Keris in Silat Telapak Nusantara

In Silat Telapak Nusantara, the keris plays a very important role. It signifies the higher levels of the physical techniques and symbolises the key to opening the spiritual side of silat or kebatinan. Keris is considered a weapon which in turn contains within it multiple weapons or functions. Every inch of the keris is used fully: from the blade, the handle to the sheath, every single part.

It is considered as the earliest 'extension' of the hand before a student learns any other kind of weapon. When holding a keris, one is considered to have extended one’s limbs. It is not treated as a foreign object. It can be use to stab, slice, slash and block; and can be a very versatile weapon of offense and defense.

The first lesson of keris in Pertubuhan Seni Silat Telapak Nusantara Malaysia comes from “Bunga Bongsu” or “Silat Pengantin”. A set of form called “Keris Kosong” inside “Bunga Bongsu” is trained with such details. One must feel all the movements, seen and unseen, coming from the “Keris Kosong”.

There are many variations for hands movements that must be understood and felt. All these variations have different results in reality of applications. There are also various body and limb movements. One must feel even the slightest movement while practicing. When one’s understanding deepens, not moving must also be considered as movement.

There are also many physical and spiritual philosophies that must be applied. Breathing techniques are also essential. There are many physical, semi-spiritual and spiritual practices that must be understood and applied in perfecting one’s keris skill. When one acquires a complete understanding of keris, one can fully utilise it from tip to toe, from handle to sheath, from the blade to the “ganjah”.

Many masters use the keris as a metaphor for the human body due to its many uses, uniqueness and functions. When attacking, a keris can inflict a lot of damage to many target areas with just one movement. The handle and the sheath can be made as very good defence tools or shields to block or parry enemy attacks; either empty handed or armed.

The handle and sheath can also function very well as a dangerous weapon of attack. Some keris masters carve their handle and sheath from extremely hard wood or very fine and hard metal. This will not only make their keris look very exotic but also enable their handles and sheaths with weapon qualities. In our school's style, keris techniques are mastered to tame the keris and not to worship it. There are many cultural and Islamic manners that must be implied in it.

After mastering the “Keris Kosong”, one must train in duel the “Keris Sanggah Satu” techniques. This is the first details of the “Keris Kosong”. Instead of using only one keris for both exponent in “Keris Kosong” technique, one keris for each exponent will be used in “Keris Sanggah Satu”. Both exponents will be train to use keris against each other simultaneously.

The blade is the first part of keris to be used in “Keris Sanggah Satu” followed by other part of the keris in the next lesson. There will be 3 levels in “Keris Sanggah” or “Sanggah Keris”. Each level is unique and will emphasise different aspects of keris utilisation while perfecting the previous level. It is said that taming a keris and its techniques signify a tamed nafs or oneself or one’s desire toward Allah (swt) with the Sunnah or the way of the Prophet Nabi Muhammad (saw).

Written by Ustaz Saiful Muhammad, guru utama Silat Telapak Nusantara Sourced from http://silat-melayu.ning.com/profiles/blogs/the-keris

Kebatinan: Spirituality & Inner Strength

Most people know about spiritual or inner strength, but not many accept the fact of its existence. In the Melayu world, it is almost impossible to separate the spiritual aspect from their life practice.

The existence and practice of this unique knowledge has been influenced by diverse beliefs that have been practiced by the Melayu, before and after the advent of Islam. This element always is the core in many practices like in traditional healing methods, certain special practices, and martial arts in general, and Silat, and even in daily mundane activities.

In 'Silat', this element seems almost impossible to be separated from it. Sometimes it can be the core, even though the Silat may be perceived as just a physical form of martial art. The exponent will feel emptiness when they are without this unseen - yet powerful - element. Due to scepticism, some ignore the importance of this element by denying it completely.

Some just simply accept it without proper knowledge, and ignore the terms and conditions in learning it for the sake of getting a temporary superiority that leads to destruction. Because of their ignorance they are against human nature, and the teachings of Islam, with or without realizing it.

