Caserma Ederle employees learn Russian fighting technique

By Ms. Julie Lucas (IMCOM)October 25, 2012

Russian fighting
1 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Russian fighting
2 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
Russian Fighting
3 / 3 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

10/25/2012 CASERMA EDERLE, Italy- Mondays nights at the post Fitness Center, you can find Italians and Americans knocking each other to the mat. No, they aren't arguing, but studying "Systema," a form of Russian martial arts. Luca Chiarato, who has worked on the caserma for 10 years, teaches the group the technique he learned seven years ago from a Soldier. After years of training and learning the different stages, he became the first instructor in Italy.

"Compared to other forms of martial arts, this has nothing to do with strength," said Italian Army 1st Sgt. Luca Bertozzo, who has been studying for three years. "A lot of this has to

do with balance -- even women can do this. We are all about teamwork."

According to Chiarato, Systema or system has its roots in the Middle Ages and is linked to the defense of Orthodox Church. For a while it was banned by the Russian government, but a few kept training in secret. During World War II, the Russian special forces practiced the system.

Chiarato says different pillars of the system include wellness to know yourself, having self confidence and using your strength. Controlling fear is another aspect; the group teaches how to fight even blindfolded, how to get out of a crowd, what to do if you are attacked in a car -- nearly 1,000 different situations. Unlike Eastern martial arts, here are no belts and no masters.

One of the class participants, Chiara Dalla Vecchia, Directorate of Public Works employee, grew up studying synchronized swimming and had a bad experience at a train station while attending the university in Venice. Despite her fears of fighting, she started with the group nearly two years ago.

"Luca follows you in a step-by-step process and I feel very comfortable," Dalla Vecchia said. "My surprise is that in a martial arts class, you learn to stay calm and fight without tension in your body to survive." Della Vecchia not only recommends the class for other females but children as well.

"It teaches 360 degrees of what to do," Bertozzo said. He admits he was not a fan at the beginning but after one class, he knew there was "something to this."

The group has an agreement with the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation to use the Fitness Center Monday nights from 5-6:30 p.m. A small fee of $50 will cover four classes per month. Bertozzo says students should come in normal workout clothes and don't have to purchase anything additional to train. Additional training for those interested happens once a month with Russian instructors in Italy. One of the master trainers from Toronto, Canada, Vladamir Vasiliev, will be in La Spezia Nov. 3-4.

"We won't punch you in the face until we feel comfortable to do so," joked Bertozzo. "If you come try this, you will enter as a friend. If this isn't for you, you will leave as a friend and

we will share a coffee as a friend when we see each other."

Related Links:

Additional photos on Flickr

USAG Vicenza website