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Writer's pictureEmmanuel Manolakakis

Systema 'Eyes Closed' Work

Using the term "not using your eyesight" in various situations, such as intentionally closing your eyes.


Intentionally Not Using Eyesight

Closing your eyes or intentionally not relying on your eyesight can enhance mindfulness and focus on the present moment. This practice is often used in meditation and spiritual practices.

Enhanced Sensory Awareness:

Eliminating visual distractions may help you become more attuned to your other senses, fostering a deeper connection with your surroundings.


Reduced Visual Stress:

Intentionally not using your eyesight can be beneficial when prolonged visual focus causes stress or fatigue, such as when staring at a computer screen for extended periods.

Improved Concentration:

Closing your eyes or eliminating visual stimuli can help improve concentration by reducing external distractions.

Creativity and Visualization:

Limiting reliance on eyesight can enhance creativity, encouraging the mind to visualize and imagine without being constrained by immediate visual input.



Stress Reduction:

Intentionally not using your eyesight can be a relaxation technique, helping to reduce stress and promote a sense of calmness.


It's important to note that the benefits of not using eyesight often lead to developing unique skills and perspectives. In contrast, intentionally not using eyesight in certain situations can serve as a method to enhance focus, relaxation, and sensory awareness.





Systema is a Russian martial art that places a strong emphasis on adaptability, relaxation, and fluidity of movement. Training with eyes closed in Systema can provide several benefits, enhancing skills that are important in self-defense and combat situations. Here are some aspects of Systema training with eyes closed:

Sensory Awareness:

Closing your eyes heightens your reliance on other senses, such as touch, hearing, and proprioception. This can lead to improved overall sensory awareness, which is crucial in self-defense situations where environmental cues may be limited.

Spatial Awareness:

Training with eyes closed helps develop a keen sense of spatial awareness. Practitioners learn to sense the position and movement of both their own body and their training partner or opponent without relying on visual input.

Enhanced Reflexes:

When vision is restricted, the body's reflexes are often more responsive. Practicing techniques with closed eyes can lead to improved reaction times as the body learns to respond more quickly to tactile and auditory stimuli.

Emphasis on Breathing and Relaxation:

Systema places a significant emphasis on breath control and relaxation. Closing the eyes during training allows practitioners to focus more on their breath, promoting calmness and reducing tension.

Adaptability to Changing Environments:

In real-world situations, visibility can be compromised due to various factors such as low light or obstacles. Training with closed eyes helps practitioners become more adaptable and comfortable in environments with limited visibility.

Development of Intuition:

Systema training often involves cultivating a heightened sense of intuition. By relying less on visual input, practitioners may develop a deeper connection to their instincts and intuition, aiding decision-making in dynamic situations.

Variety of Drills:

Systema training includes a variety of drills and exercises that can be adapted to eyes-closed practice. This might involve solo drills, partner work, or scenario-based training where practitioners navigate through situations without visual input.

Mind-Body Connection:

Closing the eyes can enhance the mind-body connection. Practitioners develop a greater awareness of how their movements and actions feel, allowing for more precise control over their body.


It's essential to note that training with closed eyes should be approached gradually; this week, we will explore this topic in great depth!

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