The Indonesian Martial Arts

Techniques Against Armed Attack in Cingrik

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 01:38:00 +0000

METHOD A
In #1, the assailant (on right) is standing with his left side to the camera, and his right hand, though empty for the purpose of the illustration, could easily be holding a weapon with which to strike at the defender, whose responses may well be the same whether the hand is empty or not. Two methods of defense will illustrate this point.

The defender has already, in #1, intercepted the assailant's right arm with a sweeping open-handed catch of that arm from the inside, using his left hand to grasp the attacking arm between the elbow and the wrist. Following Method A, the defender pulls the assailant's attacking arm forward and downward, thus jerking him off-balance and forwards. The defender simultaneously strikes with his opened right hand, using a knife-edged formation, at the assailant's head (#2). The assailant's reaction to this blow is one of shock as he, at the same time, attempts to resist the forward movement imposed on him by the defender. This he does by straightening his body and leaning backward, putting himself off balance backwards. Even had the defender's intended blow fallen short, the combined action would have had the all important effect of moving the assailant back. The defender utilizes this reaction of the assailant to throw him backwards to the ground. He does so by putting his right leg behind the assailant's right leg and, using the combined power of both his arms, forces the assailant further backward over the outstretched leg (#3).

Note that the defender does not step forward until he has obtained a rearward movement from his enemy. This is a safeguard: if the assailant does not react by moving backward, the defender is still in a position to deliver a forward snap-kick into the groin of his enemy.

Pencak Silat Training Exercise 15

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 19:21:00 +0000

This Mustika Kwitang exercise demonstrates how exponents of that style deliver their particular version of a punching action to the enemy's midsection, and at the same time it shows the trainee how to develop correct breath control and muscular contraction to enable him to withstand the punch. In order to understand this exercise, the trainee must realize that the standard thrust punching action of Mustika Kwitang differs from that of most other styles in that the punching arm is never fully extended (# 1). For that reason, many pencak-silat countermeasures that are effective against a fully extended punching arm fail when the enemy is a Mustika Kwitang exponent. The punch is delivered by an arm positioned alongside the operator, fist held palm facing the body just below breast level and well forward of the hip. The fist does not smash completely into the target but stops a bit short of a full-arm extension in a particular position that might be called an upright fist, or a standing fist. This method of punching requires that the operator be a hit closer to his target than if he were using a fully extended arm.

The receiver of the attack assumes a straddle stance, upright, arms hanging naturally at his sides; he does nothing to counter the punch about to be delivered by his training partner, who places himself so that he needs to take only one step forward (right step illustrated) to strike the target correctly. The target area should be that of the hard stomach muscles, not the solar plexus (# 2-# 3). The power of the punch must, of course, be built up gradually, so that it may finally be delivered and withstood at maximum strength and velocity. The partner who is to receive the attack balances solidly on both legs; he takes a full breath, swelling his abdominal region, then releases a small amount of air and tenses his stomach muscles.

Pencak Silat Training Exercise 14

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 19:22:00 +0000

A Perisai Diri countermeasure to the tactic described in Training Exercise 13-A, this exercise continues Training Exercise 12.

METHOD. You and your training partner face each other; he is in a right “dragon” combative posture, his right arm raised high; you are in a “tiger” combative posture, both hands raised defensively in front of you, palms open (#1). Your partner leaps around your left side and tries to hook your neck with his right hand preparatory to pulling you to the ground (#2-#3). You counter with an evasive wheeling action, turning quickly to your right, pivoting on your right foot and coming around 180° to escape his pull (#4-#5). Protect your body with your hands to avoid a possible kicking attack from him. If he assumes a new combative posture (such as in # 6) and if you rush at him in a straight-line fashion, you may fall victim to a side thrust kick (#7).

Pencak Silat Training Exercise 13

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 20:23:00 +0000

This is another Perisai Diri exercise designed to develop the evasive skills described at the beginning of Training Exercise 12, but completing that maneuver with more severe measures.

