Inaugural Bintulu silat festival a success

BINTULU: Seven silat associations from Kapit, Limbang, Kuching, Sibu, Samarahan, Lawas and from here took part in the Pencak Silat Festival and the Aikido Shinju-kai competition held at Kampung Assyakirin Phase 1 community hall yesterday.

The event was organised by the MLNG Social and Sports Club and MLNG Pencak Silat Recreational Club.

There were also two silat associations specially invited in from Indonesia, namely Setia Hati Teratai Association and Seni Silat Indonesia Association, for their exponents to showcase their silat skills.

Organising chairman Khairul Nizam Ariffin said the inaugural silat festival was a success and aimed to attract youths to learn the martial arts and at the same time being involved in healthy activities.

“We also want to prepare our exponents to feature in future silat tournaments whether at the school, state or national level,” he said.

Source news: theborneopost

Different Types Of Martial Arts

Aikido:
Aikido is a Japanese style developed by Morihei Ueshiba as a synthesis of his martial art studies, philosophy, and spiritual beliefs. Aikido is a martial art that seeks to resolve conflict through peaceful means. Aikido can be named under the category of grappling arts. Aikido focuses not on punching or kicking opponents, but rather on using their own energy to gain control of them or to throw them away from you.

Arnis/Escrima/Kali:
The Filipino martial arts emphasize learning weapons first (sticks, blades and improvised weapons), then empty-hand skills, trapping and limb destruction as these are also core parts of these arts as the weapon is considered merely an extension of the body.

Bando:
Bando is a Burmese martial art that includes striking, kicking, and grappling, with an emphasis on mimicking animal fighting methods.

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu:
Brazilian jiu-jitsu is a grappling martial art that emphasizes chokes and limb locks and especially ground fighting..The art was derived from the Japanese Kodokan judo in the early 20th century.

Capoeira:
Brought to Brazil by African slaves, capoeira is a deceptive martial art disguised as dancing. It is known by quick and complex moves, using power kicks and quick leg sweeps, with some ground and aerial acrobatics, knee strikes, take-downs, elbow strikes, punches and headbutts.

Cuong Nhu:
The Vietnamese art of Cuong Nhu integrates techniques from karate, vovinam, boxing, wing Chun, judo, aikido, and tai chi. It was developed by Dr. Ngo Dong (O'Sensei) in 1965 in Hue, Vietnam.

Gatka:
Gatka is the martial art of the Sikh warrior and is a weapon-based performance art created by the Sikhs of the Punjab during the British Empire, and also is famous for its efficiency with the shaster (sword) and lathi (staff).

Hapkido:
Hapkido is a dynamic and eclectic Korean martial art it include's aikido's throws and locks with tae kwon do's kicks.
The art evolved from Dait?-ry? Aiki-j?jutsu or a closely related jujutsu system taught by Choi Yong-Sool.

Iaido:
Iaido is the art of drawing the Japanese sword, delivering a decisive cut, removing blood from the blade, and then replacing the sword in the scabbard. Iaid? forms (kata) are performed solitarily against one or more imaginary opponents.

Jeet Kune Do (JKD):
Jeet Kune Do is a mixed martial arts system and life philosophy founded by martial arts legend Bruce Lee. JKD is one of the best known hybrid martial arts, incorporating techniques from all martial arts. It was named for the concept of interception, or attacking your opponent while he is about to attack.

Ju Jitsu:
The "gentle" art of arm locks and chokes once used to defeat armor-wearing samurai. Jujutsu evolved among the samurai of feudal Japan as a method for defeating an armed and armored opponent in which one uses no weapon, or only a short weapon. These techniques were developed around the principle of using an attacker's energy against him, rather than directly opposing it.

Judo:
Judo involves throwing your opponent to the mat, pinning your opponent with a hold-down technique, or causing your opponent to submit with an armbar or a choke. It was created as a combat sport in Japan in 1882 by Kano Jigoro. The worldwide spread of judo has led to the development of a number of offshoots such as Sambo and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu.

Kajukenbo:
Kajukenbo originated in post WWII Honolulu, combining techniques from Korean karate (Ka), Jujitsu (ju), Kenpo (ken), and Chinese boxing (bo)--kung fu.

Karate:
Karate is a martial art developed in the Ryukyu Islands in what is now called Okinawa, Japan. The "art of the empty-hand", karate involves kicking and punching, the use of weapons and open-handed techniques such as knife-hands. Grappling, locks, restraints, throws, and vital point strikes are taught in some styles.

Kendo:
Kendo is the art of Japanese swordsmanship developed from the legendary sword fighting schools
of the samurai. It's name translates "Way Of The Sword".

Kenpo:
Kenpo took a circuitous route from the Shaolin Temple of China to the modern-day United States, picking up refinements and enhancements along the way. The generic nature of the term combined with its widespread, cross-cultural adoption in the martial arts community has led to many divergent definitions

Krav Maga:
Krav Maga is the martial art of the Israeli military. Krav Maga is known for a few main principles in its teaching. 1) Do as much damage in as little time as possible 2) Transition from defending to attacking in as little time as possible (including simultaneously) 3) Use items around you as weapons 4) Be aware of everything. Mostly known for its extremely efficient and brutal counter-attacks

Kung Fu:
The martial arts of China, and to many, the forerunner of all Asian martial arts.

