About Us
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
Dr. Caro, a retired physician, is now a certified Systema instructor, a martial art renowned for its focus on breathing, movement, and relaxation. Over the past six years, he has dedicated himself to studying the profound benefits of Systema Breathwork, including its ability to heal the mind and body, particularly in managing stress and alleviating physical and mental tension.
Our Story
While Systema is often recognized as a martial art, Dr. Caro’s program centers specifically on the transformative power of breath and movement. His deep belief in the healing potential of this practice is rooted in his own experiences, and he is confident that every participant will undergo a positive transformation, both mentally and physically.
Through Systema Breathwork, individuals learn how to integrate conscious breathing with natural movement, which leads to noticeable improvements in stress management, physical well-being, and overall daily vitality. Dr. Caro is passionate about guiding each participant to experience the remarkable benefits of this art form for themselves, helping them unlock a healthier, more balanced life.
We want to thank the founders Mikhail Ryabko and Vladimir Vasiliev for sharing Systema breathwork. Dr. Caro suggests purchasing "Let Every Breath," which you can buy at Amazon. This will give you the fundamentals and act as a reference guide.
You may also want to purchase "Breath in the Work" by Michael Muckin at Amazon
Contributing Certified Instructors
All instructors have been certified by Vladimir Vasiliev.
Yuri Chekanov was born in former Soviet Union where he had a chance to study boxing, sambo, karate and a Russian Martial Art developed by Kadochnikov.
After arrival to the USA he had discovered a Russion Marial Art called Systema founded by M. Ryabko and V. Vasiliev. Yuri became a student of Systema in 2014 and then an instructor in 2021.
He participated in multiple seminars and camps led by Vladimir Vasiliev and top Systema instructors. Currently he is teaching Systema in Greenville SC.
Stacy Lewis began his journey in Systema in December 2009 and was deeply inspired by the art. His dedication and passion for the art led him to become a certified Systema instructor in 2013. In 2016, Stacy founded Rock Hill Systema with the vision of bringing authentic Russian Martial Art to his local community. His classes focus not only on practical self-defense, but also on cultivating relaxation, breathing, movement, and awareness. Stacy is dedicated to sharing the transformative principles of Systema with students of all levels. His goal is to help individuals grow stronger, healthier, and more resilient both on and off the mat.
Emmanuel Manolakakis, a dedicated practioning martial artist, has been intensely involved with Systema Breathwork and various other forms of combatative sports for over 30 years. He has trained with various Olympic and martial arts coaches in Canada and across the globe. Cultivating the warrior mindset through a humane lens, Emmanuel focuses his teachings towards the development of a heightened sense of awareness. His lessons illustrate the sheer power of calmness and the strength of focus, utilizing diverse strategies that improve his students both physically and psychologically. More contemporarilly, Emmanuel has channeled through his successes and experiences with archery to furthermore implement the art form of precision of mind, body and spirit. He is located in Toronto, Canada. More info can be found at https://www.fight-club.ca/instructor.The decision to study Systema Breathwork under Emmanuel will indefinitely change your life!
Michael Muckin is a lifelong martial artist and a dedicated adherent to physical culture. He possesses advanced rankings in multiple martial arts and certifications in personal training, strength, mobility and breathwork specializations. Training in Systema since 2006, and certified as a Full Instructor since 2013, Michael offers a wealth of experience to the Systema community, and can teach all aspects of the art: combatives/self-defense, fitness and conditioning, and health and wellness. His book The Breath Is the Work (https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0DL3HWN96) – endorsed by Vladimir Vasiliev, and praised by numerous elite level coaches and martial artists – is a must-have for anyone wanting to enhance their lives via breathwork practices. He offers an array of classes at his school in Myrtle Beach, SC: Integral Movement & Martial Arts academy (https://integralmovementmartialarts.com/ )
Bill Parravano has been studying and teaching martial arts, movement, and healing since 1990. With over 30 years of experience, he blends the Russian martial art of Systema with osteopathic principles to create breathwork practices that relieve stress, restore balance, and support natural healing. Bill guides students in discovering how breath, relaxation, and awareness can unlock resilience, reduce pain, and improve overall well-being.
A. Lloyd Robrecht is a licensed clinical therapist and owner/operator of The Manassas Group, a mental health and wellness practice in Roanoke, Virginia. He works with a wide variety of clients and issues, but has a significant focus on trauma, anxiety, and panic. Looking at and restructuring our "foundations" is critical to healing and examining the role of breath and relaxation is essential to the work Lloyd does. Lloyd is a teacher and lifelong practitioner of martial arts, focusing on SYSTEMA: Russian Martial Art since 2003.
Bobby Schwartz has been active in Systema since 2012. He has hosted numerous guest instructors from around the globe, and has been blessed to train with countless recognized Systema Masters. Bobby is also a Medical Doctor, Boarded in Physical Medicine Rehabilitation. His dedication to Systema along with his dual training has helped him find “his Systema”. He is passionate about differentiating brain from brainstem, and activation from deactivation. When it comes to breath work, Bobby is able to implement breathing for movement, relaxation, and structure, and use it to enhance body awareness.
Dimitri Trufanov has more than 50 years of breathing experience. Dimitri started his Systema journey in 2003 and has been teaching since 2008. He has a M.S. degree in physics and chemistry. During his 30-year career in Energy industry, Dimitri developed the “thriving under pressure” skillset as a catalyst for success in business, sports, and in life. As a Systema instructor, Dimitri is passionate about helping you reprogram your subconscious stress response. His company, H2O Method provides stress management and psychosomatic training to individuals, athletes, and corporate teams.