METHOD A. At any appropriate time, as you complete the jumping tactic described in Training Exercise 12 (# 4), hook your left hand in beak hand fashion (see # 1 and Fig. 6) around the left side of your partner's neck, at the same time lifting your right leg (# 2). Step to your right and swing your partner circularly to your left rear as you put your right foot onto the ground. After he falls, finish him with a knife-edge hand strike to his neck or to the side of his head (# 3).

METHOD B. As preparation for the toppling action, put your left hand to his face and with a tiger claw hand simulate a gouging action to the eyes and soft tissues of his face (# 4).

METHOD C. Again, using the tiger claw hand, grasp your partner's head with both hands and swing him backward to the ground; simulate twisting his neck with a sharp wrenching action (# 1-# 3). # 4illustrates the Harimau pencak-silat equivalent.

Pencak Silat Training Exercise 12

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:24:00 +0000

This is a composite exercise which takes the single skills learned in Training Exercises 9-C and 11, adding to them one more evasive tactic. This exercise is typically one of the Perisai Diri style. It must be done with staccato rhythm.

METHOD: Evade your partner's right arm thrust to your midsection or face (# 1). As he continues his attack, trying to butt you with his shoulder and strike a fist into your groin, evade him again (# 2-# 3). These are the precise actions of Training Exercise 11. From your partner's position in # 3, he tries to backhand you with his right elbow or fist. As he does this, jump forward around behind his right side, stepping with your right leg first; block his attacking right arm with your left hand, palm open, and/or your right forearm, pushing hard against his attacking arm from above his elbow (# 4). As he turns clockwise to face you, move quickly once again around his right side and to his rear (# 5). As he turns again, both of you come finally face to face; your combative posture is that of the tiger, his that of the dragon (# 6).

Pencak Silat Training Exercise 11

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:26:00 +0000

Perisai Diri exponents use this exercise to develop rapid responses to close infighting tactics. A rhythmic exercise, linking those skill? learned earlier to yet another action. The entire sequence provides a valuable drill.

METHOD. Face your training partner. As he lunges forward and thrusts his right arrowhead fist at your midsection, execute the evasive action of Training Exercise 9, as shown in # 1. Your partner continues his attack by trying to drive his shoulder into your midsection and then striking you in the groin with his back or bottom fist (shown) as you back away (he is using Training Exercise 10) just as is shown in # 2. At his attack, jump lightly to your left rear corner by pivoting on your left foot and carrying your right leg around behind you. Both of your hands push simultaneously, knife edges against his attacking right arm, just above the elbow (# 3). Use his force of attack as resistance to propel yourself backwards into a left combative posture; use both of your hands held open, knife edges facing your partner, anticipating further attack (# 4).

Pencak Silat Training Exercise 10

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:28:00 +0000

This simple Perisai Diri method is used as basic training to develop a coordinated shoulder blocking shock effect and groin attack.

METHOD. Stand quartering into your training partner, using a right combative posture; your right arm hangs downward, protecting your groin as your left arm is held raised, bent at the elbow, hand open, palm facing your partner at the level of your right breast (# 1 ) . Step directly between your partner's legs with your right foot and lunge your body into him so that your shoulder contacts his chest bone or solar plexus (# 2). Drive hard enough to knock him backwards, off-balance (# 3). As he topples, extend your right arm, hand held as a fist; simulate striking him in the groin with a back or bottom fist (# 4) ; be prepared to deliver successive blows to his groin and even be ready to butt him in the face with your head if he doubles forward.

Pencak Silat Training Exercise 9

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:30:00 +0000

The Perisai Diri exponent makes highly effective use of deceptive hand and arm tactics; following the style's characteristic combative postures, he may have\his arms at either a high or low level at the time of the enemy's attack. The following exercises are aimed to develop basic Perisai Diri arm and hand skills for dealing with thrust punches or kicking actions directed toward the groin, midsection, or facial areas. Note that this tactic, although it may be used against either the inside or the outside of the attacking weapon, always prefer e latter since it affords greatest protection.
METHOD A. Stand facing your training partner. At his thrust punch (arrowhead fist shown) made with his right arm, and aimed at your midsection, pass both of your arms under his attacking arm, but below his elbow, hands held open (# 1). Swing both of your arms upward together and circularly over against the outside of his attacking right arm; fling his arm offto your right front corner; step in that direction with your right foot to reinforce your arm action (# 2-# 4). Terminate your counteraction by bringing both hands held as tiger claw hands to simulate gouging your partner's eyes or rending his facial areas (# 5-# 6) This sequence is shown from the opposite side to clarify its mechanics (# 7-# 11).