Kyudo:
Derived from samurai warfare, "Zen Archery" sharpens the mind and focuses the spirit. It's name translates "Way Of The Bow"

Lua - Hawaiian Warrior Arts:
Lua is an ancient martial art of the Hawaiian warrior, and is known for fearsome bone breaking techniques, emphasizing joint locks, throws, pressure point manipulation, strikes, usage of various weapons, battlefield strategy, open ocean warfare.

Muay Thai:
Muai Thai kickboxing is renowned worldwide for it's brutal strikes with the elbows and knees. Definitely a serious combat art.

Naginata:
Weapon art of choice for samurai women, it survives today in a sport form. A naginata consists of a wooden shaft with a curved blade on the end. Usually it also had a sword-like guard (tsuba) between the blade and shaft.

Ninjutsu:
The martial art of the shadow warrior, ninjutsu is steeped in lore and mystery. It is the martial art, strategy, and tactics of unconventional warfare and guerrilla warfare as well as the art of espionage purportedly practiced by the shinobi (commonly known outside of Japan as ninja).

ROSS:
ROSS is a system of Russian martial arts unifying various traditional fist fighting and wrestling styles with imperial military training.

SAMBO/SOMBO:
SAMBO, a.k.a. SOMBO, is a Russian style of wrestling popular in international competitions, as well as a combat art taught to the Soviet military. Sambo is relatively modern since its development began in the early 1920s by the Soviet Red Army to improve their hand to hand combat abilities.

San Shou:
San shou incorporates wushu, grappling, and kickboxing to make a combat-oriented martial art. This curriculum was developed with the Chinese military experiences in close range and hand to hand combat with reference to traditional Chinese martial arts.

Savate:
This French style of foot fighting began in the Napoleonic era. Also known as French boxing, French kickboxing or French footfighting.

Shorinji Kempo:
Shorinji kempo extends Chinese boxing with Zen philosophy; at higher ranks, the uniform is the robe of a Buddhist priest. It was established by Doshin So as a system for self-improvement and training.

Silat:
Silat is considered one of the most effective combat arts. Originally developed in what are now Indonesia, Malaysia, southern Thailand and Singapore, it was also traditionally practiced in Brunei, the Philippines, Cambodia, Myanmar, and Vietnam. There are hundreds of different styles but they tend to focus either on strikes, joint manipulation, throws, bladed weaponry, or some combination thereof.

Sumo:
One of the forerunners to the modern grappling arts of jiu-jitsu and judo, sumo is exciting and action-packed while retaining its traditional splendor and ceremony. Most sumo wrestlers are required to live in communal "sumo training stables" known in Japanese as heya where all aspects of their daily lives--from meals to their manner of dress--are dictated by strict tradition.

Tae Kwon Do:
Kick-oriented Korean "art of hand and foot fighting" is one of the most popular sports in the world. Styles include ITF and WTF. As many other arts, it combines combat techniques, self-defense, sport, exercise, and in some cases meditation and philosophy. In 1989, Taekwondo was claimed as the world's most popular martial art in terms of number of practitioners.

Tai Chi Chuan:
The martial art/exercise/cultivator of internal energy. Includes the Bagua (Pa Kua) and Xingyi (Hsing-I) internal styles. It is also typically practiced for a variety of other personal reasons: its hard and soft martial art technique, demonstration competitions, and longevity.

Tang Soo Do:
A Korean martial art popularized by Chuck Norris.

Tukong Moosul:
Tukong moosul is a martial art derived from South Korean military Special Forces training.

5 Greatest Martial Arts Styles

A "martial art" is known typically as a fighting style that emphasizes certain techniques, training methods, and philosophies. That means that there are a lot of different types of martial arts in the world, since virtually every country has developed at least one form of combat throughout history. Some martial arts are thousands of years old, and others were created in many of our lifetimes. Here's a short list of fighting styles that aren't as well known as karate or boxing, but are worth knowing just as much. Whether you're just getting into martial arts or been at it for years, it's good to brush up on all the styles out there.

You've probably heard of a more popular variant of Tang Soo Do. Tae Kwon Do sprung from Korean Tang Soo Do in 1964. Lots of Tang Soo Do masters frown upon that because they believe a lot of modern Tae Kwon Do is too sport oriented. Tang Soo Do's history stretches back as far as two millennia, and there were many, many different types of it before it was unified under one name. The art is influenced by some dance-like forms, and you can think of it as a Tae Kwon Do that's focused on more damaging forms of combat, and less oriented towards competition.

Russia's military has a reputation for having some of the toughest, iron-skinned soldiers in the world. Due in part to what is now Russia's national sport, Sambo. Like many martial arts styles, Sambo has branched into the sports world since its founding in the 1920s, created as a very lethal system of hand-to-hand combat for the Red Army. The sport version is very similar to MMA, emphasizing grappling, locks, and chokes, as well as many types of striking. Fedor Emelianenko is a Sambo fighter who until recently was undefeated in his professional career, and to this day is considered by many to be the top martial artist in the world.