It is undeniable that the spiritual element contributes so much to the continuity of Silat legacy in the Melayu world. There are so many Silat styles in Malaysia, some are practicing purely spiritual Silat, and others are using the spiritual by merging it into the physical aspect. The development and spread of the spiritual world looks rapid in the world of modern and high technology nowadays. This is really an unexpected development.

There are a few basic ways or methods in practicing or training of this spiritual element. Among them are:

1. Recitation of certain special and unique words

2. Practicing a unique practice like fasting, isolating oneself or certain unique way of bathing

3. A form or just a movement known as ‘Gerak’ or ‘Jurus’.

Most experts and the Islamic scholars agree that the recitation of special words with clear meanings and the purpose of it are in accordance to Islam are allowed, even if it is in the form of a foreign dialect or language. For recitation of the zikr or verses from The Holy Quran, the source of it must be pure, and can only be taught by a well qualified person.

In most cases, the recitation of words that are not a zikr or verses from The Holy Quran, the meaning of it is often confusing. Some even mention or call to something that isn’t pure; this kind of practice must be avoided.

Many of the so-called masters of spiritual Silat don’t even have the basic qualification in teaching Zikr and verses of The Holy Quran. The pronunciations of it are being amended, or are simply not accordance in accordance to the original. The real meaning and purpose of it are far from the original, most of the time they don’t even know the source of it. Many didn’t even attain the proper qualifications from a qualified Islamic scholar. Even though all it is wrongly learn and practice it still can produce results which are impure and evil.

Practicing pure isolation can lead to leaving important daily routine and responsibilities including compulsory Islam practice. This isolation practice normally will be done in places like graveyard, caves, mountains or places that can challenge the bravery of the practitioner. It is done to cultivate the spirit of bravery, to gain special ability or to find something for certain special purpose.

Many Islamic scholars agree that practicing isolation with strict Syariat or Islam manners is permissible as long as it is for the sake of focusing on remembering Allah (swt) but not doing it for other reasons that are against Islamic teaching.

Some isolation practice fasting or special practice of starvation. During the period of fasting or starvation, the practitioner can only eat according to a specific time and can only eat special kind of selected food. There are also a special practice of bathing using flowers, limes of various kinds, special type of water and a few other remedy. There is quite a number of the said practice influenced by other belief systems that is not in accordance with Islam. Some of them are practiced separately and can also be combined with a few levels of practice.

Internal energy, spiritual strength or "kebatinan" can also be attained by practicing specific movements with special techniques or flowery movements accompanied by some other special spiritual or semi spiritual practice. There are techniques that use a minimum of movements or seemingly no movement at all. The movement can be attained by practicing the aforementioned practices or be taught by masters directly to be practiced to get the special spiritual ability.

There are many names used to name these movements. Among them are "gerak keputusan" or result movement, "jurus kebatinan" or spiritual form, "ibu jurus" or mother of spiritual form, "gerak batin" or spiritual movement and many other different names depending on the style.

The results coming out from practicing those movements can be so powerful and far beyond the effort in doing it. Many styles claim they get the result from a pure source or claim they are practicing it in accordance with Islam. It is shocking because the consequences from practicing and using very simple effortless movements can result in a very powerful outcome that is beyond logic.

There are also specific semi spiritual techniques:

1. Breathing

2. Eating

3. Special or weird practice

Breathing is among the most common practice. Scientifically, it give many benefits because it surely supplies enough and consistent oxygen to the whole body. Specific breathing systems will give more additional benefit. While doing the breathing, the spiritual ability seekers will sometimes have to focus on material or immaterial things.

Unique unimaginable eating rules like consuming specific parts of animals or plant also exist. There are practitioners that are willing to eat weird or even filthy things just to gain special spiritual ability or strength. Some of them are even willing to practice weird or unacceptable actions; that are far beyond the natural human behaviour.

For practice that is obviously wrong is easy to rectify and avoid, that is if one judge it with wisdom. To make sure the purity of thoughts and faith, delicate matters like spirituality or inner strength must always be guided by knowledgeable people especially true Islamic scholars.

Spiritual matters concern very deep and complicated knowledge and practice in the Silat world that require deeper understanding with high levels of concentration to learn and master. In choosing the best way of attaining spiritual strength and ability, the purest and safest way will always be the best. Let Islamic knowledge be the only guidance.

