Bishop Showcases Russian Fighting Moves - and Explains When It's Ok to Use Them (Video)

Bishop Mark talks about Russia's unique fighting style 'Systema' and illustrates some pretty cool moves.

Before anyone gets too scandalized that a spiritual leader is advocating violence, the bishop illustrates only defense moves.

He also emphasizes, many times, that force can only be used for self-defense and protecting those who are weak and in trouble. 

Systema (Система, literally meaning The System) is a Russian martial art intended primarily for combat and self-defense. Training includes,  to, hand-to-hand combat, grappling, knife fighting, and firearms training.

Systema dates back to the 10th century, and its ideology is deeply rooted in Russian Christianity. 

Bishop Mark insists that the real warrior is always praying - that way, he never forgets that his opponent was created in the image of God and doesn't allow passions into his heart-- or to rule his hand. 

Russian warriors were like all other warriors, he says, except for one element: their spirituality. And "Without spirituality, a warrior is not a warrior."

The warrior-bishop is rather impatient with people who criticize Systema, saying: "First show me what can do, and then start criticizing."