METHOD B. Stand facing your training partner with one arm raised overhead. Let him kick at your midsection using a straight-line forward snap kick. high kick, or heel thrust kick (shown) as in # 1. Just before his attacking foot arrives on target, swing both of your arms against the outside of his kicking leg (right shown) and sweep it forcefully away, by use of your open hands (palms contacting his leg), to your right front corner and downward; step forward with your right foot in the direction you swing your arms (# 2-# 3 ) .

METHOD C. As you face your training partner, he thrusts his right arrowhead fist toward your midsection or facial area, lunging forward to reinforce it. Move your left foot out wide to your left front as you pass your right arm under his attacking arm; raise your free left arm overhead, keeping the elbow slightly bent, hand open.(# 1). Parry his attack to your right and downward as you bring your right arm circularly against his arm; twist your hips a bit to your right to reinforce your arm action (# 2-# 3). After completing the parrying action, your right arm provides a covering action so that the enemy cannot attack again with his right arm unless he first disengages it; your left arm remains held high, palm open as a threat to his facial areas (# 4). This sequential action showing a full view of the bodies is illustrated in # 6 and # 7. Study the details of this important evasion tactic from a different camera angle (# 8 - # 11). The tactic works well against kicking attacks (# 5).

Pencak Silat Training Exercise 8

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 20:31:00 +0000

The posture of sitting on the ground is the most truly characteristic of pencak-silat tactics; it is found in all major orthodox styles, although some have tended to minimize its use. Despite the variety of ways in which it may be employed, the basic factor, common to all styles, is that it is a deceptive tactic, a clever ruse by means of which you hope to lure your enemy into thinking he has found a momentary weakness in your defense. The following exercises allow the trainee to practice the basic forms of the posture of sitting on the ground and give some elementary applications as well. By means of the exercises, the trainee may develop a fine sense of balance, good judgment of distance, and unexpected strength and flexibility of leg and hip. The physical exertion involved in the exercises is valuable enough, but when they are correctly performed, smoothly and rapidly, they become the foundation for efficient fighting tactics. Four pencaksilat styles have been studied to describe the mechanics of this ground posture, the importance of which cannot be overemphasized. As a preliminary remark to the methods given below, it should be noted that the posture has two aspects. One, called depok, results from the withdrawal of the forward leg of your combative posture and bringing it in front of your platform leg as you retreat from the enemy and lower your body to the ground; or you may advance, bringing your trailing leg forward but behind the leading leg of your combative posture as you lower yourself. The other aspect, the opposite process of leg positioning, is called sempok. Here you bring the leading leg behind your platform leg as you retreat and lower your body to the ground ; or advancing, you bring the trailing leg forward and place it ahead of the leading leg as you lower your body.
Both depok and sempok must be practiced until they can be performed with flexibility and power as you advance or retreat from both right and left combative postures.

METHOD A. The following exercise is used for depok training on the island of Madura; it is in the Pamur style. Stand in any combative posture (right posture is shown in # I ) . Shift all your weight to your left leg and retreat from the enemy by bringing your advanced right leg back and in toward your platform left leg j# 2). Draw your right leg up by bending the knee so that you are standing on your left leg; maintain balance by means of your arms (# 3). Quickly bring your raised right leg in front of your platform left leg as you lower your body (# 4). Sit down on the ground, with your weight evenly distributed and your arms in protective position to block or parry (# 5). Rise quickly and smoothly by reversing the action and return to your original combative posture.

