Guru Mazlan man stood in a neutral stance, hands at his side, feet side by side, a natural and relaxed stance, which is the starting point of all Silat Kalam movements. I threw a punch at his face. He blocked my punching arm, knocking it skyward. Next, he drove his knee into the tendons at the back of my knee joint. He was only going at a quarter speed, but the pain was incredible. After 50 years of martial art practice, the Guru was perfect. In every movement, I could feel his bones cutting through my flesh and digging into my nerves.
He placed his shin bone against the back of my knee and leaned forward. I had no choice but to fall down, on one knee. Next, he stomped down hard on my calf muscle which was flat on the ground. Then he backhanded me in the face, and I fell backward. My body was completely locked. My own natural skeletal structure had betrayed me. The only way I could stand back up was if the Guru removed his foot from my calf muscle and then reached a hand down, to help me stand.
This was Silat Kalam, an art designed to completely subdue an attacker, but never to be used as an attack.
“I breathe because of God. I drink because of God. I eat because of God. I practice Silat because of God.” This is a portion of the mantra which Guru Mazlan Man had the students recite on a daily basis. He explained his philosophy this way. “We must remember that we only do things because of God. And if we only do things because of God, we will not do bad things. You cannot say, I steal because of God.”
Brooklyn Monk, Antonio Graceffo heads to Malaysia to explore the martial arts of this fascinating peninsula. The population of Malaysia is composed largely of Chinese, Tamil, and Melayu people, all of whom have their own distinct brands of martial art.
Silat is the Melayu art, but each guru teaches his or her own, unique brand of the arts. Some focused on grappling, some on knife fighting, some on meditation, others on striking.
In Kuala Lumpur, Guru Azlan Ghanie teaches an internal style of Silat which stresses acomplete exercise program, similar to Tai Chi, which works all parts of the body, the joints and muscles, and includes breathing exercises.
At higher levels, students work with the curved Malaysian blade, the Keris. Azlan also teaches simple, effective self-defense techniques which require little or no energy. The art is extremely good for women and older people, but the health benefits are invaluable for anyone and everyone.
Antonio Graceffo is a martial arts and adventure author living in Asia. He is the author of the book, “The Monk from Brooklyn” and the host of the web TV show, “Martial Arts Odyssey,” which traces his ongoing journey through Asia, learning martial arts in various countries.
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Contact him: Antonio@speakingadventure.com
His website is www.speakingadventure.com
This episode was edited by Antonio Graceffo and features the official Martial Arts Odyssey intro and outro by Andy To.
After scouring the internet for my favourites Silat videos, I've decided to share those that I felt were of good quality and provide accurate and good depictions of silat. I've compiled them together into a blog at Silat Melayu Videos.
I will update the blog with videos that I find interesting and necessary. I'll also post latest updates here everytime there's a new video.
On 10th May 2008, Perguruan Silat Melayu Keris Lok 9 held a seminar on 'Sembah Salam DiRaja - Adat, Adat & Istiadat' where participants were enlightened about the Melayu Royalty, cultures and heritage which originated thousands of years ago blended with the best of societies's high moral and ethnic values.
Through the years, the Melayu race and culture expanded from Sind in Nothern India and Hadramaut in Southern Arabia inheriting along the way, fine cultures of the Tartars, Nablus and even Turks.
In the 13th and 15th century, the Melayu Kingdom of Pasai and Melaka respectively signified the majesticity of the Melayu race. The Melayu empire went on to expand throughout the Melayu Archipelago. There are less than 25 monarchies left in today's world. 10 of them are in Malaysia and Brunei. In short, the Melayu race were exposed to the high and noble Brahmin cultures while holding steadfastly to the faith of Islam.
The imperial glories of Pasai (Northern Sumatra) and Melaka have long past us but we still have the present monarchies and values that we must serve and uphold with our lives.
"Tak Melayu hilang didunia".
