Storming The Silat

WEAPONS IN SILAT

2006-12-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

Along with the human body, Silat employs the usage of several martial arts weapons. The primary weapon of most pesilat is the keris or dagger. In Malaysia and Indonesia, the keris has a reputation equal to the katana in Japan. Some keris were even said to give the owner supernatural powers. Other weapons include the sword (pedang), broadsword (golok), axe (kapak), cleaver (parang), spear (lembing), truncheon (tjabang), fan (kipas), staff and the Chinese sword. Even the Japanese sword is used in some Indonesian styles, probably an import from the Middle Ages.

Finding The Animal Intent in Silat

2006-07-29T04:35:00.000-07:00

The late great Mahaguru Dato’ Meor Abdul Rahman Hashim once said, “ Berhati Singa Bermuka Harimau”, “When facing an attacker you should have The Heart of a Lion, and the Face of a Tiger.” Anyone who was fortunate enough to have trained with Dato’ will attest to the fact that he was an amazing man that mastered this attribute, The Heart of a Lion, and the Face of a Tiger often ending challenges from other martial artists without a single thrown. It was his intensity that ended the conflict. He was the Mahaguru Silat Seni Gayung.

I am not talking about a grimacing look on his face; he radiated intensity as well as confidence. When training, it is important for students (especially new students) to learn about the importance of building a strong “intent”. What do I mean by that? There is a strong sense of survival that every person is born with, and as the generations pass and we become more technically proficient in our lives and the need to hunt for survival or even to defend our homestead is not a concern for the average person.

As a result of this our inner intent weakens and is harder to surface unless under extreme duress like serious self-defense situation of emergency situation in which adrenaline takes over. The problem with this s that most people rarely are in such situation to know how to control the feelings and therefore tend to “freeze under pressure”. Everywhere in the world nowadays, the crime rates of violent assaults, rape, and home invasions are common and can be reported in the newspapers and seen on the television news daily. One of the most common factors I have witnessed as well as read from doing research on the subject is the “freeze” factor and “fear” factor. Now unfortunately these statistics come at the price of violence towards the fellow human but it is very important scenarios to learn from, just ask any law enforcement of ficer.

The “freeze” factor was most common in physical assaults and rape, men talked about how they didn’t know what to do so they just locked up and when they realized what was happening it was too late. It’s the same thing with the “fear” factor, there was a psychological study done by a former security agent that showed that a majority of people when is a self-defense situation mistake adrenaline for fear. This is a very serious problems obviously in terms of self-defense and what a Master teach their students. I have heard from a student of another art that once told me he felt he was given false sense of hope, he froze once when attacked and after over two years worth of training got beat up by someone who probably never trained a day in his life.

Why do you suppose this happened? I can teach someone how to punch, kick, evade, etc but if I also don’t teach them to reach inside and find that inner animalistic intent, that they are just dry-land swimming, going through physical motions that serves as good as any aerobic style workout. I don’t mean how to yell when we punch, but to reach inside and search for that inner intent. I heard also from Chinese martial artist that said about Chinese saying that goes, “Single intent is the root of good skill”, and think this is very applicable here. If my inner intent is to stop an attack and not to stop until the situation warrants it, then I have successfully defended myself.

Our art stresses this concept, even looks at our demonstrations, or our competitions. There will be one or more teachers there to watch over the Pesilat incase they lose control because of a trace like state brought on by this intent they have developed. Another thing that we stress in our arts is that we believe in avoidance of conflict, but if pressured once we start we don’t stop because of this training. I am not saying though that is uncontrolled, or ego driven. The feeling we are going for is the same as a tiger when they fight, it is done indiscriminately and without ego. In our training we have to always be ready for any environment, multiple opponents etc., so to have control over our mind and heart are the utmost importance. This training doesn’t just benefit the students in Silat training but in life as well. This is where the beauty of our training in Seni Silat Terlak Empat Kelantan comes into play. These concepts can assist you in reaching personal goals in the training hall or in your personal life, be it work or otherwise. I feel though that these skills are best used in life situations, whether you are protecting yourself or helping others. It is easy to sometimes get caught in our training and go through the different motions and movements of our art without making very movement count.

Go through your techniques with controlled intensity and learn how it feels because it is a feeling first and foremost, heart and mind. Remember the words and advice of Mahaguru Silat Seni Gayong, Dato’ Meor Abdul rahman, “The Heart of a Lion, and the Face of a Tiger”.