Silat is the primary martial art of Malaysia. It's also an older art and branches off into forms that are too many to count. Silat was developed from military styles and hunting methods, and has remained a very lethal and self-defense oriented martial art. Throws and take-downs are among the most common techniques, and are always followed up by strikes to sensitive areas and pressure points, like the throat or gut. The idea is to always have your next move planned, until your opponent is dispatched.

As fun as it looks, Hapkido does not teach you how to jump upside down. Well, maybe advanced students do. Those guys aren't jumping, though. They are being thrown to the ground by a Hapkido master. This is another Korean martial art, and it focuses heavily on self-defense and varies in techniques from strikes and jump kicks to joint locks and throws. A main principle of Hapkido is effectively taking control of your opponent and using circular, efficient motions. This is a good art for people who want to learn a good variety of martial arts techniques.

Everyone knows a bit about ninjas, but a lot of people are surprised when they find out there's actually a martial art called "ninjutsu." As the name implies, it's the martial arts system created by ninjas. Today, it is no longer taught as a style in which to sneak around assassinating people, and has evolved into a self-defense system. It stays true to the unconventional techniques used by ninjas, and weapons skills are still passed down to students. The man you see in the picture is Dr. Masaaki Hatsumi, the 79 year old last living Grand Master of Ninjutsu who is the founder of the Bujinkan dojo in Japan, where martial artists from around the world train. The art itself is as mystical as ninja legends, with a focus on drawing power from your spirit ( also known as "chi") and the Earth.

Source : ezinearticles.com

The weapon of karambit

The Karambit

The Karambit is a remarkable utility knife that was born in the Indonesian archipelago with roots in Malaysia and the Philippines. Akin to the Swiss Army knife of today, this was the "pocket knife" of ancient villagers. This extraordinary little personal tool was first documented to be carried around the early 11th century AD and to this very day can be seen in various remote locations throughout the Indonesian islands, parts of Malaysia and the Southern Philippine islands.

 Although rumored to have been brought to America around the late 1800's, the Karambit was "officially" introduced to the United States sometime in the late 1950's and made popular, especially with martial artists, through the late 1970's and 1980's. Virtually unknown in the secular community, by the mid-1990's it was predominantly recognized as a martial arts training element derived from the heritage of Indonesian Pencak Silat, Malaysian Pencak Silat and Filipino Kali.

Tiger claws

Since before recorded time, different cultures around the globe developed different tools based on their needs. Some developed superior fishing tools, while others developed tools for planting crops. Tool design and application are a direct result of era and geography. A seaside dwelling tribe would develop different tools than would a mountainous or plains tribe. When various peoples migrated from one geographical location to another they brought with them their tools and way of life - sometimes peacefully, as in migration, and other times by war, as in the case of conquest.

According to my masters and the oral tradition that was passed down from master to student for centuries, prior to 1280 AD, most of West Java was part of the indigenous Pajajaran kingdom. The Badui tribe of West Java, the aboriginal people of Sunda, considered to be the ethnic group of the Pajajaran, lived relatively peacefully until the coming of the Majapahit empire (circa 1351 AD). At that time the Badui tribe quickly migrated to the rugged mountainous regions of the west, brought their weapons with them and remained self-governed.

The predominant uses of the Karambit in ancient times were similar to the uses of the European pocket knife: field work, including cutting twine or rope; chopping fruits and vegetables; and, in some rare cases, as an exceptional personal safety knife.

Karambit modern

In modern times as the Karambit (now much smaller in size than its battlefield-sized ancestor) is now recognized internationally as a traditional weapon of Pencak Silat. Read more

When a fighter unsheathed a battlefield Karambit in ancient times, the cutting edge was almost always smeared with some type of deadly poison, which acted almost instantly upon entry into the bloodstream via laceration of the flesh. Even the smallest cut was enough to usher the poison into the bloodstream. Knowledge and use of poisons derived from various species of poisonous frogs, snakes, scorpions and spiders were considered an essential element of a warrior's arsenal of close-quarter combative skills. These poisons rapidly accelerated death and were mostly feared for their nearly instantaneous killing power.

As a martial-arts implement, it is an extraordinary ancient artifact that permits the accomplished practitioner grace, style and freedom of creative movement. Very much akin to dance-like movements, the true art of the Karambit is like ballet.

The personal Karambit (smaller version of the battlefield Karambit) was primarily designed for targeting the nerves and joints. As a result of such a small cutting surface, most cuts cannot be made deep enough to kill someone. That is why the Karambit can be considered a personal self-defense tool. In contrast, the blade of the Karambit Besar (larger or battlefield version of the personal-sized Karambit) is longer and thus permits deeper cuts. According to the ancients, the battlefield Karambit was preferred not only for its superior length but for the fact that you could, as a result of the lengthy cutting edge, "spill the entrails of your enemies onto the ground." However, as it was in the West, with the advent of battle-worthy and functional firearms, bladed weapons became obsolete on the battlefield and relegated to the utilitarian uses of knives that we see today.

