About
Troika
Three traditions.
One practice.
Troika is a synthesis developed over decades of study by Arthur Sennott. The name reflects its three roots: Russian Systema (a movement-based martial art emphasizing breath, relaxation, and adaptability), Japanese aiki-jujutsu (a classical approach to structure, timing, and internal power, drawing from lineages such as Daito-ryu and Yanagi Ryu), and the Chinese internal arts (including Taiji, Xing Yi, and Bagua, studied as a unified body of movement principles).
While these systems developed in different cultures, they share a common foundation. Each emphasizes structure, breath, and internal organization as the primary drivers of movement, rather than relying on strength, speed, or size. Each contains refined methods for generating, transmitting, and applying force through the body.
Arthur’s work was to identify the common mechanics beneath these traditions — to uncover the shared principles that operate regardless of style or terminology.
The result is not a hybrid or a collection of techniques, but a coherent system of movement training. In Troika, principles are tested across contexts: what is learned through Russian Systema informs sensitivity and adaptability, aiki-jujutsu clarifies structure and timing, and the Chinese internal arts deepen whole-body connection and power generation.
Troika is a practical approach to developing efficient movement, internal power, and functional self-defense — grounded in principles that remain consistent across all ranges and applications.
Russia
A movement and combat system developed within the Russian military. Systema emphasizes breath, posture, relaxation, and continuous motion. It contains extensive work with strikes, holds, and ground movement, all organized around the principle that tension is the enemy.
Japan
Classical Japanese aiki-jujutsu, drawn from multiple lineages including Daito-ryu and Yanagi Ryu. The tradition centers on aiki — the ability to neutralize an opponent's force through alignment, timing, and internal connection rather than muscular resistance. It is technically demanding and deeply refined.
China
Taiji, Xing Yi, and Bagua approached as a unified body of principles rather than separate systems. Each addresses how the body generates, stores, and transmits force through structure, breath, and intention rather than strength. Together they offer a rich theoretical framework for internal movement.
Arthur Sennott passed away in 2024, leaving behind both a body of work and a generation of students shaped by his teaching.
He was not a marketer, a self-promoter, or a brand. He was a lifelong researcher of movement who taught because he was compelled to share what he had discovered.
New England Martial Science exists to continue that work with the same seriousness he brought to it. Not to preserve it in amber — Arthur would have found that absurd — but to continue the inquiry that defined his life.
What does the body actually know? How does movement organize itself at its highest level? Where does technical skill end and something deeper begin?
“Train in a way that allows you to constantly see new opportunities.”
Instructor
Matt Winn is the head instructor at New England Martial Science and a senior student of Arthur Sennott. He began training under Arthur during the formative years of the Troika system and was part of the small group of students through whom that work was developed, tested, and refined.
Since Arthur’s passing, Matt has continued his study of movement, martial principle, and internal mechanics, including continued training in Russian Systema, most notably through work with Vladimir Vasiliev.
His teaching reflects what Arthur valued most: directness, curiosity, and the understanding that technique only matters when the principles behind it are real. Classes are taught in the same small-group format — enough people to work with partners, few enough for each student to receive real attention.
Matt teaches Troika and Systema in the Boston area of Massachusetts.
Training is open to adults of all backgrounds.
See the Training Schedule