METHOD B. The Maduran Pamur style of sempok in this exercise begins, for the sake of simplicity, from a right combative posture (# 1). Retreat by withdrawing your advanced right leg and bringing it up to your platform left leg (# 2). Bend your right leg at the knee and bring it behind 7 your left (# 3). Put your right foot down somewhat to the left and sink to the ground ($4 4). You must sit with your weight evenly distributed. Rise by reversing these movements and return to your original combative posture.

METHOD C. The Madurese Pamur, exponent executes the depok in retreat from his enemy by kicking as he rises. Assume the depok in Method A (# 1). Rise quickly (# 2); as your weight falls onto your left leg, twist to your right and swing your right leg forward into a frontal snap kick action; your platform foot pivots a bit toward the enemy, and your arms help to maintain balance as you kick (# 3).

METHOD D. The basic Madurese Pamur sempok exercise is also given an applicable meaning by means ofa kick action. Begin from sempok as would be taken from a left combative posture (see sketch). Rise quickly (# 1) ; and, as your weight falls on your right leg, swine your left leg forward into a frontal high kick (# 2).

METHOD E. If the Madurese Pamur exponent is in a sempok (taken from the right combative posture shown), he can rise quickly and hold a new combative posture which threatens kicking by side thrust action (# 2-# 3).

METHOD F. Exponents of the Bhakti Negara style also come out of sempok posture in various ways. First, assume a sempok taken from the left combative posture (# 1) ; them rise quickly until you attain the position shown in # 6. At this point, according to the situation confronting you, you may do one of several things:

kick directly forward with your withdrawn left leg in snap kick fashion or use a high kick (neither action is illustrated) ;
step forward on your left foot and then quickly deliver a forward snap kick with your right foot (# 7) ;
step forward on your left leg and then quickly raise your right leg in a new combative posture that offers a threat to the enemy (# 8).

These three actions are, naturally, reversible; that is to say, you may use them to go from a standing posture to the sempok. In all actions, pay particular attention to protective arm and hand actions.

METHOD G. The Bhakti Negara exponent will on occasion combine changes of combative posture and position with the sempok. First, assume any right combative posture (# 1). The next maneuver may take one of two forms: you may make a wide step directly your right with your right leg, swinging it in a short arc to your right rear (# 2), before going down into sempok (# 4-# 6) ; or you may pivot on your left leg (which is to the rear) and swing your right leg back 180º so that you assume a left combative posture (# 3) before going down into sempok (# 4-# 6 ) . By reversing the actions, you come from sempok back to your original right combative posture (shown in # 1). Here, too, special attention must be paid to arm and hand action.

METHOD H. Perisai Diri makes use of the sempok position from which to deliver a thrust kicking action. First, assume a sempok from the left combative posture (# 1). Then drop your body to the left and front, hugging the ground, supporting yourself with both hands, and letting your left buttock touch the ground; simultaneously deliver a thrust kick with your right leg (# 2). Now spring to your feet as quickly as possible using the thrust of both arms (action not shown). Since your kick should, obviously, be aimed at some vital portion of the enemy's anatomy (knee, groin, midsection, rib area), the target you choose (if you &e dealing with only one enemy) should be to your right and somewhat to the rear. However, if you are confronted by two enemies, you may face directly into one (as in # 1) and attack the other provided he is behind you and to the right.

METHOD I. Cingrik exponents of west Java often use the sempok in order to rise quickly, aim a false kick, step down, and attack with their arms and hands. From the sempok taken from a right combative posture (# l), rise as speedily as possible and fake a kick with your advancing right leg (# 2-# 3) ; then step down quickly in a long lunge forward (# 4-# 5). Of particular importance here are the arm and hand actions based on those of the fighting monkey (ngrik who claws at his enemy's vitals (usually the throat and groin).

Pencak Silat Training Exercise 7

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 20:33:00 +0000

Perisai Diri pencak-silat exponents can deliver a reverse leg sickle heel kick with speed efficiency. This exercise lays the foundation for that tactic.