Kungfu Time...~~~

2006-07-28T11:35:00.000-07:00

The origin of Kung Fu is lost in the pages of time. During prehistoric ages, the art of self defense was pretty much confined to man's own ingenuity. Throwing of rocks and wielding crude weapons such as clubs and stone axes were no doubt the earliest means of warding off primitive man's many enemies.
In China, however, crude methods of self existence gradually developed into highly refined methods of combat. Methods which reflected not only fighting tactics, but also the principles of psychology, physiology, medicine, physical therapy, and meditation. Unfortunately, a great deal of Kung Fu's history is obscure. Because dates and details are often contradictory, much of what we hear today must be considered legendary.
Many styles of Kung Fu revolve around the ideas of metaphysics and nature. Ancient boxing masters often developed their fighting techniques by observing the world around them. Animals, birds, and insects provided the basis for many systems of Kung Fu developed in the past. Other influential factors were the beliefs of Chinese philosophy and religion.
The soft style of Tai Chi Chuan, for instance, is rooted in the teaching of Taoism. In addition to its value as a means of self defense, Tai Chi is highly beneficial for the promotion of good health. Through its training, one can attain inner peace and a sense of physical and emotional well being. For this reason, Tai Chi is often called Chinese Yoga: the art and science of meditation through movement.
While the soft styles of Kung Fu derive their philosophy from Taoism, many of the hard styles trace their origin to the Buddhist monastery called Shaolin (Siu Lum in Cantonese). It was there that a mysterious Indian priest named Tamo established residence nearly 1500 years ago. According to legend, Tamo arrived at the Shaolin monastery where he found the monks in poor physical condition. Because of their inability to stay awake during meditation, Tamo introduced a series of 18 exercises designed to nourish both body and mind. These therapeutic movements are said to have merged with self-defense tactics studied in the Shaolin Temple. During his stay there, Tamo is also credited with introducing the Buddhist philosophy of Chan (Zen in Japanese) into China.
The next major development supposedly occurred in the 16th century, when a wealthy young man named Kwok Yuen entered the monastery to study their methods of boxing. A skilled swordsman, Kwok Yuen not only mastered the Shaolin art, but expanded its fighting patterns into 72 exercises. Still yearning for greater knowledge, he left the Temple and traveled throughout China in search of other boxing masters. Eventually, he met two other experts: Pak Yook Fong and an old man named Li. The three retired to a monastery, where the 72 movements of Kwok Yuen were increased to 170. These techniques were then classified into five different animal forms: the dragon, tiger, leopard, crane, and snake. Thus was born Shaolin Kung Fu's "Five Form Fist."
Although many details of the Shaolin art are not clear, records indicate that priests from the Temple proved themselves formidable fighters in many historical battles. Down through the centuries, therefore, the name Shaolin became renowned for the skill of its boxing monks. Behind the Temple walls, self discipline augmented technical skill. A rigid code of ethics was established to improve the caliber of Shaolin boxers. In addition to the development of fighting skill, therefore, humility, prudence, patience, and dedication became equally important in the Shaolin way of life.
According to popular belief, boxers could only graduate by passing a harrowing life-or-death examination. The candidate was sealed in a specially designed labyrinth, which had only one exit–the front gate of the Shaolin Temple. As he worked his way through this maze, the boxer encountered deadly traps, armed dummies, and other lethal devices, all triggered mechanically. If he succeeded in reaching the exit, the potential graduate came face to face with one final obstacle–a huge red-hot urn. To gain his freedom, the Shaolin disciple would need to wrap his forearms around the smoldering object and move it aside. In so doing, he received on his forearms the formidable seal of two dragons–the sign of a Shaolin graduate.
For century after century, the secrets of Shaolin Kung Fu remained hidden within the Temple. When China was conquered by the Manchus in the 17th century, officials and supporters of the defeated Ming dynasty sought refuge at the monastery. Fearful of a possible uprising, the Manchu government launched several attacks on the Temple. During the final attack, legend says that the monastery was burned to the ground. Boxers who survived this raid, however, established new lives in the outside world, and in so doing, propagated the Shaolin art throughout the four corners of China.

TAEKWONDO HISTORY~~~~

2006-07-28T10:00:00.000-07:00

"Taekwondo is an empty-hand combat form that entails the use of the whole body. Tae means "to Kick" or "Smash with the feet," Kwon implies "punching" or "destroying with the hand or fist," and Do means "way" or "method." Taekwondo thus, is the technique of unarmed combat for self defense that involves the skillful application of techniques that include punching, jumping kicks, blocks, dodges, parrying actions with hands and feet. It is more than a mere physical fighting skill, representing as it does a way of thinking and a pattern of life requiring strict discipline. It is a system of training both the mind and the body in which great emphasis is placed on the development of the trainee's moral character."

Taekwondo is a martial art that in "todays" form of self defense has evolved by combining many different styles of martial arts that existed in Korea over the last 2,000 years and some martial arts styles from countries that surround Korea. Taekwondo incorporates the abrupt linear movements of Karate and the flowing, circular patterns of Kung-fu with native kicking techniques. Over fifty typically Chinese circular hand movements can be identified in modern Taekwondo.(1) A few of the earlier martial arts styles that contributed to Taekwondo are: T'ang-su, Taek Kyon, also known as Subak, Tae Kwon, Kwonpup and Tae Kwonpup. There are also influences from Judo, Karate, and Kung-fu.

"The earliest records of Taekwondo practice date back to about 50 B.C. During this time, Korea was divided into three kingdoms: Silla, which was founded on the Kyongju plain in 57 B.C.; Koguryo, founded in the Yalu River Valley in 37 B.C.; and Paekche, founded in the southwestern area of the Korean peninsula in 18 B.C.."(2) Tae Kyon ( also called Subak) is considered the earliest known form of Taekwondo. Paintings from this time period have been found on the ceiling of the Muyong-chong, a royal tomb from the Koguryo dynasty. The paintings show unarmed people using techniques that are very similar to the ones used by Taekwondo today.

Although Taekwondo first appeared in the Koguryo kingdom, it is the Silla's Hwarang warriors that are credited with the growth and spread of Taekwondo throughout Korea. Silla was the smallest of the three kingdoms and was always under attack by Japanese Pirates. Silla got help from King Gwanggaeto and his soldiers from the Koguryo kingdom to drive out the pirates. During this time a few select Sillan warriors were given training in Taek Kyon by the early masters from Koguryo. The Taek Kyon trained warriors then became known as the Hwarang. The Hwarang set up a military academy for the sons of royalty in Silla called Hwarang-do, which means "The way of flowering manhood." The Hwarang studied Taek Kyon, history, Confucian Philosophy, ethics, Buddhist Morality, and military tactics. The guiding principles of the Hwarang warriors were loyalty, filial duty, trustworthiness, valor, and justice.(3) The makeup of the Hwarang-do education was based on the Five Codes of Human Conduct written by a Buddhist scholar, fundamental education, Taek Kyon and social skills. Taek Kyon was spread throughout Korea because the Hwarang traveled all around the peninsula to learn about the other regions and people.

Today, The original Five Codes of Human Conduct have been correlated into the so-called Eleven Commandments of modern day Taekwondo, which are:

Loyalty to your country Respect your parents
Faithfulness to your spouse Loyalty to your friends
Respect your brothers and sisters Respect your elders
Respect your teachers Never take life unjustly
Indomitable spirit Loyalty to your school (2)
Finish what you begin

During the Silla dynasty (A.D. 668 to A.D. 935) Taek Kyon was mostly used as a sport and recreational activity. Taek Kyon's name was changed to Subak and the focus of the art was changed during the Koryo dynasty (A.D. 935 to A.D. 1392). When King Uijong was on the throne from 1147 through 1170, he changed Subak from a system that promotes fitness to primarily a fighting art.

