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.
Showing posts with label silat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label silat. Show all posts
Monday, January 17, 2011
Friday, May 28, 2010
The importance of footwork
There are silat practitioners who claim that footwork is unimportant in order to defend oneself. The validity of this argument depends on several factors, and Pukul Pelaga has fighting styles which do not rely much on footwork. Nevertheless in general footwork is important partly because humans have two legs for moving around.
Due to the recognition of this fact a lot of stress is given to footwork in Pukul Pelaga. Many silat practitioners used to laugh at this, partly because they do not really understand the difference between footwork and pattern.
Another factor is the proper execution of many techniques depends a lot on proper footwork. This is why Pukul Pelaga has thousands of techniques. Granted that most of the techniques are not used but they can surprise the Opponent.
The importance of footwork has made many silat practitioners adopting the concept while claiming the new moves have always been part of their training.
Sets of footwork in Pukul Pelaga include
1) Lam Dalalah
2) Sembilan (nine)
3) Mata Angin (compass points)
4) Zig zag
5) Abjad
Patterns include
1) Empat Benda Hak (four prime directions)
2) Square
3) Triangle
The footwork set can easily be changed into different patterns.
Due to the recognition of this fact a lot of stress is given to footwork in Pukul Pelaga. Many silat practitioners used to laugh at this, partly because they do not really understand the difference between footwork and pattern.
Another factor is the proper execution of many techniques depends a lot on proper footwork. This is why Pukul Pelaga has thousands of techniques. Granted that most of the techniques are not used but they can surprise the Opponent.
The importance of footwork has made many silat practitioners adopting the concept while claiming the new moves have always been part of their training.
Sets of footwork in Pukul Pelaga include
1) Lam Dalalah
2) Sembilan (nine)
3) Mata Angin (compass points)
4) Zig zag
5) Abjad
Patterns include
1) Empat Benda Hak (four prime directions)
2) Square
3) Triangle
The footwork set can easily be changed into different patterns.
Demo at Nilai
About two weeks ago we were invited to perform a demonstration at one international college in Nilai, Negeri Sembilan. It was to be part of Malaysian Culture festival. Our slot was on last Wednesday night which we duly attended.
The invitation was rather late, and I had to look around for members who would be free to participate. Praise to Allah a group was assembled, but two had to withdraw due to other more pressing commitment.
There were two silat groups on that night. We were the second to perform. Even though there were only five Pelaga our demo was slightly longer than the first group. We had more variety. I was the photgrapher. Unfortunately being in the backstage the angle was rather limited.
I would like to express my thanks to Mr. Chong who invited us. Presumably it was his own decision on picking us.
The invitation was rather late, and I had to look around for members who would be free to participate. Praise to Allah a group was assembled, but two had to withdraw due to other more pressing commitment.
There were two silat groups on that night. We were the second to perform. Even though there were only five Pelaga our demo was slightly longer than the first group. We had more variety. I was the photgrapher. Unfortunately being in the backstage the angle was rather limited.
I would like to express my thanks to Mr. Chong who invited us. Presumably it was his own decision on picking us.
Saturday, April 17, 2010
400 Corak Tempur - A partial list
The idea of Pukul Pelaga having many ways of defending and fighting has created several reactions from those not of Pukul Pelaga. The public exposure started in 1976, and a list of 40 ways or styles, with some explanation, was made public in 1995. A list of 88 wirh more details for each aspect was leaked by one of the traitors.
A partial list is given below. Most of the names used are reflective of each fight or combat pattern. As such there are names which are the same as existing silat schools. Others were not in existence 20 years ago.
