You're right, I don't think he had a piece, although he definitely seemed the type not to care too much about gun laws. I think he would've shot at me if he did. The guy was a good deal bigger than me and likely high on Crack or something, so I still think running was the right choice. He ran after me, but I was fast enough to get to the end of the block where there were a lot of commuters and a cop down the street.

I don't know much about Krav Maga. Systema focuses on the use of improvisation. It's less about memorizing a set of moves and more about how to react to an attack. A lot of it has to do with learning how to move your core to deflect an attack and then using pressure points, rather than brute strength, to disarm, take down and counterattack. Seeing an expert is pretty amazing. I've learned some techniques and moves, but I am still not nearly as natuaral and fluid as my friend. Experts practice wkth real knives and other sharp objects; getting cut is a learning experience.