The first widely distributed book on Taekwondo was during the Yi dynasty (1397 to 1907). This was the first time that Subak was intended to be taught to the general public, in previous years the knowledge was limited to the military. During the second half of the Yi dynasty, political conflicts and the choice to use debate instead of military action almost lead to the extinction of Subak. The emphasis of the art was changed back to that of recreational and physical fitness. The lack of interest caused Subak as an art, to become fragmented and scarcely practiced throughout the country.

In 1909 the Japanese invaded Korea and occupied the country for 36 years. To control Korea's patriotism, the Japanese banned the practice of all military arts, Korean language and even burned all books written in Korea. This ban was responsible for renewed interest in Subak. Many Koreans organized themselves into underground groups and practiced the martial arts in remote Buddhist temples. Other people left Korea to study the martial arts in other countries like China and Japan. In 1943 Judo, Karate and Kung-fu were officially introduced to the Korean residents and the martial arts regained popularity. In 1945 Korea was liberated. In the last few years before liberation, there were many different variations of Subak/Taek Kyon in Korea. This was due to all of the other martial arts influence on it.

The first Taekwondo school (Kwan) was started in Yong Chun, Seoul, Korea in 1945. Many different school were opened from 1945 through 1960. Each school claimed to teach the traditional Korean martial art, but each school emphasized a different aspect of Taek Kyon/Subak. This caused different names to emerge from each system, some of them were: Soo Bahk Do, Kwon Bop, Kong Soo Do, Tae Soo Do and Kang Soo Do.

The Korean Armed Forces were also formed in 1945 and in 1946 Second lieutenant Hong Hi Choi began teaching Taek Kyon at a Korean military base called Kwang Ju. Americans were first introduced to Taek Kyon when Choi instructed Korean Army troops and some American soldiers stationed with the 2nd Infantry Regiment. Later in 1949 Hong Hi Choi attended Ground General School at Ft. Riely near Topeka, Kansas in the United States. While in the U.S., Choi gave public Taek Kyon demonstrations for the troops. This was the first display of Taek Kyon in America.(4)

The greatest turning point for Korean martial arts started in 1952. During the height of the Korean War, President Syngman Rhee watched a 30 minute performance by Korean martial arts masters. He was especially impressed when Tae Hi Nam broke 13 roof tiles with a single punch. After the demonstration Rhee talked with Hong Hi Choi about the martial arts, he then ordered his military chiefs of staff to require all Korean soldiers to receive training in the martial arts. This caused a tremendous surge in Taek Kyon schools and students. President Rhee also sent Tae Hi Nam to Ft. Benning, Georgia for radio communications training. While there, Tae Hi Nam gave many martial arts demonstrations and received considerable media publicity.

During this same time period in Korea, special commando groups of martial arts-trained soldiers were formed to fight against the communist forces of North Korea. One of the most famous special forces was known as the Black Tigers. The Korean war ended in 1953. In 1954, General Hong Hi Choi organized the 29th Infantry on Che Ju Island, off the Korean Coast, as a spearhead and center for Taek Kyon training in the military.

On April 11, 1955 at a conference of kwan masters, historians, and Taek Kyon promoters, most of the kwan masters decided to merge their various styles for mutual benefit of all schools. The name "Tae Soo Do" was accepted by a majority of the kwan masters. Two years later the name was changed again, this time to "Taekwondo" The name was suggested by General Hong Hi Choi (who is considered the father of Taekwondo). "Taekwondo" was suggested by Choi because of its resemblance to Taek Kyon, and so provides continuity and maintains tradition. Further, it describes both hand and foot techniques.

Dissension among the various kwans that did not unify carried on until September 14, 1961. Then by official decree of the new military government, the kwans were ordered to unify into one organization called the Korea Taekwondo Association (KTA), with General Hong Hi Choi elected as its first president. In 1962, the KTA re-examined all the black belt ranks to determine national standards and also in 1962, Taekwondo became one of the official events in the annual National Athletic Meet in Korea. The KTA sent instructors and demonstrations teams all over the world. Jhoon Ree (who is considered the father of American Taekwondo) attended San Marcos Southwest Texas State College, and later taught a Taekwondo course at the college and formed a public Taekwondo club.

A Taekwondo demonstration at the United Nations headquarters in New York City in 1963, caused the formation of the U.S. Taekwondo Association in 1967, which later was superseded in 1974 by the U.S. Taekwondo Federation.

In Korea, the study of Taekwondo spread rapidly from the army into high schools and colleges. In march of 1966 Choi founded the International Taekwon-do Federation (ITF), which he also served as president. Choi later resigned as the KTA president and moved his ITF headquarters to Montreal, Canada, from where he concentrated on organizing Taekwondo internationally. His emphasis is on self-defense methodology, not particularly on the sport. By 1974, Choi reported that some 600 qualified ITF instructors were distributed throughout the world.

Young-wun Kim was elected the new KTA president. Feeling that Korea was the mother country of Taekwondo and that the world headquarters should be located there, he dissolved the ITF's connection with the KTA and on May 28, 1973 created a new international governing body called the World Taekwondo Federation (WTF), which coincided with the first World Taekwondo Championships that were held in Seoul, Korea. At the first inaugural meeting, Un Yong Kim was elected as president of the WTF and drafted a charter for the federation. The WTF is the only official organization recognized by the Korean government as an international regulating body for Taekwondo.

The World Taekwondo Federation has since made a major effort to standardize tournament rules and organize world class competitions. After the 2nd World TKD Championship in Seoul, the WTF became an affiliate of the General Assembly of International Sports Federation (GAISF), which has ties to the International Olympic Committee (IOC). The IOC recognized and admitted the WTF in July 1980. In 1982 the General Session of the IOC designated Taekwondo as an official Demonstration Sport for the 1988 Olympic Games in Seoul, Korea.

Since Modern-day Taekwondo's official birth on April 11, 1955, its development as a sport has been rapid. Over 30 million people practice Taekwondo in more than 156 countries.

