In the communication from Toronto, we were told to immediately stop publication and promotion of the book and submit it to the Systema founders of Ryabko Systema for evaluation prior to publication. Although I was originally exposed to Systema via Ryabko based Systema training, and certified under it (a certification that was given to me without my ever having actively pursued it), I have no legal, business or personal obligation to Ryabko Systema, something I had in any case already made clear before. Nor do I believe that anyone has specific authority or monopoly over accurate, scientific information. Further, any references I make in the book to the top ranked Ryabko based Systema instructors I am personally familiar with, is clearly positive, as their physical ability to do Systema is not in any doubt to anyone sane that has trained with them.

I found it quite unreasonable that anyone would tell me in such authoritative tone, to submit my work for their "approval".  Nor has any other Systema organization responded this way. The information in this book has been personally researched and tested over a number of years and is based on clear, scientific and factual evidence, and as such is verifiable by anyone willing to test it, or inform themselves on it. In addition to personal experiences, I also refer to several scientific papers, as well as the work of previously classified scientists, and in fact have taken part in a pilot scientific study of martial arts particularly investigating Systema against Kickboxing and Boxing, never before performed.

I therefore responded by saying that the book would go ahead as planned, nor would I be submitting it to anyone for “approval”. I would though, give Ryabko Systema the opportunity to say whatever they wished about me, (limited to 500 words or less) and told them I would publish it prominently on this site, regardless of how negative or unfounded the statement (especially considering the information in the book has not been read by anyone yet) and I reproduce their statement to this effect, in full and unedited, here below. This is done so that a very transparent approach can clearly be seen, and no misrepresentation of my work as being in any way "sanctioned" by Ryabko Systema can be construed.

I believe that people will decide for themselves on the basis of what works for them at a practical level. And in this respect then, my position is very simple and in fact forms the core of the book I have written. Know Yourself. This ancient phrase, found at the oracle at Delphi in Greece, is normally intended as a reminder to delve deep into our own nature, but it has a second meaning: Find out for Yourself. I believe people are intelligent and capable enough to judge information for themselves, and then make use of good information to improve their own lives as they best see fit.

Comment by Ryabko Systema HQ in Toronto

"Productions of Mr. Giuseppe Filotto that he claims to represent Systema have not been previewed or approved by Systema founders Mikhail Ryabko and Vladimir Vasiliev.
They are being released in this form against the recommendations and without consent.
Systema founders and head instructors assume no responsibility for the possible damaging effects of these materials."