The way we interact and address others, the clothings that we used to wear, the finesse of our craftsmanship, the humbleness and bravery of a God fearing race seem to have faded away in today's Melayu society. We like to think that we will live forever in this world. Acquire wealth, enjoy life and forget about sins.
When the time comes for us to die, we suddenly realise or even not, that it was all worthless unless we leave behind 3 things, knowledge which benefit others, children who never fail to pray for us and wealth which we have provided for those in need. Nevertheless, the one unique thing which differentiates the Melayu race from others is Silat.
The night before seminar, Guru Azlan Ghanie of Silat Melayu Keris Lok 9 extended an invitation for Guru Dahlan's Silat Setiabakti to perform during their 'selempang' awards ceremony on the next night. Only Cikgu Hamidi of Silat Setiabakti came along with Guru Dahlan for this seminar.
It was fine if Cikgu Hamidi had performed the Langkah Panglima of Silat Setiabakti alone. I suddenly came up with an idea, why don't we perform as two Silat systems and 'clash' as one? The idea was accepted. Seni Silat Setiabakti performed on one stage with Seni Silat Gayang Lima.
Alhamdulillah, the presentation went well and I humbly extend the video footage for your viewing pleasure. Please pardon the poor quality though. Until next time, Wassalam.
The following is an excerpt of an interview with Mark V. Wiley, a respected researcher of Asian Martial Arts, especially Kali. The interview by Alan Orr concerned his experiences training in Asia and meeting amazing masters. In this excerpt, he details his encounter with Raja Aziz Laksamana Hoja Andak of Kegayungan Acheh Helang Putih. The full interview is available here.
"The third encounter concerns Silat Master Raja Aziz. It was during my third research/training trip to Malaysia that I met Raja Aziz, the Pendakar of the White Eagle Silat style. I had studied several silat systems and met many masters over the years, but as a budding anthropologist was increasingly more interested in the spiritual aspects of these arts. Few non-Muslims are allowed to witness such things, especially in Malaysia, but I was determined, even though thus far I was only given demonstrations of the physical art and lectured on its history, philosophy and spiritual aspects.
"It happened by accident that while I was talking with Azlan Ghanie, the publisher of "Seni Beladiri" magazine in Kuala Lumpur, that Raja Aziz came by to pay him a visit. After some introductions, I conducted an extended interview with him. This was followed by picture and video taking of his techniques with empty hand and kris. I then asked for a demonstration of White Eagle Silat’s inner power and spiritual aspects, and Raja Aziz agreed.
"With little fan-fare, he murmured some phrases in Malay, gathered his spirit and his body started shaking. He then crouched into a stance and extended his arms and when he looked up at me he let out a loud yell, like that of an eagle.
"As sure as I am alive, it appeared to me (and Ron Beaubian, my fellow researcher from Japan) as if he actually turned into an eagle before my eyes! His body seemed to grow wings and his face a beak and feathers and he looked as if he was about to soar above the clouds. He continued this for some time and then relaxed back into "human" form. I was shocked and dumbfounded.
"Everybody present laughed, including myself (though nervously). I asked him how he was able to capture the spirit of the eagle and transform himself into it before my very eyes. Raja Aziz said it was the result of a lifetime study and religious practice and belief. His art was that of the white eagle, and only the true pendekar can become one with the bird. I was finally convinced such levels existed outside of fantasy and the stories of zealous students.
"In short, I continue to travel the world in search of great masters, and while many are great technicians and some great fighters, not many can manifest the true levels of what I consider "mastery." Such experiences as the three mentioned here (among others) leave me with the knowledge that only through proper and dedicated training in connection with a clear conscience and centered mind, can such high levels of martial art be attained. Perhaps one day I will be fortunate to reach such levels."
Below is the story of how Hang Tuah killed his brother in arms, Hang Jebat. The account is difficult to verify, but many Melayu believe in the story implicitly. There are several variants to the tale, but I've selected the most popular one and provided video links to how several movies portrayed the battle. Salam persilatan.