A little bit about non-silat...MUAY THAI!!

2006-07-27T21:11:00.000-07:00

When the Burmese army sacked and razed Ayuddhaya to the ground, the archives of Thai history were lost. With them, much of the early history of Muay Thai also went.
The little we do know, comes from the writings of the Burmese, Cambodian, early European visitors and some of the chronicles of the Lanna Kingdom - Chiangmai.
What all sources agree on, is that Muay Thai began as a close combat battlefield fighting skill. More deadly than the weapons it replaced.
As to where Muay Thai came from, its evolution, the sources aren't clear and often contradict each other. But there are two main theories.
One says that the art developed as the Thai people moved down from China; honed in the struggle for land. The other theory says that the Thai people were already here and that Muay Thai developed to defend the land and people from constant invasion threats.
The second, while controversial, has considerable academic backing and archaeological evidence. The first is, however, possible as the area opened up to the early pioneers.What is known is that Muay Thai was an essential part of Thai culture right from its dawn. And in Thailand, it's the sport of kings.
In olden days, national issues were decided by Muay Thai contests.
The first great upsurge of interest in Muay Thai as a sport, as well as a battlefield skill, was under King Naresuan in 1584, a time known as the Ayuddhaya period. During this period, every soldier trained in Muay Thai and could use it, as the King himself did. Slowly Muay Thai moved away from its root in the 'Chupasart' and new fighting techniques were evolving.
The change in the art was to continue under another fighting King - Prachao Sua - the Tiger King. He loved Muay Thai so much that he often fought incognito in village contests, beating the local champions. During the reign of the Tiger King the nation was at peace. The King, to keep the army busy, ordered it to train in Muay Thai. The interest in the sport was already high but now it took off yet again.
Thai Boxing became the favourite sport and pastime of the people, the army and the King. Historical sources show that people from all walks of life flocked to training camps. Rich, poor, young and old all wanted some of the action. Every village staged its prize fights and had its champions. Every bout became a betting contest as well as a contest of local pride. The betting tradition has remained with the sport and today large sums are wagered on the outcome of fights.
Thai boxing has always been popular but like most sports, there have been times when it was more in fashion. In the reign of King Rama V, many Muay Thai matches were Royal Command fights. These boxers were rewarded with military titles from the King. Today the titles, like Muen Muay Mee Chue from Chaiya or Muen Muay Man Mudh from Lopburi are virtually untranslatable. They mean something comparable to Major of Boxing. At the time they were much prized and respected titles.
The Rama V period was another golden age for Muay Thai. Boxing camps were set up, talent scouts - at Royal Command - recruited potential boxers from up country. Match makers began to make the great matches which were fought for big prizes and honour. This thrilled the people then as much as the main bouts do today at the Bangkok boxing stadiums.
The matches then were not fought in a ring as we know it today - for Muay Thai that is a recent innovation. Any available space of the right size was used, a courtyard, a village clearing.
It wasn't till the reign of King Rama VI that the standard ring surrounded by ropes came into use, as did time keeping by the clock. Before this period, time keeping was done by floating a pierced coconut shell on a boat of water. When the coconut piece sank, a drum signalled the end of the round.
Muay Thai has always been a sport for the people as well as a military fighting skill. In all its golden ages, the people have trained and practiced the sport whether they were King or commoner. It was a part of the school curriculum right up to the 1920's when it was withdrawn because it was felt that the injury rate was too high. The people however, continued to study it in gyms and clubs just as they do today.
For centuries the army fostered Muay Thai. Soldiers have trained and used the techniques for as long as there has been an army in Thailand. For the military it has always been the close combat fighting skill, the martial art of the battlefield. When a Thai soldier fights hand to hand he uses Muay Thai. But then so does every Thai person, male or female. Watching it, learning it, copying it is a part of Thai childhood. It always has been.
The people have always followed the sport and have been instrumental in moving it from the battlefield to the ring. They have been as much a part of making it a sport as have the Kings. One of the prime movers in transforming the sport was the Tiger King, who not only influenced fighting styles but also the equipment.
During the reign of the Tiger King, the hands and forearms began being bound with strips of horse hair. This was to serve a dual purpose - protect the fighter and inflict more damage on the opponent. Later, these were replaced by hemp ropes or starched strips of cotton. For particular challenge matches and with the fighters agreement, ground glass was mixed with glue and spread on the strips.
The changes that the sport has undergone have been changes to equipment used rather than radical change. For example, Thai fighters have always worn groin guards. A kick or knee to the groin was a perfectly legal move up until the 1930's. In the early days, the protection was made from tree bark or sea shells held in place with a piece of cloth tied between the legs and around the waist.
The groin guard later became a triangular shaped pillow, red or blue, tied around the waist with a through strap between the legs.
The pillow went, after a boxer on a trip to Malaysia saw a groin box. He came back with the idea, which is close to the original idea of the sea shell and since then, Muay Thai fighters have used them.
The 1930's saw the most radical change in the sport. It was then that it was codified and today's rules and regulations were introduced. Rope bindings of the arms and hands were abandoned and gloves took their place.
This innovation was also in response to the growing success of Thai Boxers in international boxing.
Along with the introduction of gloves, came weight classes based on the international boxing divisions. These and other innovations - such as the introduction of five rounds - substantially altered the fighting techniques that the boxers used causing some of them to disappear.

