'I have known Kenny for many years and have always found him to be an excellent and conscientious teacher. I highly recommend training with him.' Martin Wheeler
Kenny is a terrific and very knowledgeable instructor, with deep understanding of Systema and it's principles. I can't recommend training with Kenny at Tampa Systema highly enough! When you're there ask if he'll allow you to join the heralded "Tampa Systema Book Club" Chris Hann
Systema is the most unique martial art I have ever come across. Instructor Kenny's training is top notch and very thorough and one of the most enjoyable instructors I have worked with. Brian Hall
Testimonial From a Special Agent (DEA)
I have been a Special Agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for the last sixteen years. I had been assigned to the San Juan, Puerto Rico office for most of those years. San Juan is not an easy post, but it is a domestic office where we have dozens of agents. When we go out on the streets, we operate like a pack of wolves and overpower our targets. Having seven or eight well trained agents on your side against one target is a “comfortable” way to operate.
I have been training in Systema for a couple of years now and I am an instructor under Vladimir Vasiliev. Not one of the very good ones, just an average instructor. Like most of us, I always try to apply the Systema principles to my everyday life: work, sports, parenting, etc. I don’t need to explain the benefits of breathing, relaxation, movement and structure to any Systema practitioner. We all have experienced them. I also have had the absolute privilege of being in contact with some of the best Systema instructors.
From my start in Systema with Kenny Gonzalez, Peter Annazone, and Carlos Guzman, I had the opportunity to train with Vladimir, Max Franz, Manny, the twins, Pete Rogers and others. I believe they have devoted more time and attention to me than I really deserve.
Recently, I was transferred to a foreign country. New opportunities and new challenges were expected, but being a senior agent, I thought that the job would not be too different than what I was used to. I soon learned that it was not the case. When I arrived to my new foreign post, I was assigned to a group. However, this group was formed by local police officers and not by my regular ‘pack of wolves’.
When DEA agents operate in foreign countries, we are mostly by ourselves. We work with the locals, but most of the time we don’t trust them and they don’t trust us. When I go out on the streets, the game changes and Systema kicks in. Stress level can escalate very quickly when you are working in a foreign country and ‘the pack of wolves’ is not with you. This is when I truly realized the benefits of Systema. I am completely convinced that being able to breathe, relax and move helps me be more aware of my environment, make better and faster decisions and “disappear" in the crowd when necessary. I cannot express my gratitude to all the instructors I mentioned. I hear their voices all the time while working, “breathe, relax, move and keep your structure”. I can assure you that because of those teachings I feel and operate in a safer way when performing my duties. I am teaching the principles of Systema to other agents. Some of them will be transferred to foreign countries soon and will experience first hand what I am trying to explain now. They will be able to go back to their families safe and sound because of the principles of Systema. To all the instructors I mentioned, I just want to let you know that your teachings may be saving an agent’s life at this very moment. God bless you all.