Pentjak Silat and Bersilat
Silat is the name of a large family of martial arts from island South-East Asia: Indonesian Pentjak Silat, Malay Bersilat and the styles of the southern Philippines. There are more than 250 styles, practised by different families and schools, sometimes with very subtle differences. Silat plays a central role in the school’s programme.
Origins
Silat was born in the western part of the Indonesian archipelago, between Sumatra and Java. Along the great trade routes between India and China, the peoples of the region blended and adapted principles from other cultures without losing their tribal roots. The first major influence was Indian: from it came forms codified as war dances, a fondness for grappling and the spread of the kris, the wavy-bladed dagger.
From the 16th century came the Portuguese, Spanish, English and above all the Dutch; in the 19th century Chinese communities brought southern kung fu, known as Kuntao, to Java, with low stances and linear punches in combination. That is why standing, striking styles prevail in Java, while in Sumatra, where the Indian heritage remained stronger, low fighting and grappling dominate.
Characteristics
- Close and very close range, where long arms are of no use.
- Sophisticated arm and leg movements to off-balance the attacker scientifically.
- Hard, direct strikes to vulnerable targets, continuous manipulation of the opponent.
- Joint locks, trapping and throws, all the way to ground control.
Buka Jalan Pentjak Silat
The style studied in the K.E.S.A. programme is Buka Jalan, “The Open Way”, created by Sifu Guru Cass Magda from the Pentjak Silat tradition and combat science. It is based on:
- close-range strikes: punches, elbows, knees and kicks to vulnerable targets;
- off-balancing, throwing and immobilising the opponent up to submission;
- ground fighting inspired by Harimau, the Sumatran “tiger” style, with low positions and the ground used to your advantage;
- the joint locks and breaks of Malay Buah Kunci;
- dealing with multiple opponents, through tactics, movement and angles.
In the Black Bull programme
Silat comes into play once the distance is closed: a grab, a shove, a clinch. It teaches you to turn contact into control and to end the action safely, completing Jeet Kune Do at striking range and Kali for weapons and objects.
Who it is for
Anyone who wants to learn to handle close contact and the clinch. The work is intense but progressive and suitable for every level.