Before the introduction of weight classes, a fighter could and did fight all comers regardless of size and weight differences. However, the introduction of the weight classes meant that the fighters were more evenly matched and instead of there being one champion, there became one for each weight class.
Most Muay Thai fighters belong to the lighter weight classes. Seventy percent of all fighters belong to the fly and bantam weight divisions. There are welterweight and middleweight fights but they are not seen that often and the heavier categories seldom fight.
The establishment of stadiums, instead of makeshift rings and courtyards, began during the reign of Rama VII before the Second World War. During the war, they gradually disappeared but mushroomed again soon afterwards - Muay Thai had not lost any of its appeal. The boxers from up-country once again headed toward fame and fortune in Bangkok.
The glory could be found at stadiums like Rajdamnern and Lumpinee. Later, they fought in full colour fury on television. Thailand's Channel 7 started broadcasting the fights in colour over 20 years ago. Today all four Thai television stations broadcast free to millions of Muay Thai fans throughout Thailand - four nights a week.
The battle art has evolved into a popular sport. Ruled, codified and now with five three minute rounds, each with a two minute recovery period between rounds.
Those old timers around today who fought before the second world war, lament the changes bought about by the standardisation of the sport. The three minute round and weight classes has, they say, changed the sport as they remembered it.
"We had to fight all comers," one recalls. "Had to know all the tricks of the trade. We used strikes and techniques these fighters haven't even been taught. We didn't have these breaks and instead fought 'till one of us dropped."
They are also right. Muay Thai has changed across the years. Changed and evolved from a battlefield close quarters killing ground technique based on a fighting tradition passed on from generation to generation up to the present time.

But despite the changes of history, Muay Thai has lost none of its exotic appeal and even mystique. Muay Thai is still the fighting art to beat. The fighting art that defeats all challenges from Kung Fu, Karate, Taekwando and the latest kickboxing fashions. They have all come to Thailand, not just once but many times and from many places to test themselves.
Muay Thai has lost none of its appeal in Thailand. The television fight broadcasts rate among the Kingdom's most popular programmes.
In the provinces, villages cluster around any available TV to watch. In the city, people disappear from the streets while Thailand is watching Muay Thai.
Thai Boxing is also becoming increasingly popular outside of Thailand. It has its enthusiasts and practitioners in the Americas, Australia, Japan, Europe, as well as in many other countries around the world.
The illustrious history of Muay Thai will continue as it receives greater recognition and gains in international popularity.

Malay's philosphy in Silat...!!!

2006-07-27T06:15:00.000-07:00

The dumb is loose to the wise,
The wise without high intention is loose to the wise with high intention,
The insensitive is loose to the sensitive one.

The frighten is loose to the brave,
The unconfident is loose to the confident,
The weak with spirit is loose to the strong with spirit,
The strong with spirit is loose in the long battle fight to the same with him,
The one who cannot withstand for a long time is loose to the stamina,
The high level without stamina is loose to the high level with stamina,
The high level with stamina is loose to the high level with stamina and master.

#In silat, the Guru teach the students in very brilliant way. He will not give them straight away the way of fight in Silat. The student need to think and this train the student to be an analytical person(pesilat). The philosophy above come from Kelantan (one of the state in Malaysia) Malay philosophy, and need to be think to get real deep meaning and understanding.

BREATHING METHOD AND MOVEMENTS~~~

2006-07-26T00:15:00.000-07:00

Breath, after this issues are being raised because of its important to Silat matter, nowadays a lot Silat school have declare and use the method in improving their reputation. Time before, the knowledge of silat breathing method drowned and other martial arts method popularly being used.

Actually, there exist the breathing method in Silat but because of it being too secretive, the method become more towards the end of its life. Some of the schools are not focus on the breathing method and some students are searching the method by themselves (without master’s teaching).

In martial arts, the breathing method is really important for the toughness, fastest ness and movements. For example, when someone wants to break something, the oxygen (air)
being sucked through the nose before throw out through the mouth and do the hit at the same time. This technique used to release the energy pressure in the body to the object that he or she wanna to break.

It is all depend on the master who teach the method of breathing. Maybe different school or master has different style, so learn it from the real master of this method. All the knowledge those being taught are good. It is more convenience if it is being taught level by level to the students. If high level method being taught to the new students, maybe their body cannot adapts with it, later it will cause the danger for the danger for them. They maybe fainted.

The breathing training must be learn from the master so that we can get the real way to do the method. When we breathe-in, we take the oxygen and the oxygen burns the calories to produce energy.

Movement of the body also important in workout or training. Usually, the master that do the ‘sembah adab’ such as the silat (silat pulut) performance in Malay’s traditional wedding, he will move like to avoid the attack from his opponent and at the same time low down his body. The left or right hand catches the opponent’s hand then do the counter attack. It is all about the wise ness in defeating the enemy. Silat will use the enemy’s attack to win the battle, and all the way need to learn properly before totally can master the movements of our own body. Learn and do the analyze of what the master said and taught.

COMPULSORY MOVES

2006-07-01T20:35:00.000-07:00

Compulsory moves in the moves that be built up from the combination of all the martial arts on the world such as Silat, Taekwondo, Karate, Wushu and many more. It is created to make all the martial arts on the world connected to each other. It is also built from the moves of every master of each martial arts that exist on the world. Compulsory moves have 99 complete moves and each move has its own meaning. So, wherever you go as long as the place is called Earth, the moves are all the same and it is compulsory for all martial artists to know the moves.

Boost Your Stamina!

2006-06-07T22:38:00.000-07:00

Typical Morning training schedule
- Running morning run 1 hour
- Warm-up skipping 20 minutes
- Do the jurus for a few repeats
- Shadow move drills 3 rounds
- Some kicking some punching.

Separate group depending on level.
- Technical Silat training workout
- Grappling techniques
- Overview discussion point out mistakes
- Shadow move warm down 3 rounds
- Other warm down exercises

Typical Afternoon Silat training schedule
- No running more time skipping.
- More intensive Silat training
- Swimming

Old time workout....

2006-06-03T05:51:00.000-07:00

Senaman Tua is a malay words that can be described as old workout. Senaman Tua is like an exercise or warm up but not as the same as the modern exercise we know. Ages ago, it is one of the special secret training for the chosen royal who learnt Silat and had being taught to those who are learn Silat for more than ten years. Nowadays, Senaman Tua being adapted as exercise and recreation pattern that can fix respirotary system and build-well the internal body system. It id the move that combine together the physcal, mental, and spiritual. Senaman Tua not cure the illness but only to improve and upgrade the toughness and fix the health level in overcome the balancing of body system. But I'm not saying that you not need to see the doctor when you are having some illness.