Specifically designed as a close-quarter self-defense weapon, the Karambit of old was additionally quite difficult to see in the hand due to its method of deployment and cover of the fingers. Doubly menacing was that it could not be disarmed as a result of its forefinger-grip design. It was unique to any other blade at the time as it could be used for both a medium and close fighting ranges without changing distance of the striking arm. It was also the only blade used in battle that could cut twice with a single arm stroke. All other blades of that era need one motion for one cut. The ancient battlefield Karambit was unique because:

    It could not be easily seen.
    It could not be easily disarmed
    It could change ranges without body movement
    It could deliver two strikes in a single arm motion.

Martial Arts Video: 

Kerambit is dangerous weapon in silat

The Aura and The Chakra in Silat

AURA is your psychic energy body- it's the energy produced by your life force, and it emanates all around you. A lot about your mental, emotional and physical state is reflected in your aura. This can be percieved in the predominant color of your aura.... but please keep in mind, the aura is constantly changing in color, shape and size. Also, the strength and integrity of your aura will have a strong effect on your overall wellbeing.

CHAKRA is a Sanskrit word meaning "spinning wheel of energy". These energy centers within our bodies receive and transmit energy, and each is situated at a major endocrine gland, and nerve bundle within the physical body, called a plexus. Each chakra is connected and associated with a different part of the body. Understanding and using your chakras can promote physical, emotional and spiritual healing, and can lend energy to your manifestational work.

The Chakras

The chakras

The chakras are whirling masses of subtle energy which act as “control centers” for the energy meridians throughout our body, and which receive, store and transmit vital energy.
The word chakra translates from the Sankrit word “wheel” or “vortex.” There are 7 chakras located on a "power line" which runs down the center of the body from the top of the head to the base of the spine. These chakras are whirling masses of subtle energy which act as “control centers” for the energy meridians throughout our body, and which receive, store and transmit vital energy. They are shaped like a "funnel" which is narrowest where our spine is, and which widens as it faces outwards.

Through the energy meridian system, the chakras metabolize and supply vital energy to the various systems and organs of the entire body (similar to how food is physically metabolized). Each chakra resonates at a different frequency and corresponds to a specific color, bodily system, and personality aspects. The chakras also store experiences which have had an emotional impact on us during our lives, with various types of emotions corresponding to each chakra.

An energetic imbalance in one chakra can affect the energy balance within surrounding chakras. The amount of energy flowing through each chakra, as well as the clarity of the color, can indicate an imbalance either within that particular chakra or within the energy meridian assoicated with that chakra. The faster a chakra spins, the more energy it can receive and transmit. When a chakra stops functioning properly, the intake of energy will be disturbed and energetic imbalance will result. The organs and systems related to that particular chakra will reflect this imbalance by inhibiting the immune system in that area of the body, evenually resulting in weakness or illness. Fear-based emotions and situations may also manifest.

A clear, balanced flow of energy within the chakras is important for healthy functioning of the body. The clearer and more uninhibited the vital energy flow between the body, the more health and well-being will be experienced.

Each of the chakras represents a different level of consciousness, and the same issue perceived from the perspective of each chakra would be experienced differently. The chakras each function at their own frequency, the higher its location within the body, the higher the frequency.

At a certain frequency, the seven chakras begin to unify into a single chakra. This unified chakra functions at a much higher frequency. The fields of energy which surround the body also merge into one, and resonate to this much higher frequency. Tony Stubbs, author of An Ascension Handbook, presents a wonderful and simple method of experiencing the unified chakra.

The Aura

Energy Body

The aura is the energy field (also known as the energy body) which extends from all living things, and which is constantly interacting with the surrounding energies in our environment. Many people consciously perceive this energy field. Others perceive it unconsciously (for example, when you feel anger or tension emanating from someone, or you have a vague sense of their personality, or feel a sense of peace and comfort around them).

The aura protects the body from harmful energies by filtering out unhealthy energies and energies it does not resonate with, and absorbing energies that are needed and which it does resonate with. When we feel excited, happy, optimistic, and self-assured, our aura emanates frequencies matching this emotion, and attracts to us other people and situations matching this frequency. Likewise, when we feel depressed, unhappy, pessimistic, angry, or frustrated, people and situations which resonate to these frequencies will be attracted to us.

The visual state of this energy field provides important information on the health and well-being of the body. The aura can be multi-colored or may have one or two colors which predominate. These colors relate to health of the chakras and meridians throughout the body. Auras which are clear and which have bright colors indicate a healthy energetic system. Dark, “muddy” auras, or areas of the aura that are blotchy, can indicate emotional, psychological, or physical issues which have been "frozen" within the energy field.

With a little bit of practice, everyone can learn to consciously see the aura with their naked eye, although some individuals are able to naturally see the aura without any practice or training. These individuals have naturally expanded their sensory perception beyond the five physical senses and are often clairvoyant (able to see things others cannot), clairaudient (able to hear things others cannot), and clairsentient (able to feel things others cannot). When we learn to physically see the aura, we then begin the process of expanding our sensory perception and awareness of other dimensions of consciousness. The subtle information which the brain normally filters out will then become fully accessible to us.

