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INSTRUCTORS
Instructors Introduction

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SCOTT MCQUEEN

Systema Japan Representative

Systema Senior Instructors (certified by both headquarters)

 

With over 30 years of martial arts experience, he has trained in Systema for over 15 years under both Mikhail Ryabko and Vladimir Vasiliev. He has undergone extensive and rigorous training at both Systema headquarters in Moscow and Toronto, working alongside both masters and their leading instructors.

Having lived in Japan for the past 12 years, and after working overseas from 2013, I returned to Japan in 2018. Since its inception, I have been in charge of teaching regular classes as the representative instructor of Systema Japan, and in January 2022, I moved my base to Seattle and now run Systema Downtown Bellevue . Currently, in addition to adult classes, I am also focusing on self-defense education for teenagers in the United States.

Originally from Australia.

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ANDREW CEFAI

Systema Japan Representative

Systema Senior Instructors (certified by both headquarters)

He has over 25 years of martial arts experience. He has trained in Systema for over 15 years under both Mikhail Ryabko and Vladimir Vasiliev. Like Scott, he has undergone extensive and rigorous training at both Systema headquarters in Moscow and Toronto, alongside both masters and their leading instructors.

He has lived in Japan for over 13 years, and after living in Singapore since 2012, he currently resides in the UK. When he visits Japan, he teaches at Systema Japan alongside Scott.

Originally from the UK.

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Ryoichi Ohnishi

Systema Osaka Representative and Systema Japan Director

▶Systema Japan will once again welcome Systema Osaka representative Onishi as director, and will hold Director Onishi seminars twice a year, as well as expand the possibilities for learning through mutual membership benefits with Systema Osaka! *For more details, please see the 2025 Membership Registration Guide.

He started Kendo at the age of 5. After gaining experience in Goju-ryu Karate and Judo, he started Bujinkan Budo Taijutsu and in 2000, while living in the UK, he encountered the Russian martial art Systema.

While living in the UK, he studied under Valeri Raizanov and participated in seminars by Mikhail Ryabko, Vladimir Vasiliev, Sergei Ozhereliev and others. In 2006, he returned to Japan after spending 12 years in the UK. In September 2007, he was approved as the first Japanese certified instructor by both Mikhail Ryabko and Vladimir Vasiliev when they first visited Japan. In November of the same year, he became the representative of Systema Osaka. Since 2012, he has also served as an executive officer of Systema Japan. Currently, he holds regular classes at Systema Osaka and the Asahi Culture Center, private lessons, and is invited as a lecturer to workshops at Systema organizations all over Japan. In 2014, he held his first European seminar with the approval of the masters.
In addition, every year they hold seminars inviting overseas guests from the headquarters, and they also run the Systema Osaka web shop, which sells a variety of related products, with a focus on Systema goods sold at the headquarters.

[DVD]

・"Systema Instruction Manual: Russia's Strongest Martial Arts (BAB Japan)" (co-authored with Andy Sefai)

[Translation/Editing]

・"HAND TO HAND Japanese Edition" ・"The Secret Masters of Russian Breathing Technique" (the Japanese edition of the Systema breathing technique book "Let Every Breath...") ・"Systema Instruction Manual" series

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BRETT ADAMS

Systema Japan Senior Instructor / Systema Futako-Shinchi Representative

 

After 43 years of studying martial arts, he discovered Systema in 2006. In 2010, he received instructor certification from Master Vladimir Vasiliev, and then formal certification from the founder, Master Mikhail Ryabko. He has continued training at the Moscow and Toronto headquarters since then, and currently receives direct instruction from Master Vladimir Vasiliev and the headquarters' key instructors.

 

He has been involved in the management of Systema Japan since its early days, and has made a significant contribution to the development of the Systema community and the training of instructors in Japan. His outdoor Saturday classes are extremely popular, and while they offer a practical approach and in-depth learning, they also create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes even first-time participants feel at ease.

From the UK

 

[From Systema Japan]
Brett's calm and honest personality, solid skills, and personal leadership style have earned him the trust of many members over the years.
With a perspective cultivated in an English-speaking country and deep martial arts experience, Brett is one of the few instructors who can teach Systema in both Japanese and English. In Brett's classes, you will naturally come into contact with English expressions while learning the essence of Systema, so it is also recommended for those who want to enjoy an international environment!

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Hito

Systema Japan Lead Instructor

 

He began training at Systema Japan in October 2012.
In November 2015, he received IIT certification from Master Vladimir Vasiliev.
He began working as a lead staff member for Systema Japan in March 2017, and was certified as an instructor by Master Mikhail Ryabko in October of the same year.
In November 2018, he was certified as an official instructor by Master Vladimir Vasiliev.

He is a leader who continues to study the teachings of the headquarters sincerely and places great importance on passing on the principles and spirit of the school correctly. His honest and consistent leadership style has earned him the deep trust of many training members.

 

[From Systema Japan]

He is a valuable instructor with a serious and honest personality and a strong sense of responsibility, who values the origins of Systema. His careful instruction, which faithfully inherits the teachings of the headquarters, is easy to understand even for beginners, and provides a deep learning experience for experienced instructors.

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​YUMI

Systema Japan Lead Instructor

 

An instructor who has been intensively training in Systema both domestically and internationally since 2014, and has continued her studies at the headquarters. In 2015, she became the first Japanese woman to receive Applied Systema Instructor certification from Systema founder Mikhail Ryabko in Moscow, and in 2016, she was officially recognized as an instructor by the Moscow headquarters. Subsequently, she was also awarded instructor qualifications at the Toronto headquarters, and works as a double-licensed instructor at the headquarters. She continues to visit the headquarters dojo regularly and continues her training.

