which is a testimony to its potential deadliness. Glenn Murphy is a highly experienced and talented instructor. He also has broad knowledge and experience in the medical sciences, and an innate curiosity that keeps him informed on a wide range of topics. Glenn is concerned for the welfare and progress of his students, and always has time outside of class to talk to people individually about questions they may have. Classes are welcoming and friendly, and there is an attitude of helpfulness among participants rather than competitiveness — Systema is a practical discipline, not a sport. My only regret is not having discovered Systema years ago."

"I have trained with the NC Systema crew dozens of times over the last six years (I live in Tidewater VA, so I don't get there regularly). They are a fantastic collection of people. The attitudes are always positive and welcoming. If you are looking for a Martial Art for practical skills, this is the place. No competitive fighting, no performance pieces. Just constant work toward greater freedom. This art works when fighting, and more importantly, during every other aspect of your life. The Chief Instructor, Glenn Murphy, is fantastic! Good skills and good at sharing them. He has a lot of MA experience and can work with people of diverse backgrounds. Further, probably owing to his science background, he has great explanations to help students explore concepts. All of the other Instructors are also quite capable. Come give this group a try. It might change your life."

"As a visiting martial artist (with more than 30 years experience) I can say that if I lived here, this is where I would train. I have visited and trained here, and the training is exceptional. It will change you for the better - body, mind, and spirit. You will learn to defend yourself and get in shape, but you'll also learn how to move and reduce physical stress. The instruction is top-notch, and everybody here is incredibly friendly."

"I have been training with Glenn for approximately two years now and cannot imagine my life now without Systema. The no non-sense practical approach when I started was and remains very appealing but it quickly turned into more than that. The chances of getting into a fight for most people is quite low and so the benefits of Systema training in dealing with all different kinds of daily stressors through breathwork and exercise became quite apparent. I am a very grateful student of NC Systema and glad Glenn decided to start his school here in the triangle."