The “glow” of the aura can also be photographed using a special type of photography called Kirilan photography. If we focus on a specific thought forms or color, these thoughtforms will be energetically displayed as color swirls and patterns in a Kirlian photograph, as will a haze of whichever color was focused on. Kirlian photography shows us that we can interact with the human energy field and regulate it simply by using our intent. Our thoughts are energy, and energy has a direct impact on our bodies and our surroundings.

What is the relationship Aura and Chakras in silat martial arts?
Is this video can give an answer?

Download Fully Guided Meditations To Develop and Balance Your Chakras !

Three Punches in Buah Pukul

Buah Pukul

Buah Pukul is a self defense moves in silat training system that required one to receive the attack first followed by counter strikes either using bare hand or weapon. It is also known as self defense. The self defense training can be done with two or more opponent in any silat training.

The techniques used in the training usually are based on your belt rank. However, most gurus will tell their students to improve their striking technique first before allowed to learn how to counter strike in the self defense training. This is because without knowing how to strike effectively, you will not understand the fundamental basis of self defense moves.

Self defense training will become easy once the silat exponent knows how to combine all the silat lessons in order to choose a perfect strike and technique while facing the enemy. Thus, you need to train three punches in order to counter strike your opponent effectively. These three punches are; straight punch (rejam), uppercut (sauk) and palm strike (rejuk). Here are the details of each strike on how to apply these techniques in self defense;

1. The straight punch is the common strike used by many martial arts. This is the perfect technique while receiving hard or fast punch (right hand) from your opponent. So, you need to avoid the strike by dodges to your left site and counter strike with your right hand to your opponent ribs. If you hit the target perfectly, your can break your opponent ribs instantly with only one strike.

2. The uppercut is used to punch your opponent that is taller than you. For example, your opponent’s punch you with his right hand to your face. Thus, you need to avoid the attack by dodge to your right side and simultaneously counter strike to his chin. The impact of the strike is so dangerous and powerful enough to break your opponent jaw. Thus, in order to master this skill you need to train the technique carefully with your partner during the self defense training.

3. The palm strike is similar with the uppercut style. However, instead of using fist, you are using your palm hand to strike to the jaw or nose of your opponent. This is a solid and hard strike. Most silat exponents train this technique by striking to the pounder board. In addition, many silat gurus prohibit their senior students from practicing this technique in front of new students during silat session to avoid any injuries. So, never use palm hand strike in the formal training session unless both silat exponents are capable enough to use the technique without hurting each other.

The silat training system emphasizes you to train all the techniques mentioned above regularly so that you can master the skills effectively. Thus, in order to master all these three techniques, you need two or three sparring partners with different weight, height and sizes. This is important so that you can feel the different force of strikes in order to receive and counter attack your opponent perfectly.


Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/5580394

Silat’s Key Components

What comprises a good silat system?

The following are some of silat’s key components:

• Silat Component 1: Efficient entry system. The style must have techniques that allow you to move quickly and efficiently into close range of your opponent. It must also include training methods that will hone your timing, precision and accuracy when employing those techniques.

• Silat Component 2: Effective follow-up techniques. The system must have effective punching and kicking techniques. Heavy-duty techniques such as head butts, knee smashes and elbow strikes must be highly developed. “Finishing” techniques are more effective if your opponent is properly “tranquilized.”

• Silat Component 3: Devastating finishing techniques. After you have entered into close range and applied a “tranquilizing” technique to your opponent, the next step is to apply a “finishing” technique, such as a throw, sweep, takedown, lock or choke, to end the confrontation. Locking maneuvers will break or render ineffective an opponent’s joint. Choking techniques will produce unconsciousness. Takedowns, throws or sweeps will slam the opponent into the ground or other objects with enough force to end a confrontation.

• Silat Component 4: Realistic weapons training. Most silat systems emphasize weapons training at some point. This training will include realistic contact-oriented drills rather than forms practice and will greatly improve your reflexes, timing, accuracy, rhythm and precision. It’s amazing how quickly practitioners improve when facing a bladed weapon traveling at a high rate of speed.

Silat theory, then, is simple: Enter into close range of the opponent, apply a “tranquilizing” technique such as a punch or kick, and then “finish” the opponent off with a heavy-duty technique such as a lock, sweep, choke or throw.

Dancing and martial arts in silat

In Malaysia, they say a man is not really capable of defending himself against an attacker unless he knows something about bersilat. Its self-defense techniques date back to the early 15th century and today is still popular. The art enjoys such popularity that it can be practiced by anyone whether he’s 8 or 60 years old. When bersilat was first introduced to the Malacca Court by a religious teacher from North Sumatra, Indonesia, it became a necessary part of a young man’s education. There have been considerable changes made in the original style, and through the years, it was practiced in secret with complicated rituals and customs.