 

Leveraging a woman's unique perspective, Lead Style, which emphasizes slow aging and harmony of mind and body, has garnered support from a wide range of people.

 

 

[From Systema Japan]
The only female instructor at Systema Japan. Despite her delicate appearance, she possesses inner strength and high physical ability, and her sincere teaching style, which values the essence of the art, is her greatest asset. Her classes, which embody the principles of "gentle, strong, and beautiful," resonate with many women and mothers, and her women's and kids' classes at Yomiuri Culture Center are extremely popular!

 

 

[Classes taught at the Culture Center]
Systema class for women ( Yomiuri Culture Ogikubo )
Systema Kids Class ( Yomiuri Culture Center Ogikubo )

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Shinya Otani

Systema Japan Lead Instructor

I began Systema training in 2014. I obtained IIT certification at the Moscow headquarters and later instructor certification at the Toronto headquarters. I continue my training to this day, valuing continuous learning.

The appeal of Systema lies in its ability to be applied to daily life, and it values an attitude of enjoying growth rather than excessive competition. Through training that can be continued naturally and without strain, the aim is to expand the potential of each individual.

[From Systema Japan]
This instructor is known for their gentle personality and stable teaching style. They value a balanced lifestyle and their commitment to continuous learning while enjoying each day, providing a sense of security and positive inspiration to many members. Their natural and comfortable classes are highly praised for allowing students to relax and gain deep knowledge!

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Hirokimi Hirai

Systema Japan Lead Instructor

 

Having studied Kendo in his teens and explored the essential use of the body through Sotaiho (a form of bodywork) in his 30s, he fractured his spine in his late 40s and, during his long-term rehabilitation, realized the potential of a body that can recover without strain. In 2015, he encountered Systema. Attracted by Systema's practicality and its deep connection to the human condition, he continued to study it and received IIT certification from Vladimir Vasiliev in 2023.

His attitude of continuing to grow regardless of age is an inspiration to many members. His lifestyle of carefully living each day while maintaining youthful condition embodies the Systema philosophy of "evolving beyond age."

 

[From Systema Japan]
This instructor possesses a calm and quiet presence while maintaining an inner strength. Their teaching style, which involves a careful dialogue with the body, instills a sense of security. Drawing on practical wisdom cultivated through rehabilitation experience, their training style emphasizes gentle movements and natural recovery, making it a truly appealing approach.

 

[Comment from the person in question]
I can still vividly remember the impact of the first time I took a strike from Mikael. There was no pain, but it resonated deeply, and afterwards, for some reason, my shoulder felt lighter. As Mikael said, I want to strive to be a "good person," to know myself, and to train while cherishing the attitude of respecting others.

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Kunihiro Tanaka

I learned karate and judo in my teens, and then my life as a working adult became busy, so I took a break from martial arts for a while. But in my 30s, while searching for a "practical martial art that doesn't rely on brute strength," I came across Systema.

I started training with Systema Japan in 2019.
In 2025, he received IIT certification from Vladimir Vasiliev.
I continue to deepen my learning through daily practice.

Systema is a practical martial art that can be naturally incorporated into everyday life.
While emphasizing fundamental functions such as breathing, relaxation, posture, and continuous movement, we help you restore balance to your mind and body and develop effortless movements.
I think a major appeal of this sport is that anyone can improve at their own pace, without relying solely on physical strength or brute force.
We aim to create a class where everyone can grow together while having fun.

 

 

[From Systema Japan]

Members who have honed their skills at Systema Japan for a long time, demonstrating consistent participation and solid experience, are finally making their debut as instructors!

Her calm demeanor and warm personality create a sense of security and natural unity in any class she is in.

Stay tuned for future lead classes!

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Kazumi Watari

I started Systema training in August 2014.

Certified as an IiT by Mikhail Ryabko in May 2018.

I was promoted to certified instructor in March 2023.

I was impressed by the enjoyable atmosphere of the training and the unique, profound practice methods that go beyond simply memorizing forms, which allowed my body to move naturally.

I started Systema with absolutely no prior experience in martial arts or combat sports, so I think one of Systema's appeals is that anyone can start it.


[From Systema Japan]
An instructor who is always calm and values harmony in the environment. She never forgets to smile, no matter the situation, and is a mood-maker who happily handles any requests without complaint. She naturally creates a reassuring atmosphere, leading the entire class into a calm environment. Her warmth and willingness to subtly offer help when needed are also appealing qualities.

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Kyotaro Tachikawa

Inspired by Goji Shibukawa, he began practicing Aikido, and later encountered Systema.

During his university years, he traveled to Toronto to meet Vladimir Vasilev. He became the youngest person at the time to receive the Iit qualification.

After returning to Japan, he established Systema Chiba University and joined the Systema Japan staff.

I was promoted to certified instructor in 2017.

I like baths, beer, and manga.

[From Systema Japan]
One of the instructors who continues to explore training based on his unique perspective and practical experience. He has a long history with Systema, and has dedicated himself not only to teaching but also to its management. He continues to deepen his learning and activities to this day.

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Shusaku Sanbongi

Throughout elementary, middle, and high school, I was bad at physical education and sports, and lived a life almost completely unrelated to exercise. In college, I studied Chinese martial arts and discovered the joy of exercise.

In 2004, inspired by a Systema video, I began training under Andy and Scott.

Started the Systema East Tokyo Training Group in July 2009 and obtained IiT certification.

Instructor certification obtained in 2011.

Systema East Tokyo Representative http://systema.metarealsystem.com/

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Jason Williams

He started Systema in 2012 and was certified as IiT (Instructor in Training) by Vladimia Vasiliev in 2016.

I have been practicing various martial arts since I was a child, but when I met Systema, I was impressed with its unique approach and practice system.

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