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Thanks to Aleks Kostic (from Vlad's school in Toronto) for organizing and teaching his Systema Above the Clouds seminar on Mt. Kopaonik, in Serbia. Thanks also go to Milos for doing a lot of the behind the scenes work, and to Dragan for his assitance in training.
It was a week full of lovely training in nature, and we covered a topics like groundwork, knife work, using the hips, and breathing. We also had time to visit some monastaries, and plenty of time to take in the natural beauty of the mountains.
This seminar is a must. :-)
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Aleks Kostic's Systema seminar on Kopanik, in Serbia, is one I'd recommend to anyone. I journeyed all the way from Florida to be here and it was well worth it. Aleks Kostic has an excellent level of skill and knowledge to share, and he does so very well.
Imagine training on mountaintops, in the midst of breathtaking scenery, surrounded by nature. Set in the Serbian highlands, training in this beautiful setting gives each lesson a unique feel that cannot be matched in any indoor gym.
We made a couple of field trips to a monastery and a convent, and it was a good way to learn a little bit about the history of Serbia (one of Europe's oldest civilized countries), as well as about the spiritual roots of Systema, Eastern Orthodoxy.
Our accommodations were first-class. We stayed at a comfortable hotel, complete with a pool, sauna, hot tub, full bar, and helpful and courteous staff. Meals were buffet style of good quality Serbian food, i.e., plenty of meat, and fresh vegetables. The food was rich and plentiful, and no one went hungry. And aside from the training, we had plenty of time to socialize and make new friends, and bonds were forged that will last a long time.
It was a trip full of good memories, and I cannot wait to return.
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Milos Perun, Jacksonville, Florida