Recitation of zikr or verses of Quran used must have clear source and pure meaning and purpose. So are the other recitations or mantra if any. Try avoiding using mantras or other recitations that is not known as zikr or verses of Quran. There are so many recitations that come from The Companions (ra.hum) of our Prophet Muhammad (saw) and also come from The Prophet (saw) himself.

There are also recitations proven by our previous pious Islamic scholars. All these recitations are proven to be pure and effective in their own unique way. Fasting is also very good for health physically and will also improve one's spiritual state thus will develop inner strength. Fasting in accordance with the way of our Prophet Muhammad (saw) has more obvious pure physical and spiritual effects compared to any other way.

Let’s make sure that our practice is in accordance with Sunnah so that it will not be useless practise. Practicing Sunnah with knowledge and guidance surely will prevent oneself from being influenced by bad things.

We must continue focusing on such beneficial practises. Not practice that will only give super abilities for wrong purpose. Any ability attained will purely from the blessing of Allah (swt). Let the practice and ability be for the purpose in elevating oneself in becoming a better Muslim not for gaining any kind of mortal strength.

The proper function of spiritual practice or movements will be to synchronize the focus of one’s physical and spiritual self. These delicate and detailed techniques will show us how hard is it to be totally focused when doing any action. When physically and mentally aligned, the results will surprise us.

Let this be the function for spiritual Silat knowledge and practice. Due to this synchronization, the merging of all senses will result in the maximum ability of any human being. To attain this level, one must master one’s own unique movements until the movements will always be accurate no matter how spontaneous it will be. The ability to control the mind so that it can control oneself emotionally will be the next level.

The next level from merging both physical and mental is the ability in controlling the environment or situation. One must always elevate both physical and mental capacity. From here, the effectiveness of form and formlessness of action will be obvious.

If during that journey, there is any result that is beyond logic, it can never be the goal and must always make sure the effect and purity of it. No matter what will be our effort, the result will not always be there. Allah (swt) is The Almighty, The Strongest and He (swt) solely has the right to give or take anything on His (swt) creations. Let’s judge everything with clear fact that came from Quran and Hadith as core, mind to support it with guidance from pious Islamic scholars.

Don't even begin the journey of spiritual elevation in any kind without purifying our faith with proper Islam knowledge and guidance. Physical health must also be perfected, not only clinical health but healthy attitude towards The Creator (swt), creations and self. After that we can begin to start the spiritual Silat journey with physical side of it.

When the proper way is practiced, the effectiveness of just the physical knowledge will amaze oneself and others.Due to the proper manners of practice in this journey of knowledge, one will gain spiritual strength and abilities without even really starting to learn it formally. The physical aspects of Silat are very important in fulfilling the protocol of tawakkal or surrendering to Allah (swt) in defending ourselves. In realizing the way of surrendering to Allah (swt), one must not easily choose any way which is beyond logic without judging it first with knowledge and wisdom of Islam.

During the time of Prophets (as), Prophet Muhammad (saw), The Companion (ra.hum) and their successive followers, things that are beyond logic happened to them. It also happened to other pious people during their time. Let us learn the teaching from this precious history knowledge. They never want special ability or things beyond logic will not be their goal in their practice. They don't want to be occupied by it in any way.

They practice everything and live their life to please Allah (swt).Talking about things that are beyond logic, the knowledge and practice of Islam is also beyond logic with such truth, love and compassion. Some practice can't be clarified with logic. But practicing Islam to the fullest is truly a blessing and any results will always be beautiful and rewarding.

Let us focus on this special kind of spiritual knowledge and practice rather than other so called spiritual knowledge and practice that lead to uncertainty, deceit and most of the time will lead to destruction.

Written by Ustaz Saiful Muhammad Sourced from http://www.silat.tv/profiles/blogs/2043066:BlogPost:21645

Mana Hebat Orang Melayu?

