Know your strengths

Do you know what your strengths really are? When was the last time you spent some time pondering about it.

They may not exactly the same as what you are currently thinking of, or what you desire. The majority of silat practitioners seem to think that they are strong, skillful, agile, fast, and able to defeat most, if not all, opponents. Unfortunately they do not take their training seriously because they think that they are good. I have to say this even if other silat practitioners hate me for this, these silat exponents rely on other forms of training to make them invincible.

Back to the main issue, knowing personal strengths. There are several questions which should be pondered on.

1) Have you really fought with someone from a different style in a no rules fight? It may be a friendly sparring session but there is no time limit, no four-strikes limitation.

2) Have you ever fought in a serious situation in a one to one situation?

3) Have you ever fought against many opponents from different martial arts styles?

In each of the above and if the answer is yes, did you use the fighting principles of your style? Or did you use a different fighting method?

Naturally there are other questions, but then I will be exposing everything without getting any recognition for my efforts. As it is the basics in the green book have been absorbed into many gelanggang, and no mention of Pukul Pelaga was made.