A very different and practical martial art taught by one of the best. Systema is something you can do at any stage of your life. It is all about breathing, movement, awareness, connection and function. Good for the body and the mind. And the Tai Chi instruction is exceptional. Very traditional in some respects, but also taught with an eye toward practicality. I highly recommend this school to anybody. Experienced or inexperienced. Young or old. Calm or anxious. Strong or weak. It will change your life!

Gene is a warm , genuine and very hospitable guy , he is also a very gifted instructor who seems to intuit just what the individual students needs are . Ask for a whip massage while your there , priceless !

I trained here for years. Gene is a great teacher, and the skills you can learn here are not just for self defense, they will improve you every day life. The casual atmosphere for training is much more friendly and collaborative than most other martial arts schools you are likely to find.

Im an out of town visitor and Glen made me feel at ease and welcome in his class! Hes friendly, gentle, and inclusive. He has an very deep understanding of human anatomy and how breathing affects minute changes in the body. In 5 minutes, he taught me several ways to dramatically improve my pushups.

Gene Smithson is a phenomenal person, incredibly skilled practitioner and gifted teacher who is as genuine as they come. The combination of Genes extensive training, a high bar of quality students of varied experience and coming from a place of powerful natural flow, Austin Systema and Tai Chi Chuan is a diamond mine. Anyone who wants to learn from an unadulterated source taught by a true master, come drop by and see for yourself.

For self-defense, self development and community highly recommend to visit and give it a try to systema. Most welcoming group and life-skills practice. Also great in combination of any current practice you have.

Gene is an amazing instructor, one of Austins gems. Class is powerful, relaxed, and precise. Theres a wonderful camaraderie of supporting each other to all learn and grow together.

Coming to this class is one of the highlights of my week. Everyone we train with, including Gene, knows just how to help you along your way as both a martial artist and person. If youre looking for a new favorite activity, here it is!

I feel fortunate to get to train with Gene and everyone at Austin Systema & Tai Chi. If you are considering it, I recommend coming and checking out a class in person, it is a very relaxed and welcoming environment.

To first understand SYSTEMA you have to know what SYSTEMA is: it is not a fighting system, e.g., muy thai, kickboxing, brazilian jiu-jitsu, judo... all those you will learn how to attack, offensively. SYSTEMA is a Im being attacked, how can I successfully stop this from happening with the least amount of damage to myself--as well as the attacker.every tuesday and thursday at least a handful of persons drive to listen to instructor gene, and to do the drills he gives. his classes are very well structured and they seem like theyre very well thought-out. he seems to know exactly what his students need, i.e., he knows how hard, firm, or soft, to be with you. instructor gene has such a passion for martial arts if you show up 30 minutes early to his class hell give you a free jiu-jitsu lesson. I am from san antonio, and the san antonio SYSTEMA instructor learned from mr gene in austin. I drive to austin at least once a month to be in his class. instructor gene has such a way of talking, he is one of those people who you just want to listen to what he has to say because you know theres so much wisdom, and knowledge. instructor gene is one of the kindest martial arts teachers Ive met. (of course, I have dreams of being an instructor one day)SYSTEMA HAS 4 MAIN PRINCIPLES 1. BREATHING 2. MOVEMENT 3. RELAX 4. POSTURE. THE PILLARS ON WHICH THESE PRINCIPLES STAND ARE THE PUSH-UP, THE SIT-UP, THE SQUAT, & THE LEG-RAISE. SYSTEMAS MOTTO IS KNOW THYSELF--go to a class! start learning yourself!!