RAF STRUCTURE

RAF has three main levels. It is the most simple and efficient division. As it is used among rationalists and pragmatists - let's start from the beginning.

Beginner Level

Its mission is to provide for the preparatory training. It's the gates of the system. That is why no one can enter the system having the gates passed by.

1. Special gymnastic work out ("Zdrava")
2. Preparatory exercises ("Podmoga")
3. Combat gymnastics ("Svilya")
4. Basic Technique
5. Self-defense actions ("Obereg")
6. Combat games ("Zabavy")

These disciplines are being studied successively, as it guarantees that firm skills have been acquired. There are no competitions in this level - just a lot of interesting study. The fights are ahead.

Sport Level

There are eight competition disciplines in RAF. The athletes have to master all eight disciplines. First comes fighting with the cold steel of the longest range - the Bayonet. Then the Stick Fight. Everyone knows that the stick is a severe reality of a street fight. Then the Knife Fight, as the knife is the main civil self-defense weapon.

These are first three disciplines where three ranges of cold steel actions are being practiced: long, average and short range.

Then the kicks (Kick Fighting) and hand strikes (Fisticuffs) are being mastered alone, as two different disciplines. Another discipline combines hand strikes and kicks (Hand-to-hand Fighting).

The last but one comes the Wrestling, corresponding to the closest range to the adversary.

The final discipline studied is Storm Fighting, combining the hand-to-hand and unarmed wrestling skills.

The competition sequence is as follows:

1. Bayonet Fighting
2. Stick Fighting
3. Knife Fighting
4. Wrestling
5. Kick Fighting
6. Fisticuffs
7. Hand-to-hand Fighting
8. Storm Fighting.

The competitions are being organized in two days, four disciplines per day, consequently. Each contestant must compete in all eight disciplines. That is the only way to understand the versatile principles of the fighting multiathlon.

Combat Level

RAF was designed as the system suitable for both amateurs and professionals. That is the way to be ready for the increasing number of excesses in the civilised world. That is why the multiathlon has the third level - the Combat Level.

We have to shatter the fashionable modern myth (that has, although, excellent marketing opportunities) saying the following: TRYING TO PRACTICE COMBAT MARTIAL ARTS WITHOUT A SOUND SPORT BACKGROUND IS USELESS.

In order to survive in the extreme situation of a real fight, the man must have the impeccable psychological (combat reflexes), technical (fighting motor skills) and tactical foundation.

The lion's share of these basic skills can be acquired only by active, and, the most important, systematic sport training. The full-contact and full-speed training gives excellent technical skills. Systematic training toughens up the will.

Certainly, not all necessary skills are contained in the Sport Level, otherwise it would be sufficient. That is why RAF practices some very specific and purely combat exercises and lessons, such as:

1. Fighting in disadvantageous conditions (in the lying, sitting, standing on the knees, back to the wall positions, etc.)
2. Fighting with several unarmed adversaries
3. Unarmed fighting with the armed adversary (stick, knife, etc.)
4. Armed fighting with several unarmed adversaries
5. Arresting, tying up and transporting the adversary (unarmed and armed)
6. Dodging the actions of the adversary that is throwing a cold steel weapon
7. Dodging single-round fire on the short range
8. Neutralising the adversary unarmed, with cold steel and by any improvised means.