Silat Cekak and Silat Kuntau Tekpi: A Comparative Look

Silat Cekak (as founded by Ustaz Hanafi) and Silat Kuntau Tekpi are related in many ways, the least of which is their Kedah connection. First off, both arts claim lineage to the palace arts of Kedah, and cite certain General-governors, or Panglima as their ancestors. Silat Cekak claims Panglima Ismail as the earliest of their lineage while in Silat Kuntau Tekpi, that honour is given to Panglima Taib. It is unknown what their status are in the official Kedah records. Panglima Ismail was said to have served beginning 1804 and passed down the art to Panglima Tok Rashid. Panglima Taib served up to 1879 and passed down his art to his daughter, Aminah. Thus, it is possible that both Panglima Ismail and Panglima Taib met as elder and junior warriors or not at all. Further down the line, the lineage holder of Silat Cekak beginning 1920, Yahya Said (studied from Panglima Tok Rashid) and the lineage holder of Silat Kuntau Tekpi, Zainal Abidin Endut (grandson of Panglima Taib) were both related by family and often met, although it is unknown if they ever studied from each other. Silat Cekak and Silat Kuntau Tekpi share similar philosophies, parrying idioms and methods of striking and locking. Both await attacks in a high stance, both subscribe to close body parrying and locking. Both arts are loosely based on the idiom of Salat, the Muslim prayer form. In Cekak, there are four basic parrying methods: Kaedah A, based on Du'a (supplication) Kaedah B from Qiam (standing with arms folded) Kaedah C from Ruku' (bowing with hands on knees), and Kaedah D from Takbir (hands in surrender position). Tekpi on the other hand has six basic parries: Du'a Takbir Luar Takbir Dalam Ruku' Cengkam Harimau, and Tahiyat. They even share many buah, similar in look and form. For example Ali Patah Atas (Cekak) and Kembang Layar (Tekpi), Kuntau Kanan Gantung (Cekak) and Ubah Haluan (Tekpi), Kilas Belakang (Cekak) and Kilas Maut (Tekpi) and in fact, even share one buah name - Pasung Kemanga, which in reality are mirror versions of each other: One locks the left arm while the other locks the right arm. The exact same buah, but reversed. Other than this, Cekak and Tekpi differ quite a bit. Cekak has no bunga component and subscribes to modern warm-up and stretching methods, while Tekpi still has its Pelebat, an undulating dance form that serves as a traditional exercise. The Cekak syllabus is broken down into four phases: Basics, Takedowns, Recounters and Graduation. In the first four phases there 21 buah are gradually built upon. The Tekpi syllabus is broken down into four belts: White, Yellow, Red, Brown and Black. White and Yellow belts each have 21 different buah (which makes 42), in Red are the 5 Pukulan buah and the Tekpi exercises and usage of Tekpi in the previous 42 buah, while the Brown and Black belts are considered advanced levels for senior instructors. Cekak has the Lading as its official weapon while Tekpi has its namesake as its normalised weapon.This sort of comparison would make a very interesting thesis or research paper, especially if we include the other claimed descendants of Silat Kedah such as Silat Kalimah, Silat Palintau, Silat Gelombang Acheh, etc, etc. Unfortunately, undertaking such a project would take years and needs to cut across national, political and emotional boundaries. I would be open to anyone who would like to share their resources to pilot such a project.

How Much Is Silat Worth?

I had an interesting discussion with a friend once who said that the biggest difference between traditional silat and modern silat is that traditional silat doesn't ask you to pay anything to study it, but modern silat does.

He says that this corrupts the authenticity, the keaslian of silat. However, he concedes that the guru also needs his livelihood and should take a token, but not too much. Problem is, how much is too much? I know Silat Serimau Hitam in Perak charges RM0.50 a month, Silat Kuntau Tekpi in certain areas charges RM4.00 a month and Silat Melayu Keris Lok 9 charges RM50 a month. Is there anything wrong with making a living out of silat? Meaning, actually getting good income from teaching.

There are many karate and taekwondo masters who have become quite rich just by establishing schools all over the place. In Malaysia, because the late Datuk Meor started the trend of teaching silat through an organisation, everyone else followed suit. However, in the West, most martial arts styles are taught as part of a private business entity.We've started doing something similar, but I wonder, how many people will actually allow that this will tarnish the authenticity of silat?

Financial Contradiction?

University students gripe over RM10.00 a month for 16 hours of quality training but have no qualms spending RM100 on smokes or phone bills. It seems as if the accessibility of silat is making them take the arts for granted. "Bila dah jadi kacang putih, mana-mana pun boleh jumpa". Spending RM10 a day is no longer a problem, in fact RM50 a day, on practically nothing.