The Story Hang Jebat was the closest companion of the legendary Melayu hero Hang Tuah. He is well known for his vengeful rebellion against the Sultan of Melaka whom he served.
After Hang Tuah was sentenced to death, Hang Jebat was conferred by the Sultan of Melaka with the Taming Sari, a sacred keris formerly used by Hang Tuah. Believing that Hang Tuah was unjustly murdered by the Sultan he served, Hang Jebat turned against the Sultan to avenge his friend's death. No one knew, however, except the Bendahara who went against the Sultan's orders and hid Hang Tuah in a remote region of Malacca that he was still alive.
With the keris in his possession, Hang Jebat became invincible and there was not one person in the entire Melaka Empire who was capable of killing him. Hang Jebat's revenge had forced the Sultan of Melaka to abandon his palace. Jebat seduced the women of the palace and spent his days eating, drinking and sporting with them.
All the warriors sent by the Sultan to challenge him were killed.Even his friend Hang Kasturi was driven out when Hang Jebat realized that the other man hadn't come to join him in merrymaking.
After learning from the Bendahara that Hang Tuah was still alive, The Sultan had him recall Hang Tuah and gave Hang Tuah full amnesty. The Sultan then ordered Hang Tuah to kill Hang Jebat. Being unquestioningly loyal to the Sultan, Hang Tuah obeyed the Sultan's biddings and went on to challenge Hang Jebat.
After fighting in a battle that lasted for seven days, Hang Tuah eventually managed to reclaim the Taming Sari by tricking Hang Jebat. Although stabbed by Tuah, Hang Jebat bandaged his wounds and ran amuk in the city square for three days, killing thousands of people before retreating to Tuah's house and dying in his friend's arms.
Hang Jebat's famous quote was "Raja adil raja disembah, raja zalim raja disanggah" which literally means "A fair king is a king to obey, a cruel king is a king to fight against".
After the fight, The Sultan ordered his men to tear down, burn and throw the ashes of the house into the sea. Two months later, when a lady of the Bendahara's retinue gave birth to Jebat's son, the sultan ordered Hang Tuah to throw the baby into the sea as well. Instead, the laksamana entrusted the child, Hang Kadim, to the Bendahara.
Right now, most of the people agree that Hang Jebat was actually a very good man that put his friends first before him especially Hang Tuah as he treat Hang Tuah more like a brother and not just a friend.
Furthermore, in the story Hang Tuah was sentenced to death because he was accused of having affair with the royal servants which is forbidden at that time. Because of that he purposely seduced the woman of the palace. He stand because of his friends and he died on his friend's hand.
Well, I did some searching and found the Fight Quest Pencak Silat episode on YouTube. This makes Human Weapon look like a Saturday morning cartoon. I'm still waiting for generous American friends to send me a copy of the episode.
I've arranged the YouTube clips in sequence of interest. Beware of the last one if you have no stomach for blood. Avoid it totally if your kids are watching!
Stomach conditioning (Ouch!)
Prepping for the fight
Tongue cutting (!) Not for kids and the weak of heart! You have been warned!
Silat Seni Gayong in Malaysia owes a huge debt to its founder, Allahyarham Datuk Meor Abdul Rahman Uda Hashim for creating such a buzz in the Melayu mind.
He singlehandedly revived interest in Silat at a time when Silat only meant a traditional dance. There was even a time when the word Silat was synonymous with Datuk Meor and Gayong.
The following video is a tribute to him and his students, for carrying Gayong to such a pinnacle.
Semoga Allah merahmati rohnya dan roh murid-muridnya yang sudah pergi meninggalkan kita
Here are some outtakes from the Lian Padukan shoot of Human Weapon: Silat, The Martial Art of Malaysia. The producers didn't allow any footage to be published before the episode aired. There were some pretty embarassing moments that never made it to the final cut, including the real reason Jason and Bill wore chest protectors.