In early stage, Senaman tua is the branch of self-defense in Silat Melayu. it is covered with health workout, cure art and the art of mind development and could energize the internal power (vital force). The sel-defense aspect and Senaman Tua can increase the physical and spiritual power to a higher position. One of the purpose of Senaman Tua is protect the body ability so the body will always in good and healthier condition because the body adapt with the breathing method and later can be used in the mean time.

It is proven that Silat is rich with a lot of moves and can defeat the enemy with 'segerak', that means one move(senafas, selangkah,, seserangan, setari). It is originated from the traditional discipline move that come fom the master and mistress aplications. Senaman Tua is one of the traditional workout that being said as the production of seven combination of powers in one move. The seven powers are softness, hardness, toughness, speeds, sharpness, prefection and movements. Also there are two other powers that also combine with the first seven powers, they are breathing and effectiveness. It is used as warm up and in spiritual way it is also the movement to define the self-move (gerak diri) and consciousness. The junior and senior students will begin with empty-hand move to feel the breath, arts, and movement itself. From the move, it contains the meaning and symbol of "I give my whole body and soul to The Most Powerful, Allah SWT."

The optimum level of life cannot be posses without moves activity, workout and physically and mentally training. These sorts of thing always being assume as easy thing, although the truth is the workout moves can develops physical and mental toughness and also influences the way of human rational mind.

Training..training..training...

2006-05-30T05:31:00.000-07:00

We sometimes didn't know how to train by ourselves when there is nobody to guide us or when we try to do the self-train. Actually self-train is very important to sharpen the skill. To arcieve higher goal, your strong mind come first. Think what your goal is..then boost up your power,stamina and all elements in BEFORE That I've posted in Battle Structure..So the problem here is how to improve those elements so that you will not regret and will not stop your training in the middle...?

There are some ways of developing your skills, they are:-

1)JURUS AND ASAS(BASIC MOVEMENT)
This element is the core of all martial arts and especially Silat here we talk about. Without basic, Silat will have no life and the flow of tecniques will be interupted. Jurus and Asas usually learnt from the early stage of learning process. So from the day you learn the Jurus, you need to sharpen it riteaway. Ask your Guru to teach you the right step of the Jurus. Ensure that every inch of your movement you do very well according to what your Guru taught. Understand the basic, the day of yourselves training you need to do the move of Jurus very fast, till you your gas off. Then take a little rest then after a while do again the Jurus with higher speed. Do this Jurus for an hour. But remember, you need to strecth or warm up before do this tough training to make your body ready to face high strengthen training.

2)SHADOW TRAINING
Shadow training can be done when you have understanding all the basic movements you've learnt in Jurus. This kind of training need your imagination viewing, as you imagine you fight with a real enemy. Use various kind of moves and stepping but again and again repeat the moves so that your body can negotiate with it. It is more effective if you do shadow training in front of big mirror so that you can see how your move and could fix it. Do this training for an hour a day.

3)PUNCH BEG TRAINING
This kind of training to boost your power and stamina in fighting. Do the punch and kicking for a particular time. I mean you can set your own timing for 2 @ 3 minutes for a type of punch or kick. First when your starting this training, you start with just one repeatition and day by day gain it till a few repeatition. When you already can handle this, your stamina will increase drastically.

4)SPARRING
Later you also need a partner to test out your skill and speed in punching and kicking. Ask your friend to begin with slow fighting just to make out all the moves you've learnt. Slow and steady, then from time to time come to the serious fight but still control your attacking so that your friend won't hurt. Do begin sparring for 2 minutes and later you gain it minutes to minutes. You can determine how your level of stamina from how long you can withstand with the sparring. To have good result, try to exceed 30 minutes of sparring. Change your partner with another to get implement with various kind of enemy powers.

*All this training need to start from a little to many repeatitions. Day by day training nonstop would leed you to archieve your goal.

*Remember, this is for your skills and later we will discuss about how to boost the stamina level.

Battle structure...!!

2006-05-29T04:43:00.000-07:00

There are something that need 'Pesilat' attention in a time of having a fight. This will lead to measure how surely a 'Pesilat' really know his arts and can apply it in a sudden street fight.

#BEFORE
1)Training for all below purpose:-
* Knowledge-phisically and internally
* Breath
* Stamina
* Toughness
* Sharpness
* Spirit
* Confident
* Braveness
* Stability
* Reflectness
* Speed
* Sensitivity @ alertness

#START
1)Analys the enemy:-
* Tall
* Short
* Same height
* Does he have weopons?
* Does he tougher,speeder enough?

2)Analys the surrounding:-
*Have light or not?Dark?
*How is the space tooks place of fight?Enough or not for easily make your move...

#DURING FIGHT
1)A true warrior will posses this moves:-
* Attack and defense(blocking)
* Stepping and move aside
* Does have tricks and baiting
* Does have beneficial contact space to 'Pesilat' and his enemy

2)'Pesilat' body and mind combine together with the perfect senses of:-
*Eyes
*Ears
*Heart intuition
*Opponent moves

#AFTER
1)From there we can conclude who is the winner.How?It is from the the signs of physically and internally hurt factor:-
* Who is more into the hurts factor
* Who is being hit most
* Who is covers with more fear

#END
1)Last moves for truely conclude a fight for a time:-
* Punching
* Grappling
* To break
* Throw

The fight may come for second or third time till one of the fighters weak already, cannot stand up or dead. But for 'Pesilat' if he win, he still beware of his opponent because maybe the enemy only just wanna to trick him so that get the advantage to counterattack on 'Pesilat'.

Silat storming back...~~~

2006-05-29T01:32:00.001-07:00

I'm back here again to fullfill my sharing after all of my exam papers are done...Fuhhh....What a suffer period!!!..Hahaha...Can you imagine to settle down 6 papers of tough courses in a week of fix close space days...?My head like wanna crash..Haha...But now it's all over,sorry for the disturbance occured (if you wanna think it is as disturbance..hehehe). Now back to our discussion about silat and let we storm out the secrets of Malay warriors. Still I wanna highlight here that all secrets of martial arts need to be learnt from the real Guru, not from an article. But I surely boost up your mind with a lot of keys to reveal later the mysterious of martial arts world from your Guru@ Mahaguru..