Method. Assume a right stance, your right side quartering into training partner (#1). Step forward on your right foot (#2), and, as you put your weight on it, bend forward from the waist and with your trailing left leg swing a reverse sickle kick around behind you (#3). Aim to place a heel kick into your training partner’s groin as protection against counterattacks to that vital region; your left arm remains free, so that if you lose your balance or are knocked down, it will offer you support on the ground. As with exercise 6, your training partner becomes more active as you acquire greater skill in the execution of the maneuver.

Pencak Silat Training Exercise 6

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 20:34:00 +0000

Among the leg tactics that the Perisai Diri style has borrowed from Sumatra is the reverse leg sickle action executed from the ground. The basic mechanics of this interesting and powerful skill may be learned from this exercise.

METHOD. Facing your training partner from a left combative posture, step forward onto your left foot, deeply to his left and behind him (# 1). Now quickly turn your body a bit to your left and drop onto your right knee, supporting yourself with both hands on the ground (# 2). Swing your extended left leg in an arc behind you, using a sickle motion against the back of your partner's leg just above the ankle and below the calf (# 3). Continue the sickle action until you topple your partner to the ground; if the action has been correctly executed, he will fall backward (# 4). Sometimes he will contrive to keep his balance but at the same time will be so unstable as to allow you to stand quickly behind him and knee or kick him with your right leg in either the groin or the base of the spine (# 5). The entire action must be completed quickly. At first, the training partner submits to the action; later, he will try to remain on his feet. The initial position (# 1) may be voluntary or it may be the result of a slip; it is best taken when the enemy is in a left stance.

Pencak Silat Training Exercise 5

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:34:00 +0000

The Harimau style of west-central Sumatra attempts to emulate the movements of the tiger from which it takes its name. The following exercise, basic to the Harimau style, has been designed to develop continuous and rapid alternate frontal leg sickle kicking abilities from a ground position.

METHOD For the purpose of this exercise, your training partner, whom you face, is required to move backward in any natural or convenient manner; he must play a purely defensive role, blocking or avoiding your sickle kick actions; he should, however, try to stay as close in to you as is safe, so that he may learn to cope with this particular maneuver; and he may use his hands or evasive stepping actions to avoid being kicked. From a left stance (# l), drop to the ground, supporting yourself on your left hand; hold your right hand out, palm toward your partner, to ward off possible aggressive actions (# 2). As you begin to bring your trailing right leg forward, place your right hand on the ground for added support; then swing your right leg in roundhouse fashion, trying to strike your instep against the outside of your partner's forward leg (at the knee or below) with enough power to hook or reap his leg out from under him (# 3). Stabilizing your body now with both hands and using your bent left knee on the ground as a pivot, roll your body a bit to your left. Your aim is to deliver another kick with your left leg, similar to the one just described, to the other side of your partner's body. To do this, withdraw your right leg somewhat, planting it firmly on the ground in front of you and a bit to your left; twist your body to the right and place your right hand on the ground for support; as your weight shifts more onto your right hand and leg, swing your left leg in roundhouse kick fashion, rolling your body to the right and placing your left hand near your right for added support; your right knee now acts as the pivot (# P# 5). Force your partner backward in this manner as fast as you can. Learn not only to use your instep to hook but also the ball of your foot to kick against your partner's knee joint.

Pencak Silat Training Exercise 4

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 20:36:00 +0000

The Setia Hati style of central Java lays the greatest emphasis on combative leg actions. The exercise given here provides useful training in balance as well as in the ability to deliver a kick from the ground, a posture that might be the result of intentional positioning or accidental slipping or being knocked down by an enemy.

METHOD A. From the ground posture shown in # 1, swing your right leg in roundhouse kick fashion, high enough to strike the groin or midsection of an enemy who has closed in on you. Continue the kick so that it revolves your whole body, as shown in # 2 and # 3. Rise to your feet with a complete revolution of your body, first putting your weight on your right leg and letting your left leg "float" (# 4), then quickly shift your weight onto your left leg and deliver a forward snap kick with your right foot (# 5).

METHOD B. From the same ground posture (# 1) and the initial action (# 2), the roundhouse kick can be made intentionally unsuccessful, so as to fool the enemy and avoid his attack. Then, with both your hands on the ground, spring into a right-hand combative posture (# 6 # 7).