In Malaysia, bersilat attracts many men to its evening classes. Particularly youths living in villages and suburban areas indulge in learning its self-defense techniques. They are taught the fine points of parrying or avoiding an attack by an opponent who may be armed with a kris (Malay knife) or pedang or parang panjang (Malay sword). Young folks nowadays take up bersilat as an artistic form of physical exercise, and they often demonstrate the art at ceremonials. Instructors emphasize the of its self-defense techniques.


The Bersilat Breakdown

Basically, bersilat exists in two forms. One, the silat pulot, is purely for exhibition at weddings and other ceremonials. The other is known as silat buah and is used for serious fighting. One can tell by the opening graceful movements the type of bersilat the performer has mastered. With a leap, he will begin moving to the rhythmic strains of an orchestra, demonstrating the techniques of defense against one or several assailants. The movements consist of quick parries and counter-strokes with the arms, well-timed steps and swift kicks.

There are many versions of bersilat. The most common are the bersilat gayong and bersilat harimau. To a lesser or greater extent, most of the movements involve a spiritual aspect, with the performer uttering religious incantations and blessings. This, say its devotees, helps bring out supernatural strength and provide the body with protection. All of the training and exercises in use today have been handed down from the original bersilat masters and are passed on by the loyal disciples from generation to generation. Malaysians like to speak of its early beginnings. They tell of the legendary hero Hang Tuah of Malacca, who lived in the 15th century and is considered the father of bersilat in Malaysia.


Bersilat’s Origins

With his friends, Hang Tuah traveled great distances in his day to learn bersilat, and his glorious exploits are vividly described in many Malay classics. With four of his friends, Hang Tuah made long and difficult journeys to reach Mount Rundok to meet mahaguru (grandmaster) Adi Putera to learn bersilat’s techniques. After long training and plenty of strenuous exercises, Hang Tuah continued his studies at Majapahit in the Mount Winara area with mahaguru Persanta Nala as his instructor. The knowledge he acquired through vigorous bersilat training taught him how to face an enemy and this he passed on to his followers. Many later proved to be loyal warriors to the State. The movements involved in bersilat when used for defense or on the attack can be summed up as follows:

• salutation movement (gerak langkah sembah)

• art of bodily movement, a dancelike affair in which the performer employs weapons. This is known as penchak seni tari dan seni tari bersenjata.

• avoiding movement, which Malaysians call elak mengelak

• side-striking tactics, which Malaysians refer to as tepis menipis

• kicking and falling techniques or sepak terajan

• stabbing tactics, called tikam menikam

• art of warriorship, classified by Malaysians as ilmu keperwira’an

In addition to being an excellent form of physical training, the art of bersilat has great spiritual value, serving, according to its devotees, as an important aid of enhancing one’s spiritual development. As a bodybuilder, it helps in the achievement of general fitness, it provides alertness and gives the participant the courage he needs to meet his daily challenges.


The Benefits and Brutality of Bersilat

To the people who practice these self-defense techniques, many significant benefits are offered. According to the Ministry of Culture, Youth and Sports, Malaysia and Selangor Silat Seni Gayong Association of Malaysia, the value of bersilat can be summed up as follows:
As a dance, it develops an aesthetic feeling of a cultural nature. As a form of physical training, it promotes good health, and as a form of spiritual education, it develops such qualities as calmness, tolerance, observance, mental efficiency, courage and self-confidence. An expert who specializes in the throwing and unbalancing techniques of bersilat says any Malaysian can defend himself against an attacker by using very little physical strength if he knows bersilat.

The expert, who is skillful in the use of a technique of hitting the vital spot known as seni sendi, points out that there are 12 critical nerve centers in the body. “All of these spots are vulnerable to severe pain at the slightest touch of an expert’s hand,” he says. “The technique will make an assailant react as though he had suffered an electric shock.”

According to this authority, a small man should never try to rely on his own strength when he goes up against a bigger man who happens to be a sheer brute. Instead, he should make use of the opponent’s strength for counterattacking. “If attacked,” he explains, “one must think quickly, clearly and analytically about the position one is in and how best to get out of it. All this is more or less automatic.”

As he further describes it, “Just screaming and struggling may not avert tragedy. For example, if grabbed by the throat from behind, the victim of an attack will be thrown back and probably lose his balance and fall if he becomes panicky and pulls forward. However, if he grabs the attacker’s wrist and pulls the arm away from his neck, he can flip the attacker to the ground. The confidence and know-how a bersilat performer displays is often enough to send an attacker running for dear life.”

Another self-defense technique taught to bersilat students is kunchi, a locking procedure. It’s a handy way of giving a prowler or a burglar the bum’s rush once you sense his presence and give it to him in a very painful way. If an attacker grabs his victim from the front, an expert can startle him by hitting a nerve center. The attacker will then loosen his grip and he can throw the attacker backwards by using his legs, the expert says. However, if the assailant grabs the victim by the neck from the rear, the defender can grasp one of the attacker’s fingers and bend it back. The pain is unbearable.

One of the simplest locks is to hold the attacker’s arm flat on the ground by pressing the knee on the outside of the attacker’s elbow. Once a person is pinned down, you can take all the time you need to decide what to do with the culprit. One thing is sure, the rascal will never get away.