First key...#1 INTUITION
*Check how your intuation in learning the martial arts(Silat or else). If your intuition are for self defense,healths and good indeeds then you will archieve your goal in mastering the arts of self defense and the philosophy carries.

Second key...#2 UNDERSTAND
*All of martial art knowledges need high understanding on how the arts can be apply after all. In syllibus, totally there are not the same as the real world hardcore fight. But by undertanding the move of what you've learnt you will definetely can handle the fight.

Third key...#3 Training
*Undestanding is not enough without poper training to improve martial art skills. Training is the most basic implement that human race uses to enhance the skill of doing a particular thing. Therefore, it is like the VIP for the martial artist(Silat practioner). Without proper training,there is no such thing that you can do well moves and stepping. Training from the basic to the higher rank of the arts and manage its rite from time to time. An effective training is the training that is properly sequenced in developing the power of internal muscles. This internal development builts the Qi (in Chinese understanding), it is not the same as the fire ball come out from the hand(bioelectric power) but it is an unusual power that a true martial artists get compare to common people. Learn it from your Guru. At last you will find out the meaning of training.

Fourth key...#4 ANALYZE
*After you pass the ranking one by one, analys the arts you have. Think deeply about the move,find the other(alternative) ways of doing that move but to arcieve the same purpose that in the syllibus done. This will develops your skill and also to sharpen it. Try to relate it with the surrounding because most martial art skills are environment origin. Think how the skill are really connect with the surrounding. The tree,wind,earth,animal moves and others are the core of the martial art moves. You will find that your skill can be done truely the same as the flow of surrounding scheme. Learn the flow..

Fifth key...#5 RESPECT
*Guru is your tutor who guide you to your archievment in martial art. No matter the white or black belt you have possed but if you don't care about the Responsible(Amanah), you are totally out of the flow knowledge relation connected to your Guru. No meaning in your arts anymore. Use your arts to the good indeeds.

Silat Training

2006-04-17T19:07:00.000-07:00

Training Silat goes beyond learning mechanical 'silat techniques'. The importance of 'SILAT TRAINING' is stressed continously. The necessity to 'turn within' and reflect upon ourselves and our movements is a high priority. Without such, the art becomes watered-down; passed down inappropriately; or passed without a True Connection to its origin and source. Thus, we are constantly trying to first, correct ourselves; second correct ourselves; third correct ourselves, etc..... Striving to serve, to be of assistance to our teachers. Coming with the attitude of "How may I help" rather than 'show me this."

Silat pics

2006-04-17T18:50:00.000-07:00

How "Pendekar" tricks his enemy....????!!!!

2006-04-13T03:39:00.000-07:00

“Pendekar” means Silat practioner who has high skills and level in Silat matters physically and internally. The word “Pendekar” derived from the words ‘pandai’ which means clever and ‘akal’ which means mind. “Pendekar has high level of the way of thinking (clever) and also has good attitudes. He can manipulate all the things surround him to trick and then defeat the enemy who come to test him wherever he is. As example of how he uses the surrounding to defeats his enemies are:-
• At the area where there has higher ground (hill area), “Pendekar” will stand at the higher ground to counter attacks his enemy. The enemy needs to use a lot of energy, because there is an effect of gravity.
• When fighting in the molds area, “Pendekar” will use lower stand, this kind of stand make his move more stable than his enemy. So that he can attacks his enemy more effective.
• High skill “Pendekar” can manipulates the energy that being used by his enemy and defeats the enemy with the same energy. As example, if the enemy punches, “Pendekar” will catch the hand and with some kind of secret moves he will use the inertia of his enemy then make his enemy hit the ground.

Use of the body...

2006-04-11T04:54:00.000-07:00

Human has natural weapons in the body that be used to defend ourselves. In Silat matters, there are at least twelve of the weapons such as:-

1. Two hands
2. Two legs
3. Head
4. Two elbows
5. Two knees
6. Two shoulders
7. 10 fingers(hands and legs)

“Pukulan” means the attacks from the natural weapons of body as punching, kicking elbowing and others. Effective attacks can make the enemy fear if they not really ready to being hit. The example of training that can be apply are:

1. “Jurus” and “Asas” (the basic of attack with the moves)
2. Shadow training
3. Train with punch bag

Come back :Seni..what's that?

2006-04-11T04:35:00.000-07:00

"Seni" means the art in Silat.Usually, people understand from the phrase “Seni Silat” is the dance of Silat ( Tari and Bunga-bunga Silat). It is also true, but in the real meaning of “Seni Silat” related to every inch of moves (Gerak), stepping (Langkahan), move aside (Elakan), attack( Pukulan), tricks (muslihat) and the way of playing Silat is the “Seni” in Silat. For example here, to do the grappling hand we need to know where the joint of hand that we can lock with high effective so that the enemy cannot move to counter attack us. Even it is in high effectiveness order, there are ways to unlock the grappling hand. It all needs to study and learn from “Guru”.

The way of facing the enemy is also one of the “Seni” that apply in Silat. “Pesilat” will counter attack the enemy after three attacks from his enemy. The first and second attacks “Pesilat” still waits and try to be friend with enemy because Silat means to create the relationship not enemies. But if the enemy still with his intent to hit the “Pesilat” with the third attack, “Pesilat” will not allow it and defends himself with several moves and hits to aware the enemy, not to hit with full of angry. Calmness is the intent and the roots in Silat. If the enemy cannot fight anymore, “Pesilat” will not continue with his moves. But, need to know here, the enemy is still the enemy. Precaution is in his consideration.

The Definition of the S.I.L.A.T

2006-04-05T01:03:00.000-07:00

Silat is the combination of the alphabets S.I.L.A.T, each alphabet has its own meaning that derived from the Malay words.