Mana Hebat Orang Melayu

Jika Tanpa Mulianya Ilmu

Mana Tinggi Nilai Bangsaku

Jika Tanpa Islam Padamu

Langkah Gagah Tetap Terarah

Cara Mara Tampak Kuasa

Itulah Gagah Ilmunya Tuah

Bina Wibawa Bukan Perkasa

Silat Pencak Gayong dan Bunga

Tinggi Tertib Penuh Gemalai

Dalam Ilmu Tinggi Nilainya

Itulah Warisan Lama Dipakai

Bedil Berdentum Menggegar Bumi

Pendekar Gentar Tidak Sekali

Ilmu Kulitnya Silat Yang Murni

Islam Suci Sebagainya Inti

Apa Dicari Hebatnya Diri

Jasad Pasti Luka Dilukai

Tumpu Sebenar Pada Ilahi

Itu Hakikat Kekal Abadi

Setinggi Mana Ilmunya Silat

Niatnya Biar Untuk Syariat

Teguhlah Pada Nafi Dan Isbat

Peluk Erat Kalimah Syahadat

Sunnah Itu Paling Utama

Amal Adalah Segalanya

Silat Itu Tiada Salahnya

Salah Bila Tiada Adabnya

Adat Melayu Ada Perlunya

Adab Islam Penuh Hikmahnya

Warisan Perlu Ada Turunnya

Iman Wajib Ada Saksinya

Inilah Resmi Orang Melayu

Budi Bahasa Tinggi Pekerti

Akhlak Islam Menjadi Laku

Taqwa Taat Sudah Semesti

Ustaz Saiful Muhammad

29/6/2008

Traditionalist Vs Modernist: The End of a Paradox?

The traditional way of Silat is supposed to be flexible and adaptable because it is an art of survival, helping pesilat to survive; and the survival of the knowledge itself. It must be able to be reinterpreted at any time, into any 'language' and for any situation. It is supposed to be versatile and have a broad meaning even the old ancient traditional techniques are already more than a thousand years old.

Being a true traditional Silat master, one must be an old school, evergreen, modern, 'groovie' (can I use that word...?) and open minded person. If he can't adjust himself to evolve thus making the knowledge stuck in time, he is contributing towards the disappearance of a very precious knowledge.

There is nothing wrong with the modernisation of Silat or of any knowledge; even the modernisation of Islam knowledge. Exceptional precious knowledge are supposed to be able to modernised but with proper adab or manners and must also be done with strict guidance from an expert of that particular knowledge.

Many ancient Silat styles claim that their techniques have the beginning but not the end. How can there be an end? It cannot evolve, adapt, modernise and embrace changes otherwise; proper changes not frankensteining.

Adaptability not adoption of alien techniques or style. Being very ancient and traditional, Silat is not supposed to be carved in stone, stuck and frozen in time or having static narrow techniques. It cannot be only words or so called philosophies or concept alone. Ancient Silat has proven its effectiveness and reliability.

Everyone knows how its power of knowledge and wonder of wisdom evolves itself and it's practitioner through time. The only problem is, can we change for the better? Can we evolve? Can we learn from what we acquired? Can we attain the understanding of our own knowledge? Are we willing to be guided and embrace humility? Why are all of these important? Because these are among the ways ancient Silat survives through time and evolves, showing its wonder.

These are also the ways of a true master whilst making sure the continuity of this precious ancient knowledge of survival. Everyone must work together by merging their wisdoms so that we can gain more from what we already have, both traditionalist and modernist in the Silat world. Where did those modernists get their knowledge? What happens to the traditionalists if they don’t have any modernists as students?

We all know very well that most modernists are from new generation that learn from old traditionalist masters.

In the end, everyone needs everybody. We need each other to survive if we must protect ourselves from any harm and we need each other to make sure that this Silat knowledge can survive another many thousand years, InsyaAllah. Be humble like plain water so that one can be flexible, adaptable, precious, fluid and strong.

By Ustaz Saiful Muhammad Pertubuhan Seni Silat Telapak Nusantara Malaysia http://senisilat.net/

Control Part 2

The following article was written by Ustaz Saiful Muhammad in response to my article "Control".

Silat is supposed to be an art of control. Controlling oneself will be the fundamental in Silat. Today Silat practitioners lack this knowledge and skill of control. Today Silat practitioners, whether among beginners, experts or masters, seem to be ignoring this very important part of Silat. Many easily lose control when confronted with their own fear or anger.