One passing thought in the use of bersilat. Its teachers always stress that its followers must not use it to initiate an attack. It is strictly for self-defense, for counterattacking when one is in danger. Only then, they say, is one justified to use it.

Article source: http://www.blackbeltmag.com/daily/traditional-martial-arts-training/bersilat/bersilat-weds-martial-arts-and-dancing/

The Filipino Martial Arts - Kali Silat

In the Philippines, combat training methods developed to a level of efficiency unsurpassed anywhere in the world. There are over 7,000 islands in the Philippine archipelago with over 78 major languages spoken. The Filipino Martial Arts are as diverse as the islands themselves.

Martial Art of the Philippines

Kali Silat - Kali, meaning body in motion, is the Martial Art of the Philippines. Our Kali program consists of energy drills and sensitivity training utilizing hand eye coordination techniques with or without the use of weapons. Silat is the Art form of Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines. It is the art of taking down an attacker simply and directly utilizing locks, chokes and holds.

Unlike most martial art systems, both weaponry and empty hands are taught together because the principles are common to both and are inter-changeable. Armed or unarmed, the student learns to relate to any situation using the same concepts of body angling, positioning and flowing.

Depending on speed, footwork and skill rather than brute strength, this fluid and practical method of self-defense is one of the most comprehensive martial art systems known.

A Filipino Martial Art System

The Weapon of Silat Kali

Kali-Silat is a Filipino martial art and is over 1200 years old. It is tried and tested on the battlefield and is believed to be the art that killed Magellan's warriors when he landed in the Philippines. Kali incorporates empty hand and weaponry as well as specialised sections on dumog (grappling and moving the body), panantukan (Filipino boxing), pananjackman or sikaren(Filipino low-level kicking) and flow / energy drills such as hubud and Kunsi (locks and manipulations).

What is taught at Martial Art Concepts?

We practise Inosanto-Blend Kali that is taught by Guro Dan Inosanto, a martial arts legend in his own right. The blend that we teach has a strong element of knifework in it and this normally signifies a higher level of empty hand skill and technique due to the range of combat.

Kali has stood the test of time and evolved into a fantastic martial art that develops mental as well as physical skills. Kali philosophy is based on triangles and the highest triangle is based on Love, Compassion and Humility. There are many areas of Kali to study and as a modern art it serves the student well as a street defence style.

The American instructors then began to Americanize what they had learned, by adding techniques and new adaptations, and combining old systems to make a New breed of exercises and training methods. New forms and sets of movements developed. The mixing of Kali with Silat was only the beginning, By reducing the necessity of hitting the hands and sparring full contact. The arts then became available even to the very young and the old alike. Also young girls and women could now participate as well. Also the main difference that stamps a particular style is being unique and interesting to learn. And the enjoyment of the flowing movements, and the simplicity on learning the art.

Therefore, the advantage of using the best from both systems is a wonderful balance, of building a strong foundation of practical methods of self defense in weapons and empty hands, that are taught in a unique and dynamic way. In Nubreed Kali Silat one will never say one style is better than the other. All provide an excellent course of self defense training with the standard of equal skill.

Indonesia Martial Arts - Pencak Silat

Pencak silat

Pencak silat refers to more than 800 individual schools of martial arts across the 13,000 islands of Indonesia. According to legend, they were used to fight against Dutch invaders. Later outlawed by the Dutch, this hybrid system is known as pencak in Java and Bali, and silat in Sumatra. The single term pencak silat was coined after Indonesia was unified, and then accepted in 1973. Some recent silat systems have adopted the Japanese martial art tradition of denoting rank with different-colored belts. The art has become popular around the world and has also developed a sporting tradition with its own world championships.

Pencak lineage

Knowledge of the art has been passed orally from teacher to student, so written records are few. Soldiers and warriors are known to have trained in silat forms in the Srivijaya kingdom in Sumatra between the 7th and 14th centuries and in the Majapahit kingdom on Java between the 13th and 16th centuries. Yet archeological evidence suggests silat may have been used as early as the 6th century. Many silat schools trace their lineage to the Buginese warriors, a band of tough mercenaries renowned for their combat skills. When the Dutch occupied the islands between the 17th and 20th centuries, the practice went underground and reemerged only after independence in 1949. Traditional Indonesian dances and rituals are thought to contain aspects of the ancient art.

Styles and weapons

Pencak silat has no standardized techniques, partly due to the fact that differences between schools depend on the environment in which students train. So, for example, the footwork techniques of urban styles differ from those of jungle variants. The Javanese people tend to use the art as a self-defense form. Even so, training regimes all include instruction in empty-hand techniques followed by weapons training.

Weapons include some common Indonesian fighting tools, such as sticks, staves, and rods made of bamboo, steel, or wood. The "cabang" is an unusual, three-pronged knife thought to derive from the trident. The "kerambit" is a small, curved blade that women often conceal in their hair. The "sabit" is a sickle used as a blocking, striking, and slashing weapon. The "keris" is a curving blade that is washed in acid. The "tedang" is a common sword with either a single-or double-sided blade.