Strangely, there are traditional arts out there who maintain their authenticity, but have started charging an arm and a leg. The effect? More and more students flock to their door, not minding how much they have to pay.

Three examples: gurus Jak Othman, Azlan Ghanie and Dahlan Karim. Guru Jak started the seminar routine on a large scale in Malaysia, mostly because this is how the Westerners prefer to do it, since they have to travel long distances and sacrifice time to learn. The result? They often go home satisfied and they practise what they learnt well, because they had sacrificed so much for it.

Guru Azlan originally gave away his knowledge for free (and in fact, for people who show real enthusiasm, he still does this) but people just came and left almost immediately. Since his time as a publisher and researcher was being taken up by these sporadic training freebies, his income started to suffer, and then he decided to do it more professionally and actually charged more than what a normal Taekwondo class would charge. The result? He has a strong following among many martial artists who have no qualms about paying to know what he knows. (Of course, having his own martial arts magazine helps, too)

Guru Dahlan too originally charged a small sum, but eventually saw the logic of holding out. Now, Setiabakti has become a well known style (thanks in part to his consistent articles in a local magazine) and students from all over Malaysia come for his classes and seminars.

Happily, these masters have comparatively less financial stress than many of the other silat masters I've met, who have taken quite readily to joining multi-level marketing schemes, dubious investment 'opportunities' and commission-taking to keep their heads above water.

Ikhlas vs Money

If 'sincerity' (ajar biar ikhlas) is an issue with this, then I personally believe, it's difficult to be sincere in teaching silat when your wife and children are suffering from hunger. The reality is, the Melayu society is one of contradictions. On the one hand, they will pay through the nose for state of the art medical procedures for their ailments, but won't pay 'traditional' masters their due.

This attitude is based on the Melayu's so-called understanding of 'sincerity' in Islam. They think that by not paying a master for his services, or only a small fee, they are helping him to be 'ikhlas'. The fault, in my opinion, belongs to both master and student/ customer. There are masters who have attained perfection in their Ikhlas and will accept gifts, money and others for their services, but will not ask for them.

These people are no longer attached to the world, receive sustenance by other means and suffer no worry whatsoever. There are masters who are still trying to perfect their Ikhlas, and most all will say this, even if they're already in the first category. They will never accept payment or money, or sometimes only accept gifts for their family, etc. But most find it either offensive or embarrassing that you even offered it to them.

And then, there are those who pretend to attain Ikhlas (or really believe that they are trying) but the evil in their souls keep jumping out whenever someone gives them less than they expect. "Wah, so little, ah...?" their hearts cry. Because Melayu culture has long been entwined with Islam, the general concensus is that since Islam is sacred, Melayu culture too is sacred and cannot be bartered with money.  This stems from the idea that money and wealth is evil. (That's a whole discussion on its own). 

The second player in this scenario is the student/ customer of such masters. Since the Melayu have encountered all three types of masters above, they naturally want to 'help'. So, you hear things like "He doesn't like to receive a lot of money" and end up giving the old man a couple of ringgit and a packet of biscuits for his time and effort.

My solution, for students/ customers: Ikhlas is a matter between the master and Allah. Leave out of it. Pay the man what he is worth.

And for the masters: If you want to be appreciated for your effort, then tell your students/ customers how much you expect to be compensated for the time they are taking away from your family, whom you are supporting. Time that could be better spent looking for ways to keep them in rice and clothes.

Nation’s first non-Melayu to get silat title

In action: Silat lincah members putting up a demonstration for the guests.

Inspired by old Malay movies of Hang Tuah and Hang Jebat, K. Ganesan took up silat as a young boy and is now an exponent of the martial art.

On Saturday, the Penang businessman was conferred the title of silat lincah chief instructor, making him the first non-Melayu in the country to receive it at the national-level silat lincah assembly and award ceremony in Kepala Batas.

Silat, a martial art mostly known in the Melayu archipelago, is usually practised by Melayu.

“My interest in silat started when I was schooling. I used to watch warrior movies set in the Melaka Sultanate period,” said Ganesan who has been involved in silat lincah for more than 10 years.

Not contented with mastering the skills, Ganesan also opened a silat court to teach students. The court is housed in a building in Paya Terubong and he currently has 30 Melayu and Indian students learning silat lincah.

“One of my business ventures is a dance studio which teaches modern and classical dances. I’ve encouraged my students there to take up silat lincah because it teaches values like discipline and self-control. Silat is more or less a form of dance,” he explained.

Famous silver screen actress Datuk Sarimah Ahmad received the Highest Honorary Sash and dashing screen legend Senator Datuk Dr Jins Shamsuddin received the Honorary Sash.

Sarimah, 65, who started practising silat lincah in the early 1970s, said her ancestors were silat practitioners.