Pencak Silat Training Exercise 3

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:38:00 +0000

This leg and arm tactic of the Patai pencak-silat style from west-central Sumatra is an interesting one. It is an exercise designed to develop balance in the trainee and sensitivity to changes in the enemy's posture.

METHOD. YOU and your training partner are facing each other as you stand on your right legs; your left arms are engaged, with the hands open with the knife edges or wrists pressing against each other (# 1). Your raised left legs may be correspondingly engaged (not shown), with the outer ankle surfaces against each other. Either training partner may, without warning, change his stance, and the other must immediately respond by following suit, so that arms and perhaps legs are engaged as before (# 2). By pressure, pushing and pulling arm against arm and leg against leg, each partner tries to throw the other off-balance or make him lower his raised leg to the ground in order to retain balance. At any time a partner may disengage his arm, using it to push or pull the other off-balance (although without grasping the other's garments), or he may choose to disengage his raised leg, either simultaneously with an arm movement or not, and set it on the ground-provided that by so doing he tumbles his partner or at least brings him down to one knee (# 3-# 4). The free arm may be used to pull or push only after the leg been lowered.

Note that in # 3, the training partner on the right side has disengaged and, after lowering his right foot to the ground, has shoved his right arm against the left side of his partner's chest. In # 4, he has used his right leg as a pivot over which he topples his partner. The hand and arm actions of the "victor" are noteworthy: as his left wrist is held by his partner's left hand, he is tugging to extend that arm, and he has put his right arm under the left arm of his downed partner. He completes his toppling action by flinging his right arm upward and to the right front (# 5).

Pencak Silat Training Exercise 2

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:39:00 +0000

A west-central Sumatran tactic of the Kumango style, this exercise is intended to develop a deceptive forward stepping action which may be instantly transformed into a forward straight-line snap kick. It is a tactic designed for use on sandy ground or terrain with a loose topsoil, where footing is precarious and movement less quick than on hard, flat ground. Variations of this technique may be used to force an enemy backwards.

METHOD. Assume a Kumango-style combative posture as you step forward with your right foot. Stretch your left arm out parallel to the ground, with the opened palm facing a bit forward and downward. Slap the inside of your upper right thigh with your right palm (# 1). If the enemy has closed in quickly, and if you are on natural terrain, drop quickly into a low crouch, scoop up loose earth or stones, and fling them into the enemy’s face to drive him backward (# 2). This tactic may be omitted if it seems unnecessary. Now rise immediately and bring your trailing left foot forward, slapping the upper part of your left thigh with your left palm; your right hand and arm are carried well forward, anticipating blocking or parryings requirements (# 3) ; fake a forward snap kick with your left leg before you actually put it down (# 4). Immediately begin taking another step forward with your right foot and carry your left arm out to your left side as before; again slap your upper right thigh with your right hand (# 5). As you place your right foot on the ground, quickly shift your weight onto it and deliver a forceful forward snap kick with your trailing left leg which now goes directly into the kick instead of making another fake kick or step (# 6 and # 7). The Kumango sequence of forward step, fake kick, forward step, and then the actual kick, supposes that the enemy is retreating; the illustrations show the minimum movement, which can, of course, be lengthened to as many steps and fake kicks as may seem appropriate to the situation.

Pencak Silat Training Exercise

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:41:00 +0000

No training exercise described here is merely an isolated rehearsal in agility or clever movement; each is directly related to some particular fighting tactic. The reader is advised to pay special attention to the textual description of the exercise as well as to the illustrations, for sometimes the limitations of photography have canceled the authors efforts to record as faithfully as possible what was being enacted before the lens, and, in such cases, the written word must be relied on to impact information that the photographs fail to show.