001) Tempur Mawar
002) Tempur Harimau
003) Tempur Monyet
004) Tempur Naga
005) Tempur Buaya
006) Tempur Bangau
007) Tempur Kaki
008) Tempur Siku
009) Tempur Ular
010) Tempur Tangan
011) Tempur Langkah Sembilan
012) Tempur Mata Angin
013) Tempur Segi Tiga
014) Tempur Petak
015) Tempur Gerak Rencong
016) Tempur Helang
017) Tempur Pukulan Rencong
018) Tempur Sisip
019) Tempur Mentadak
020) Tempur Rancak
021) Tempur Sendeng
022) Tempur Gelek
023) Tempur Udang
024) Tempur Saraf
025) Tempur Pelangi
026) Tempur Taspak (Tangan)
027) Tempur Zigzag
028) Tempur Bulatan
029) Tempur Merpati
030) Tempur Fatih
031) Tempur Alunan
032) Tempur Kuncian
033) Tempur Humbanan
034) Tempur Jatuhan
035) Tempur Belut
036) Tempur Pepisau
037) Tempur Empat Benda Hak
038) Tempur Gerak Satu
039) Temput Gerak Tigasss
040) Tempur Nazam
041) Tempur Singa
042) Tempur Ayam
043) Tempur Beruang
044) Tempur Elak
045) Tempur Tangkap
046) Tempur Cekak
047) Tempur Libas
048) Tempur Abjad
049) Tempur Tunjang
050) Tempur Sangga Empat
051) Tempur Ikan
052) Tempur Petani
053) Tempur Cakar
054) Tempur Tari
055) Tempur Sepelet
056) Tempur Kekasih
057) Tempur Gerak Kilas
058) Tempue Rentap
059) Tempur Kelawar
060) Tempur Lawal
061) Tempur Lurus
062) Tempue Gerak Pintas
Each of the above style of fighting can stand on its own. It means that they can be formed into separate silat schools.
One of the questions asked was why the necessity? Pukul Pelaga is a system meant for everybody. Nevertheless we are not the same. We tend to choose something which we can relate to.
Due to the various fighting components, it is not easy to fight a Pelaga who learn and understand the concept behnd the existence of these parts, and how they can integrate or separate accordng to the situation.
A partial list is given below. Most of the names used are reflective of each fight or combat pattern. As such there are names which are the same as existing silat schools. Others were not in existence 20 years ago.
001) Tempur Mawar
002) Tempur Harimau
003) Tempur Monyet
004) Tempur Naga
005) Tempur Buaya
006) Tempur Bangau
007) Tempur Kaki
008) Tempur Siku
009) Tempur Ular
010) Tempur Tangan
011) Tempur Langkah Sembilan
012) Tempur Mata Angin
013) Tempur Segi Tiga
014) Tempur Petak
015) Tempur Gerak Rencong
016) Tempur Helang
017) Tempur Pukulan Rencong
018) Tempur Sisip
019) Tempur Mentadak
020) Tempur Rancak
021) Tempur Sendeng
022) Tempur Gelek
023) Tempur Udang
024) Tempur Saraf
025) Tempur Pelangi
026) Tempur Taspak (Tangan)
027) Tempur Zigzag
028) Tempur Bulatan
029) Tempur Merpati
030) Tempur Fatih
031) Tempur Alunan
032) Tempur Kuncian
033) Tempur Humbanan
034) Tempur Jatuhan
035) Tempur Belut
036) Tempur Pepisau
037) Tempur Empat Benda Hak
038) Tempur Gerak Satu
039) Temput Gerak Tigasss
040) Tempur Nazam
041) Tempur Singa
042) Tempur Ayam
043) Tempur Beruang
044) Tempur Elak
045) Tempur Tangkap
046) Tempur Cekak
047) Tempur Libas
048) Tempur Abjad
049) Tempur Tunjang
050) Tempur Sangga Empat
051) Tempur Ikan
052) Tempur Petani
053) Tempur Cakar
054) Tempur Tari
055) Tempur Sepelet
056) Tempur Kekasih
057) Tempur Gerak Kilas
058) Tempue Rentap
059) Tempur Kelawar
060) Tempur Lawal
061) Tempur Lurus
062) Tempue Gerak Pintas
Each of the above style of fighting can stand on its own. It means that they can be formed into separate silat schools.
One of the questions asked was why the necessity? Pukul Pelaga is a system meant for everybody. Nevertheless we are not the same. We tend to choose something which we can relate to.
Due to the various fighting components, it is not easy to fight a Pelaga who learn and understand the concept behnd the existence of these parts, and how they can integrate or separate accordng to the situation.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Dewan Perguruan
By now I would not be surprised if there are silat practitioners, especially those from certain organisations, who hate my guts. In fact I was threatened with physical violence if I do stop exposing certain things. Why should they do this if they are really sincere?
Several, and the actual number may be far greater, have questioned my knowledge and understanding in silat. A few even claimed that I am full of got air, and whatever I know about silat was copied from other silat styles.
I do not claim to be the greatest, but I have written several restricted circulation books on silat. After the books were displayed to the public, I was forced to become a member of Dewan Pendekar of PESAKA Negeri Sembilan. That was in 1997, when I was 38 years old. I say forced because I did not want to be a member of Dewan Pendekar. They kept on insisting until I relented.