Fear and anger towards others can become completely uncontrollable. Even those amongst masters can easily lose control just by a few words from others or from the opponent. Mastering Silat is supposed to assist the attainment of wisdom within oneself. Wisdom will be the key in mastering the art of control.

One is supposed to gain wisdom when the understanding of Silat is attained. Let us all ask ourselves, where is our understanding in Silat? Would it be enough just learning the knowledge of "skin" which is the physical knowledge? What is the real essence of Silat?

As Melayu, we can learn so much, too much, from our ancestors. Their history proves to us the effectiveness and efficiency of Silat knowledge as knowledge of survival. We don't need any tournament or others to recognize the wonder of Silat. We can also learn how our ancestors mastered the art of control. We are also blessed with the knowledge of Islam. Islam gave us more meaning in our life, even in Silat.

With the guidance of Islam, we gain more understanding and clearer purpose in life. The art of control will be perfected when we embrace Islam in every part of life. Why don't we look deeper in learning, understanding and spreading Silat with the wonder of Islam knowledge?

Among the most important traditions in the Silat community that has existed for more than a thousand years ago will be embracing the diverse Silat styles and philosophies. Let us share the wonder of Silat diversity. Let us stop looking towards others with such negativity. Let us master the art of control. Let us embrace Silat with the wisdom of Islam.

"Berlapang dada, bina wibawa" (Open heart, build dignity)

Written by Ustaz Saiful Muhammad

Experience And Application Of Silat Melayu

Having combat experience doesn’t necessarily improve one’s ability in Silat. In fact, sometimes real fighting or combat experience contributes extremely little to the mastering of true Silat Melayu as a whole. One must broaden one's understanding of the word “experience”, this is particularly true in Silat.

Acquisition of knowledge in diverse Silat styles can be used as a tool in improving oneself, by focusing intently on the knowledge acquired. This can be done by finding the key components in every Silat style learned, and trying to gain a deeper understanding of it. Through extensive practice and under proper guidance, one will find the best way to deepen their understanding of Silat. True understanding only comes when proper knowledge and guidance is involved.

During my first few years of training in Rumpun Seni Silat Syeikh Ali, I was instructed by my masters in a variety of very strict methods of physical, mental and spiritual training that were exceptionally difficult, but also required both a deep understanding and great determination to perform to their satisfaction. This began in 1987. I subsequently received permission to teach (known as Ijazah) the first level of Rumpun Seni Silat Syeikh Ali in 1989, almost 3 full years after I completed the first level of Silat in Rumpun Seni Silat Syeikh Ali, which is the Seni Silat Bongsu style.

During those 3 long years, I committed myself to learn, master and feel my newly acquired knowledge. This is the key to embracing the pure essence of Silat; learn, master and feel. I was asked by one of my masters, Cikgu Muhammad Khairuddin of Hulu Langat, Selangor, Malaysia, currently the Guru Besar Utama of Seni Silat Bongsu, to make Seni Silat Bongsu literally as if it were the very clothes on my back (“sebagai pakaian”) whilst in practice. In other words, it must become second nature whenever utilizing Silat.

Whilst under the tutelage of my late grandfather, Allahyarham Tuan Haji Ibrahim, the Guru Kaka and Guru Besar of Seni Silat Peninjauan, he forbade me from practicing any physical aspects or techniques of Silat. This was always the case throughout my early years of life and whenever I occasionally trained with him right up until he passed away 3 years ago at the age of 90 years old. But at the same time, I had to master my Silat, both physically and spiritually. Throughout his 60s and 70s he would always ask me to spar with him, but would never allow me to train myself in the physical techniques of Silat.

During my study-years at “sekolah pondok” (a type of traditional malay college for Islamic studies), I had the opportunity to learn more about Silat, both physically and spiritually. I met a master that was well known for his expertise and skill, named Ustaz Abang Solihin of Guar Cempedak, Kedah, Malaysia.