# "S" is for 'SABAR' which means patience. Learning and mastering Silat need high level of patience in ourselves. Basic of Silat like ‘Berkekuda’ (way of standing) and ‘Berlangkah’ (stepping) need time to understand and also to master it. Without this basic, the ‘Gerak’ (moves) will look ‘Sumbang’ and ‘Gerak Tidak Hidup’(not in the rite way of silat’s move should be)

# "I" is stand for ‘IMAN’ which means the faith, a ‘Pesilat’ (the practioner of Silat) who hearty applies the Silat spirit knows who is he with The Creator. Faith be the belief within himself and guides him to be a nice person. He obeys The Creator power, and all the moves and strength he gets from Silat practices are all belongs to Him (The Creator). But I highlight here that Silat is not a religion because many people are wrong to think that when learn the Silat, so all the Islam rules then should be obey. The rules is compulsory if the person is Muslim,not as 'Pesilat'.

# “L” is the ‘Latihan’ which means the training. The training should be guided from ‘Guru’ (Master who teaches Silat). Training is needed for ‘Pesilat’ no matter what level he stands for. For new student, without proper training all the moves he learns in Silat are no meaning. He will not truly understands how to do the ‘Gerak’. Proper and long time training will built some kind of memories in our mind, reflect action to do the ‘Gerak’ is the memories I stated just now that we need to achieve in learning Silat. I will discuss this particular matter later.

# “A” is for ‘Amanah’ which means responsibility. Silat is responsibility of ‘Murid’ (student) from his ‘Guru’. Every words come from the mouth of ‘Guru’ is precious for those who really knows the value of Silat and guide them to face the future time. True ‘Pesilat’ will not use his ability to do the wrong things.

# "T" is for ‘TAHAN’ means ability to get along the training and way of silat. Every person have this ability, but sometime we cannot control our mind to really learn the way of Silat should be. Pain is normal in silat, and also in other martial arts. This is the process where to turn a civilian into ‘Pesilat’. Like the training that army done, the purpose is to turn a normal person into army.

Silat started to crawl on the earth..~~~

2006-04-03T12:56:00.000-07:00

At the early stage, Silat didn’t have a name. Just known as Silat only, it being taught to the ‘Orang-orang Istana’ (The Royal), ‘Panglima-panglima & Hulubalang-hulubalang’ (Warriors) and some people that were responsible to keep the country peace in the time of the Greatness of Malay land (Kegemilangan Tanah Melayu) such as ‘Kesultanan Melayu Melaka’. Silat was keep as secret of ‘Amalan’ (practical) for important person in the age of ‘Kegemilangan Tanah Melayu’, only being used in particular time such as to defend the country from the enemies (fight) and in several royal ‘Adat’ (occasions). As time flows according to ages, Silat being taught to the nearest family and spread. From there, Silat was differentiated with various kinds of name, show that different moves are from different family or people. There cannot be denied, people of ‘Tanah Melayu’ started from the old ages lived in group or clip because of several kind reason like to defend the family and self-important…

Middle East is the belonger of silat..?!!!!

2006-04-03T12:45:00.000-07:00

I’ve heard the veteran at my village said that Silat was originated from Middle East,some told that Silat also originated from the moves that taught one of the Great Leader(Khalifah) Ar-Rausyiddin in the age of Greatness of Islam, Khalifah Ali bin Abi Talib, spread to Malay land (Tanah Melayu) by the Arabic(Muslim) who came to spread the Islam. The people in Malay land were taught to be Muslims, at the same time they also being taught about moves of self-defense then named as Silat. If we want to talk about the Silat origins, there are so many of them and has several of versions. It is important for the Silat practioner to know about the background of Silat in order to create a self-responsible upon the silat, not just learn it without any purpose. Of course our purpose is to defend ourselves from any enemies. But the most valuable thing in learning the Silat is Responsible(Amanah)…I will post later about what are the true purpose in learning not only Silat but also the entire martial arts in the world.

The first ultimate cries of Silat in the world...!!!!!!!

2006-04-02T21:25:00.000-07:00

There are lots of versions that tell about the Silat origin. The first version is: - A housewife went to the river to wash clothes, at the meanwhile she was shocked with a fight between the Garuda (like an eagle but it size is very big) and the Tiger (harimau). The housewife really enjoyed what she saw although in her heart there was a little bit fear. They (the Garuda and the Tiger) fight with a lots of style of block, attack and mengelak from the opponent wisely but with full of spirit and strength. The fight took a long time to finish, the housewife forgot about her husband at all who's had waiting for her at their home. She went back home after that. At home, the angry husband cannot stand no more for her lateness then tried to hit the housewife. But guess what..?!! The kind and polite housewife was move aside to prevent from being hearted and give a compact punch on her husband body caused him threw away and hit the ground. The shocked husband stood up with a lots of pain and asked his wife what was the move she made and from where she learn it. Then the housewife told him what had happened when she went to wash before. Start from that day, he learn the entire move from his wife and the moves was called Silat.

Version #2:- A wife went to sell her cookies(kuih) around the village they lived, on her way back home with some cookies that cannot be sold on that day, she walk through an area that there were a lots of birds on the tree. The hungry birds tried hard to “get” her cookies, they attacked the poor wife and she moved unconsciously aside, blocked and did various kinds of moves to avoid the birds “steal” her cookies. Her fight with the birds took a long period of time, and caused her husband angered waiting for her. At home, without asking politely, he tried to hit his wife then the wife blocked the attack and gives a punch on his husband body. He hit the ground. He asked the wife from where she learned the move and asked about the name of the move was. The wife told the truth what happened on her way back home, the husband knew his mistake and apologized. He also learn the moves from his wife, and gather together the move which then named as Silat .

Silat and its meaning..

2006-04-02T19:44:00.000-07:00

Silat..??One of the popular martial arts that plays in the countries such as Malaysia,Singapore,Brunei,Indonesia and now we can see that this traditional martial art is spreads world wide. This is the possitive sign for the sake of the Silat style. Silat is originated from the arabic word called "silaturrahim" which means the brotherhood among the human race. From the deep meaning of "silaturrahim",shows that Silat carries peace and harmony life massage but not to seek for enemies. In the basis actually,all the martial arts from all corners of the world like Taekwondo,Muay Thai,Wushu and others are shout out for the same purpose as Silat centralizes.