Roughly translated Dewan Pendekar means Assembly of Warriors. Simce I was the youngest, several other head of silat organisations affiliated with PESAKA Negeri Sembilan wanted to become a member too. One even had the gall to sit together with members of Dewan Pendekar dur/ing meetings and other functions. He is older than I am, and his actions were tolerated. The point I am trying to put forward here is to be elected as a member of Dewan Pendekar a silat practitioner has to fulfill certain requirements. I am not sure what the requirements are but I was seen fit to be one.
Dewan Pendekar has been renamed Dewan Perguruan. I am noy sure how to translate this. The word perguruan is related to the system of learning and teaching. Out of twenty two affiliates, there are only five members of Dewan Perguruan, and I am the vice-chairman.
Several, and the actual number may be far greater, have questioned my knowledge and understanding in silat. A few even claimed that I am full of got air, and whatever I know about silat was copied from other silat styles.
I do not claim to be the greatest, but I have written several restricted circulation books on silat. After the books were displayed to the public, I was forced to become a member of Dewan Pendekar of PESAKA Negeri Sembilan. That was in 1997, when I was 38 years old. I say forced because I did not want to be a member of Dewan Pendekar. They kept on insisting until I relented.
Roughly translated Dewan Pendekar means Assembly of Warriors. Simce I was the youngest, several other head of silat organisations affiliated with PESAKA Negeri Sembilan wanted to become a member too. One even had the gall to sit together with members of Dewan Pendekar dur/ing meetings and other functions. He is older than I am, and his actions were tolerated. The point I am trying to put forward here is to be elected as a member of Dewan Pendekar a silat practitioner has to fulfill certain requirements. I am not sure what the requirements are but I was seen fit to be one.
Dewan Pendekar has been renamed Dewan Perguruan. I am noy sure how to translate this. The word perguruan is related to the system of learning and teaching. Out of twenty two affiliates, there are only five members of Dewan Perguruan, and I am the vice-chairman.
Sunday, March 21, 2010
We follow but we do noy copy?
On the 13th of March, 2010, a guru and leader of one silat organisation made a statement at the end of a general meeting. He said he studied other martial art systems to see what made the others good. After that he followed the methods, but he did not copy them.
I would like readers to reflect on his statement. The way I see it following the methods of other people means copying them. There is no other meaning.
I am not surprised at the statement. Their members have been claining that they still remain original to the original philosophy and principles. In reality they have been copying ('following') other systems, even to the extent of accepting and using techniques which were alien to them.
I would like readers to reflect on his statement. The way I see it following the methods of other people means copying them. There is no other meaning.
I am not surprised at the statement. Their members have been claining that they still remain original to the original philosophy and principles. In reality they have been copying ('following') other systems, even to the extent of accepting and using techniques which were alien to them.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Where is the sincerity?
Sincerity and honesty are two words which many silat practitioners claim to possess. Many of them become upsey or even angry when questioned about their honesty and sincerity. In my opinion adifferent view should be allowed to be aired. That is why I am writing about it here.
The main point that I want to touch is the changes that have been happening in many silat organisaations. I do not mean changes in leadership, but changes in their martial art philosophy, and the subsequent changes in the self defence techniques used.
One example is what is happening to ne well known silat organisation. Their style was based on the tiher and the eagle. After losing in many fights, though they never admitted it, the grandmaster allowed his students to mix their fighting system with other more practical and efficient techniques. There is nothing wrong with this, but they never admitted the fact that the techniques were taken or stolen from other styles.
The above silat organisation said they never stole the technques because if they did, then the victims would have lost the techniques. They also said they never copied from the others, because whatever is in silat belongs to their organisation. This claim was made in one of the latter issues of the now defunct Pendekar magazine.
Who are they trying to fool? They managed to convince many, but those well versed in Malaysian silat know the true story. They say they are true Muslims, yet they have no qualms about lying in order to maintain their status.
I hope one day Allah will show the truth.
The main point that I want to touch is the changes that have been happening in many silat organisaations. I do not mean changes in leadership, but changes in their martial art philosophy, and the subsequent changes in the self defence techniques used.
One example is what is happening to ne well known silat organisation. Their style was based on the tiher and the eagle. After losing in many fights, though they never admitted it, the grandmaster allowed his students to mix their fighting system with other more practical and efficient techniques. There is nothing wrong with this, but they never admitted the fact that the techniques were taken or stolen from other styles.