Even though he was a much respected Silat master and Islamic scholar, his character was remarkable for his utmost humility and simplicity, both spiritually and physically, words and actions. I had the good fortune to study his exceptional and very rare “Ilmu Jurus 17” that was famous of the deadly results achieved from its techniques and feared by many. He taught me for one week and said I had already completed the course. It is so simple but it yet took me many years after that to understand it fully and be appointed as a master of.

There were many other Silat related episodes in my life that shaped the way I look at Silat. All are unique and very precious to me. I was forced to view many different and similar things in very different ways with each following master I studied under. Many of their ways were at that time unacceptable to me, largely due to youth and, of course, ignorance. Their ways often seemed strange or startling, but were also very rewarding experiences and proved so effective in achieving the goal that I was supposed to achieve. These were among the stories of my simple and humble journey through Silat that contributed to my personal Silat evolution.

Evolution and progression (of one’s skill) in Silat can only occur when one truly focuses and reflects upon those lessons learned through the course of their Silat studies. This evolution must always be guided by true masters, both physically and mentally. Evolving in Silat is actually a personal journey for each individual. It will develop in a very unique way, and solely for that individual.

The proper traditional Silat Melayu adab (or manners) has always been not to create new styles but to teach the traditional styles, whilst only sharing the core of one’s own evolution with others. Guiding others in their own development is the traditional way that Silat Melayu has been passed down since time immemorial. Not by creating another different style.

By creating another style, one only dilutes the original Silat knowledge which always guided others towards their own unique journey of Silat anyway. This transformation, which occurs jointly by attaining proper knowledge and understanding of authentic Silat, is a wonder that has been in practice since times of yore in the Silat world. Silat is a survival art that may have a beginning but seems there is no end, with regards personal development. By creating another style, we are in fact contributing to the destruction of each individual’s chance of personal evolution in the ancient and time tested systems.

There is nothing that is not combative in Silat. From the basics (ie, tapak, kelok, buah, langkah, bunga, etc.) until the more advance techniques (e.g. rasa, rapat, sobok, gompo, tinjau and many others) everything is versatile and very effective as a combat technique. The only weakness will be in one’s own understanding and explanation of the deeper secret of Silat, physically and spiritually.

If one has the key of understanding in any martial art, there are no ineffective or useless techniques. The blink of an eye, the sound of breathing or the slightest movement will always have seen and unseen effects. Even not moving at all can be considered as an effective technique.In our Silat School style, we use the techniques of “tepat sipi, sipi lepas” when facing opponent as the fundamental of defense. “Tepat” literally means accurate, which mean assuming the accuracy of opponent strike. “Sipi” means inaccurate, which mean we will make the opponent’s strike inaccurately or missed with techniques. After doing the “sipi” we will do the “lepas” which means escape safely from any kind of current and future threat from the opponent.

In offensive mode, we will adapt the techniques of “umpan, pecah, Silat”. “Umpan” means luring the enemy in static, movements or striking but with such effectiveness that it can even end the fight if it accurately land on the opponent.

“Pecah” means breaking (while bridging) the enemy’s defense or plan mentally or if really necessary, physically. This breaking can result from “umpan” or can be done using another techniques followed after “umpan”, which is in “pecah”. “Silat” will be the final result meaning the closing in ending the fight with wisdom.

Result doesn’t necessarily come from kicking, punching or locking. It can also come from just a simple movements or not moving at all but result with severe physical or mental or spiritual effect to the opponent. “Silat” can also mean not fighting at all, just an act of wisdom in gaining victory. In fact the word “pendekar” which mean “pandai akal” literally means intelligent (“pandai”) mind (“akal”) signify a higher level of “pesilat”. The absolute truth is Silat is always about knowledge and wisdom.

Experience doesn’t necessarily mean what we want it to be. It can be just the understanding of knowledge itself, and not its applications. Development can only occur where there is a proper source of knowledge, constant practice whether in reality or training and understanding (that is the fruit of the whole process). Guidance must always be at the core of any kind of journey towards knowledge, guidance that comes from a true master, a true scholar, guidance that is in harmony with the teaching of Islam that is accepted with humility and sincerity by students.

Written by Ustaz Saiful Muhammad, President, Pertubuhan Seni Silat Telapak Nusantara Malaysia