ABOUT US

Introduction:

Welcome to TJ’s Academy of Martial Arts. We are a friendly Russian Martial Arts club based at the Swindon Community Centre, Swindon, High Street, West Midlands, DY3 4NR, proudly practicing and sharing the art of Systema since May 2000. Our academy has been teaching self-defence classes in the traditional Russian Martial Art of Systema for over 20 years.

What is Systema?

Systema (pronounced “CNCTEMA”) is a traditional Russian martial art with roots dating back to 948 AD, created by the ancient Russian Cossacks. Unlike more widely known martial arts such as Judo or Karate, Systema focuses on real-world self-defence, helping you feel confident and prepared in everyday life.
Systema emphasizes fluid and adaptive techniques rather than rigid stances, teaching you to defend yourself from any position or scenario. Training includes high-speed open-hand strikes, kicking, ground defence, weapon and improvised weapon defence and combat in unconventional situations whether standing, seated or even in a vehicle.

What We Teach:

Practical self-defence skills for real-life situations
High-speed punches and effective kicking techniques
Ground defence without rigid stances or fixed patterns
Escaping from multiple attackers
Safe weapon awareness and defence
Using everyday objects for self-protection
Knife awareness & defence
Various holds & grabs
Defending yourself while standing or seated
Building confidence under pressure
No need to learn languages or memorise complex terminology
Training is non-competitive and focuses on learning through controlled drills and partner work

Meet Our Chief Instructor:

Our academy is led by Trevor Jordan, Founder and Chief Instructor, who brings over 40 years of martial arts experience, including 25 years dedicated to Systema. Trevor trained directly under Aleksey Kadochnikov, the creator of the modern Kadochnikov Systema an engineering-based approach to movement, structure and biomechanics.
Trevor also trained with Arkadiy Kadochnikov during advanced seminars in Germany, further shaping the academy’s teaching methods and technical foundation.
A significant achievement in the history of Systema in the UK was when Trevor, together with Nick Di Paola, introduced Systema to the UK, helping to establish the art and its teachings across the UK.
A special moment in the clubs history was in May 2000, when Trevor completed a training course in Toronto, Canada with the legendary Vladimir Vasiliev.

Trevor has additionally trained with some of the most respected figures in the Russian Martial Arts community, including:

Mikhail Ryabko (Михаил Викторович Рябко) – Founder of Ryabko Systema, colonel in the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs and veteran of special operations.
Vladimir Vasiliev (Владимир Васильев) – Direct student of Ryabko and co-founder of Systema HQ Toronto, widely credited with bringing Systema to the West.
A.A. Kadochnikov (Aleksey Alekseevich Kadochnikov) – Founder of the Kadochnikov Systema, a scientific, biomechanics-based approach to Russian martial arts emphasizing natural movement, body mechanics, and adaptive self-defence.
Vadim Starov (Вадим Старов) – Founder and Chief Instructor of Systema Spetsnaz, known for combining traditional Systema principles with military training and physiological conditioning, with experience teaching internationally.
Dmitriy Skogorev (Дмитрий Скогорев) – Leading expert in biomechanics-based Systema and direct student of Aleksey Kadochnikov.

Join Us:

Systema is suitable for men and women of all ages (starting from 16+) and all fitness levels. You do not need prior martial arts experience, athletic ability or flexibility to begin. Beginners are always welcome.

Classes run every Tuesday from 20:00 - 21:30 at the Swindon Community Centre, Swindon, High Street, West Midlands, DY3 4NR

To enquire about classes or arrange your first session, call or text Trevor on 07803 877921.