Master and student

The large number of distinct pencak silat schools in Indonesia are the result of extremely localized styles that have arisen when a master in a village teaches his own method. This teaching may include aspects of shamanism, animism, healing, and other spiritual practices. Most silat players train in spiritual awareness methods, learning to harness what they believe are supernatural powers.

In general, would-be students offer gifts in order to be accepted by a traditional master. These may include a knife, which symbolizes sharpness of attitude and spirit, and a roll of white cloth, which the master keeps in a sacred place and uses to wrap the corpse of the student should he be killed.

The blood of a ritually slaughtered chicken may be spread on the ground where the student expects to train this signifies the blood the student would shed in fighting had he decided not to study the art. So, the relationship of master and student becomes akin to a blood relationship, such as that between father and son.

Diverse influences

The hand and foot strikes, locking techniques, and throws suggest the art has had Indian and Chinese influence. The throws typically launched from a very low stance or a deep crouch are often thought of as the silat signature move. Between the 7th and 12th centuries, Indonesia was influenced by Mahayana Buddhism and this, together with the arts, weapons, and philosophies that Indians and Chinese introduced, helped to shape the art. Experts believe that Hindu culture and its grappling techniques influenced silat groundwork and, with the later arrival of Islam, came the distinct "jambia" the short, curved Arab dagger that probably inspired the pencak silat keris blade.

Twists of Silat

Many countries in Asia are known for their traditions and customs. These customs and cultures have are represents different forms of arts, architecture, dance form and martial arts. Most of the martial arts that are known to the world include Tae-kwondo, Judo, Karate, kung-fu and kalaripayattu. However, Silat, a martial art of form of south-east Asia is an elegant yet dangerous that is gaining acceptance.

Silat is a traditional Malaysian martial art form which is based and developed on the observations of animals like tiger, eagle and monkey. Years ago, this was practiced among many tribes in the Malay islands and they used this skill during the wars among the different tribes. During the colonial rule of British, Dutch and Portuguese, the practice of Silat was banned for avoid overthrown by a group of fighters. Therefore it was practiced in privacy by the locales. Post the World War II, the Malay people started their struggle for freedom and finally got independence. The ban from Silat was lifted and this marked the rebirth of this martial art form.


This form of art has many styles and each has some specialty associated with it. Silat schools come under the gamut of a national organization specially framed for this purpose.


There are various forms and styles of Silat but the most practiced one includes- joint manipulation, animal-based techniques, bladed weapons, and combination of others. The Malaysian region boasts of having more than one hundred styles of Silat. It is also said that approximately 20 percent of the Malaysian schools trains in various forms of Silat. This martial art form is considered to be an act of self defense, a way to achieve healthy and fit body. The interest in the martial art has been increasing among people as it not only teaches you discipline but also equip you with techniques to defend yourself.


It might be not be easy to trace the origin of Silat due lack of historical evidence. However, one can dig out the past with the help of oral historical records. It is said that this martial art form originated in the 7th Century in Sumatra Island. If fables are to be believed then it is understood that this technique was formulated by a women who once saw a fight between a bird and a tiger. After observing the combat she taught the techniques to her spouse and this is how it started spreading its root. This story has variations depending on the region where it's narrated.


The traditional clothing of the Silat comprises of a top and pair of loose pant along with a sash. This martial art form in practiced in Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, and some parts of Thailand and Philippines.

Freedom Fighter

Mat Kilau is awed and respected by his followers because of his unusual or supernatural abilities in the physical and spiritual realms

Dato' Bahaman (died 1930s in Terengganu) was a famous Malay warrior in Pahang.

SILAT: Pesaka banks on Sea Games squad

THE Malaysian National Silat Federation (Pesaka) is banking on its Sea Games gold medallists to deliver the goods at the inaugural Sydney Open Championships on Jan 23-30.

   Pesaka coordinator Osman Nok said the federation will be sending four athletes to the tournament which is set to  feature competitors from 17 nations but will,  however, be without two big names in the sport-- Thailand and Indonesia.

     Jakarta Sea Games gold medal winning trio Ahmad Sharil Zailudin, Mohd Al Jufferi Jamari, Mohd Fauzi Khalid and  silver medallist Siti Rahmah Mohamed Nasir are the four athletes going to Australia.

    "The four of them are only returning to centralised training today (yesterday) since we broke camp after the Sea Games but we do not expect that to be a problem as they are at a good level of fitness, having trained by themselves at state level," said Osman.

  "We are confident of winning three gold medals at the event but do not expect things to be easy despite Indonesia and Thailand not competing.

  "Vietnam will be our biggest rivals there but we expect the competition from Middle Eastern countries to be stiff as well. 

"Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan also can't be ruled as we have seen  them compete in the past and they have shown tremendous power, stamina and fighting spirit.

    "We are not sure what they will bring to the table this year but we will not be taking them lightly as they are a definitely a threat to any team."

    The tournament  serves as part of the national exponents preparation for the Southeast Asian   championships  in Vietnam  this July.