They also have photos of the shoot. Look out for the one where the crew try to break 'buah keras' with their bare hands. Click on the link below to view their gallery.
From the oral traditions of our elders, the progenitor of this style was Tuan Sheikh Ali, an Islamic scholar and master of Islamic studies who visited the Sumatran Islands long before its foreign occupation.
During this time, Islam had just arrived to that region of Indonesia. Aside from teaching the locals of the truth of Islam, he also taught them a martial art form, which he developed, derived from experience and inspiration.
Such inspiration repeatedly came to him whenever the need to defend himself arose, and thus the art developed further. There were 7 distinct stages of development in this style, which currently makes up the 7 levels of proficiency. Each level imparts different methods, techniques, and philosophies.
The final development in this style is the level named Silat Bongsu, which is the most simplified and versatile form. Silat Bongsu is the core of the total understanding of all Silat styles founded by Tuan Sheikh Ali. Because of this, Silat Bongsu is also known as the ‘Ibu Silat’ or ‘mother’ of our Silat styles.
After Tuan Sheikh Ali, several masters succeeded him. They are, in chronological order:
1. Guru Qodim
2. Katik Pasok
3. Muhammad Soleh
4. Malim Siroh
5. Pendekar Rohim (Pendekar Lima)
6. Atuk Haji Husin
There are also higher levels that are more expansive and require a deeper understanding to learn. These advanced Silat styles function as the expansion and refinement of Silat Bongsu. Among the masters of these levels are:
1. Bapak Buyong
2. Tuan Haji Deris
3. Ustaz Ramli
4. Che Mail Kedah
5. Pak Haji Harun
6. Haji Nong Bugis
7. Tuan Haji Shahrom
There are many more masters not listed here. Most of them have passed on, and a few others no longer teach.
Nowadays, pesilat learn and master only a glimpse of the Tuan Sheikh Ali Silat style due to the changes and demands of the modern lifestyle. To master all of the levels of this style, it takes at least 7 full years of consecutive daily studying. To be a good pesilat or gain the basic knowledge of a warrior, one must master at least the first 3 levels.
Long ago, this style of Silat spread far and wide, though always fragmented or under the influence of separate ‘perguruan’ (school), and never taught in its original complete format. Now, this priceless heritage has once again re-emerged in its original form and is being studied, strengthened and fused systematically within our organization.
Although each style or development within Silat Sheikh Ali comes from the same source, they are still unique and have their own identities. Each development contributed to the diversification of techniques, group identity, or even style identity, within our Silat school. Some styles previously had no name but were given them by the masters of each particular style. Among the unique names known are:
1. Silat Bongsu
2. Seni Silat Natar
3. Silek Natar Tuo
4. Seni Silat Sheikh Ali
5. Seni Silat Telapak Natar
6. Gayong Mendahiling
7. Silat Minang Sheikh Ali
8. Silek Tuo Sheikh Ali
9. Seni Silat Nuntoro
10. Seni Silat Sobok
11. Seni Silat Melayu Sheikh Ali
As previously mentioned, Seni Silat Bongsu is the name of the final version or development of Sheikh Ali's Silat style and has now become the first level in our instruction. It is appropriate in terms of the technique, application, and philosophy of this unique style. Our organization now strives to find and systematically merge all Tuan Sheikh Ali Silat styles, whilst at the same time preserving the authenticity of each one. No techniques from other styles of any kind, form or formless can be implemented in perfecting our styles. This action will not be tolerated, especially if the techniques are being practiced without permission.
In the quest to achieve the highest level of skill and understanding, a strict set of rules and regulations must be obeyed. All weaknesses and strengths must be accepted, utilized fully, and - if necessary - perfected in their own way. An open mind with a kind heart must be demonstrated at all times towards the whole of humanity. By accepting one's weakness, one has already achieved the basics in achieving greater perfection. That is the ultimate goal, unachievable as it may seem to some.
This article was sourced from http://senisilat.net
