Fight Club

The Russian martial art SYSTEMA has its roots in the 10th century. The vast country was often under attack on all fronts, in different weather conditions and on different terrains so over the centuries a method of defense with strong and deadly tactics was essential.

What does all this have to do with you in Toronto? “In Canada, we have this idea that we’re always totally safe. We lie in bed and we think that if we are threatened we can call the police,” says Emmanuel Manolakakis, owner and Master Trainer at Fight Club Martial Arts & Fitness Training Centre. “But the police will take time to arrive so what are you going to do in the meantime? How do you protect your family?”

The questions which led Emmanuel into the field of martial arts may sound daunting but he puts them to his students on a day-to-day basis. “Out on the street there are people who are threatening. It’s a fact of life. The big ones will always pick on the little ones and choose their moment for the best advantage.”