Pencak-silat begins, naturally enough, as we have already indicated, with empty-hand pencak training exercises. The trainee should practice each exercise precisely and slowly until he begins to feel that he is gaining confidence in the technique. When he is satisfied that he is doing exactly what the text calls for, then he attempts to inject into his execution of the exercise first fluency and then speed. It is only constant repetition that will enable him to perform the exercise accurately, smoothly, and quickly. He must repeat each training exercise over and over again until it feels "comfortable"; any other feeling means that he is still short of his goal.

The student will find that many of the exercises given here are in dispensible to correct performance of some of the combative actions described in the following chapter, but not all exercises are directly linked to the action shown there. Some have been given merely because they are obviously useful and may be easily converted to combat. In such cases, it is for the trainee to devise his own applications.

In any case, he must always bear in mind that the soft and silky, yet precise, movements of the pencak-silat expert are the result of many hours of dedicated study and practice. A good share of the expert's training time is devoted to exercises, many of which appear in this chapter. Unless the trainee is prepared to devote himself with similar wholeheartedness to the training exercises, he cannot hope to master the combative tactics described in the chapter that follows.

Pencak Silat Training Exercise 1

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 20:40:00 +0000

This is an exercise in alertness, speed, balance, and agility. The Perisai Diri style of east Java uses it extensively to equip trainees with the ability to deal effectively with surprise attacks from behind or from the sides; it is ideal training also in learning how to handle more than one assailant. Perisai Diri exponents are particularly well known for their ability to change direction quickly and-through the use of such abrupt body changes-to move speedily and effectively into new lines of attack or defense.

Method A. Stand naturally with your arms at your sides; your straddle stance reflects the fact that you are not expecting an attack (#1). At a verbal signal (such as a shout) from a training partner, jump high into the air and, as you do, turn either to the right or to the left (a left turn is illustrated in (#2), so that you land on your feet in any fighting posture that seems most suitable to you (#3).

Methods B and C. You are already in a combative posture as though engaged with an enemy. On signal, jump and turn so as to land in either the same combative posture (shifting to right or left if you desire) or an entirely different one, such as would be necessary if you were being attacked by another assailant. (#4-#5 and#6-#8)

In this exercise, no matter which method you employ, your leap and turn while in the air must result in your facing a wholly new direction-that, in fact, of your new enemy (in this case, of course, your training partner). The trainee should practice turns of at least ninety degrees, and he will probably find it useful (as Indonesian do) to punctuate all jumps with a loud, intimidating shout.

Basic Postures for Combat

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 20:18:00 +0000

Every specific style of pencak-silat has its own technical characteristics, chief among which are the combative postures and movements. By observing the posture an enemy has assumed, and his subsequent movements, an expert can tell immediately what particular style of pencak-silat he is up against, what attacks and defenses he may expect, and what defenses and countermeasures may be most safely and effectively used in coping with the enemy.

To categorize all the various combative postures pencak-silat makes use of would be a herculean task, and one obviously beyond the bounds of an introductory blog of this nature. However, there are certain typical combative postures that may-and indeed must-be recognized if the novice is to make any progress in acquiring skill in the art. He should study each as it is presented and learn to identify its essential technical characteristics; this, in turn, will give him invaluable clues as to its combative purpose and advantages.

In preparation for the emergencies of actual combat, pencak-silat exponents make use of extremely varied and interesting training exercises. Above all, they presuppose a strong and flexible body-one capable of executing specific movements with speed, force, and precision. Because a pencak-silat expert can go through his training exercises with such skill and grace, displaying a smooth delivery of action that is so subtly pleasing to the eye, many casual observers become convinced that what they are watching is in reality a dance form. Nothing could be further from the truth. Pencak is preparatory training for actual combat. Before taking up the all-important question of training exercises, however, some typical combative postures need to be described.

Sumatra

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:16:00 +0000

All Sumatran pencak-silat styles make extensive use of leg tactics. Due to the environment of the people who reside on this large island, fighting tactics have come to rely on well developed leg flexibility and strength. These special qualities have been made possible by the daily exercise involved in labor chores that require full-squatting, climbing, and jumping actions. Whether a lowland, coastal, or mountain resident, a Sumatran pencak-silat exponent demonstrates an unusual ability with leg maneuvers, but is not at a loss when the hands and arms must be brought into use.