“I have 30 grandchildren - 16 girls and 14 boys - and most of them practise silat lincah,” she said, adding that she still had the semangat (force) in her despite her age.

Jins, 72, said silat was one acting skill that actors must acquire in the 1960s.

“I had to go to Singapore to learn silat. Those days, many Melayu movies involved silat and I have acted in more than 10 such movies.

“You have to know your silat , otherwise you will look very stiff in the movie. I learnt silat gayung, silat harimau and many more. An actor was required to be versatile and we fought with real keris, pedang (sword) and lembing (spear),” reminisced this veteran actor whose famous role as daredevil spy Jefri Zain earned him the distinction as Malaysia’s James Bond.

He described silat as an art and a part of the country’s heritage.

“We should understand our culture and heritage. Artistes today should pick up silat to understand the real meaning of art. It trains us to be better people, have self control and not do things against our religion,” he said.

Yang diPertua Negri Tun Abdul Rahman Abbas and Pertubuhan Seni Silat Lincah Malaysia leader and founder Datuk Omardin Mauju presented the awards.

Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon and state exco member Datuk Jahara Hamid were both awarded the Highest Honorary Sash while Putera Umno chief Datuk Azeez Abdul Rahim received the Honorary Sash.

By Yeng Ai Chun
Sourced from http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/5/16/north/17716879&sec=north

Silat Pusaka Gayong gaining popularity with teens

No holds barred:Two female exponents using sticks to demonstrate attacking and defensive moves during the 'Buka Gelangang' ceremony at SM Teknik Balik Pulau.

Silat gayong (traditional martial arts) is gaining popularity among teena-gers in Balik Pulau, Penang, thanks to a training programme held at Balik Pulau Sports Complex.

About 100 youths throng the complex every Wednesday and Saturday to learn the skills from experts. After mastering basic skills, they will proceed to the advanced stage.

Persatuan Seni Silat Pusaka Gayong Malaysia Sungai Ara branch chairman Rusli Hashim said the programme was gaining popularity among the younger generation because of ongoing promotional activities.

“We are aggressively promoting this martial art among students. With the support from school authorities, many young talents have signed up for the programme in recent months,” he said.

Rusli said the response from the students, especially from secondary schools, had been very encouraging.

“Silat gayong also promotes self-discipline and mutual respect. Even parents support this programme because it keeps their children from being involved in undesirable activities.

“That is why we have extended the classes to many schools, especially those in Balik Pulau,” he said.

“Sungai Ara is the main location for silat gayong activities on Penang island,” he said.

He said the association had 200 members comprising school students and adults. Rusli added that classes were also conducted in Batu Uban Sports Complex.

“A person can go far in life with discipline and sense of respect. The training sessions also provide an avenue for the participants to hone leadership skills. It also helps boost self confidence,” he said.

By Nik Khusairi Ibrahim
Sourced from http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2007/4/11/north/17221248&sec=North

Man faces molest charge

KLANG: An assistant silat instructor was charged yesterday with molesting one of his students.

Selamat Md Said, 46, was alleged to have used criminal force to molest a 22-year-old between 11pm and midnight on March 15 last year.

Magistrate Mujid Saroji set bail at RM3,500 in one surety and fixed April 25 for mention.

Two weeks ago, silat master Baharrudin Zakariya, 54, whom Selamat was assisting, was charged with raping two students, aged 20 and 14.

Sessions Court judge Zunaidah Mohd Idris set bail at RM20,000 pending mention on April 12.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-160789272/man-faces-molest-charge.html

Previews of Filem Negara documentaries from Silat.TV

Fans of Silat Kuntau Tekpi and Pekiti Tirsia Kali will know guro Omar Hakim, them man who is currently actively promoting these two arts in the United States. Among his projects to bring South East Asian culture into the American consciousness is the producing of books and DVDs for sale.

Avid readers of this blog (are there any more?) will remember that I announced way back when that Omar's website http://silat.tv will sell these books and DVDs online. Well, a couple of months ago, he posted three videos on YouTube that include snippets of the films he will release soon. They are all Filem Negara Malaysia-produced documentaries on silat in Malaysia.

To view these videos, click here.

Viet Nam defends world championship in pencak silat

Ha Noi, March 13 (VNA) - Vietnamese pencak silat artists dominated in eight out of 10 categories for men and three categories for women at the world competition in Singapore with 11 gold medals, successfully defending their championship title.

Competing in only combat events at the World Junior Pencak Silat Championship from March 9-12, 16 Vietnamese artists also brought home three silvers and two bronzes.

Malaysia came in second with four golds.

More than 200 athletes from 15 countries competed at the Championship.

Sourced from http://www.accessmylibrary.com/article-1G1-160570914/viet-nam-defends-world.html