Java

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:12:00 +0000

Javanese systems of pencak-silat tend to make a balanced use of the body, although most combative postures seem to suggest that fighters prefer hand and arm tactics and choose postures from which these tactics may be instantly applied; postures of the orthodox styles are very varied, ranging from the upright to the low crouch. Javanese fighters use both the open and closed hand with equal facility. In addition to tactics of the usual striking variety, they are capable also of grappling actions executed from close infighting situations. Javanese pencak-silat exponents are extremely supple and lithe-a fact that probably accounts for the characteristically soft and willow like movements produced by changing combative postures.

Madura

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 20:10:00 +0000

On the island of Madura, the pencak-silat fighter is usually either a sailor or a farmer with a volatile temper. He has borrowed what he liked from other pencak-silat styles, and has achieved good balance between arm, leg, and grappling tactics. His combative postures, thus, are quite variable and tend to make an encounter with a Madurese fighter a difficult and dangerous proposition. This fact is recognized by Indonesian peoples, most of whom genuinely fear him.

Pamur Pencak Silat

Harimau Pencak Silat

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 20:10:00 +0000

The Minangkabau people of west-central Sumatra have made the Harimau ("tiger") style a very effective and dangerous fightinq form that is respected throughout Indonesia. Its technical fundamentals can be found, to a greater or lesser degree, in every other major orthodox pencak-silat style, but important reasons for differences arise from the fact that uneven and slippery ground surfaces are most common in Sumatra, and that under these conditions, the Harirnau fighter considers an upright combative posture detrimental to effective fighting since it offers him only two bases of support-i.e., his legs. He prefers to hug the ground, sometimes actually getting down on it, thus making effective use of five supports-his two legs, his two arms, and either his back, side, or belly. To assume that, while in this unusual recumbent posture, the Harimau fighter is incapable of moving quickly and effectively would be to make a gross and possibly dangerous-mistake. From the low posture he assumes, he can deliver very powerful kicks as well as make use of other cunning tactics; further, he can spring quickly and forcefully up at the enemy, clawing him with terrifying ferocity.

Kumango Pencak Silat

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 20:06:00 +0000

Since this fighting form developed along sandy beach areas, it prefers an upright posture and has shaped its tactics to terrain with a loose topsoil where ordinary speed of operation is hampered. It has influenced a few other major styles, all of them Sumatran. Kumango is, on the whole, a well balanced system, using both arm and leg tactics, but quite often the arms serve only to distract the enemy. This may be done by extending one arm and slapping the other resoundingly against the thigh, or it may be accomplished by means of throwing sand. Skillful footwork combines with real and simulated kicking actions to make frontal positioning against a Kumango fighter very dangerous. The characteristic, combative posture of Kumango can, when combined with its rhythmic movements, tend to lull the enemy into a feeling of false security.

Patai Pencak Silat

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 20:00:00 +0000

Evolved in the mountainous Bukittinggi region of Sumatra, this is one of the most rhythmic of all styles. Its dancelike motion suggests less than maximum combative effectiveness, and its postures actually seem to invite attack, especially kicking attacks. Efficient hand blocking and parrying actions, however, worked from low crouching levels, render all but the cleverest kickr harmless; this is partly the result of the fact that the Patai fighter will always try to station himself on higher terrain than ir occupied by his enemy. All combative postures may serve as bases for kicking actions, but Patai maker another characteristic use of the legs. This is the employment of the foot to block or parry the attack of an enemy, especially if he is armed.

Baru Pencak Silat

noreply@blogger.com (Garraroblog) — Sat, 23 Jan 2010 19:59:00 +0000

This is a relatively new style that comes from the coastal Padang area. It achieves a balance between arm and leg techniques, making use of combative postures adapted to all types of terrain. As its chief preference, however, seems to be for grappling tactics, the exponent of the Baru style depends on secure footholds. He likes to dig his feet into the soil, and does so from static postures so that this is not noticed by the enemy. From these braced footholds, the Baru fighter moves with speed and power before the enemy can mount his attack.