The above silat organisation said they never stole the technques because if they did, then the victims would have lost the techniques. They also said they never copied from the others, because whatever is in silat belongs to their organisation. This claim was made in one of the latter issues of the now defunct Pendekar magazine.
Who are they trying to fool? They managed to convince many, but those well versed in Malaysian silat know the true story. They say they are true Muslims, yet they have no qualms about lying in order to maintain their status.
I hope one day Allah will show the truth.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Traitors in the midst
Pukul Pelaga is a small group, yet there were traitors who had their ego to satisfy, and did not really care what the consequences of their actions would be. There were traitors who joined Pukul Pelaga to extract whatever they could. There were two traitors who exposed all the secrets of Pukul Pelaga to other silat organisations. In this posting I would like to write about these two traitors, since they were the ones who caused maximum damaged to Pukul Pelaga.
It was partly my fault, because I prefer trusting people unless it is known that they are unreliable. So was the case of the two traitors. In fact I was hoping that one of them would become one of my successors, at least in Seremban. As it turned out silat practitioners from another organisation used their mental immaturity to encourage them to give the secrets ofPukul Pelaga to them.
One of them has passed away. The other has been ignored those who pampered his ego after they have received the Tahap 1 book and other secrets.
Guru Rosli said it is my decision on what to do about this matter. His words were witnessed by two other Pelaga. My decision was to still use the traitor mark on them, and disdown them as students. This was because the damage done by them is extremely difficult to repair.
By the way the second traitor is teaching silat and claimed it to be Pukul Pelaga, and claimed that he had the blessings of Guru Rosli. What he is teaching is far from what it should be.
It was partly my fault, because I prefer trusting people unless it is known that they are unreliable. So was the case of the two traitors. In fact I was hoping that one of them would become one of my successors, at least in Seremban. As it turned out silat practitioners from another organisation used their mental immaturity to encourage them to give the secrets ofPukul Pelaga to them.
One of them has passed away. The other has been ignored those who pampered his ego after they have received the Tahap 1 book and other secrets.
Guru Rosli said it is my decision on what to do about this matter. His words were witnessed by two other Pelaga. My decision was to still use the traitor mark on them, and disdown them as students. This was because the damage done by them is extremely difficult to repair.
By the way the second traitor is teaching silat and claimed it to be Pukul Pelaga, and claimed that he had the blessings of Guru Rosli. What he is teaching is far from what it should be.
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Pelaga Pretenders
According to many silat practitioners Pukul Pelaga has no value in martial arts. Apart from the fact that many Pukul Pelaga's techniques have been copied, consider another fact, that is the existence of people claiming to be qualified as a guru in Pukul Pelaga.
CASE 1
There ist one person who claims that he is teaching Pukul Pelaga. The point is this guy has never learned Pukul Pelaga either formally or informally from someone knowledgeable in Pukul Pelaga. This guy learned two other silat styles which had different fighting philosophy or concept in martal arts. Before that he did come to see me, and one of his nephews became my student for around 6 months. If Pukul Pelaga is worthless like some people claim, why would someone wants to use the name?
CASE 2
There were two ex students of mine who felt that they were, and still are, better than I in matters pertaining to Pukul Pelaga. They even claimed that my guru disowned me, and gave them permission to teach Pukul Pelaga in Negeri Sembilan or anywhere else they like. What they taught was not the way my guru taught me. Yet they had the courage to tell others that I was not recognised as a guru by my guru.
The event that led to this guy's delusion started after I brought him to see my guru. At that time his ego was already inflated. At Kuala Pahang there was something that my guru wanted to dscuss with me. He turned to this guy and said, "You should not be here becase rhis is a matter between guru and guru." This guy stayed about 6 metres away.
Back home he went to see the other guy and twisted the words by saying that my guru recognised him as a guru, and not me. After that they went all out to discredit me. They opened their own training centre, and claimed that theirs was the real thing. The fact is other silat practitioners do not agree with this.
CASE 1
There ist one person who claims that he is teaching Pukul Pelaga. The point is this guy has never learned Pukul Pelaga either formally or informally from someone knowledgeable in Pukul Pelaga. This guy learned two other silat styles which had different fighting philosophy or concept in martal arts. Before that he did come to see me, and one of his nephews became my student for around 6 months. If Pukul Pelaga is worthless like some people claim, why would someone wants to use the name?
CASE 2
There were two ex students of mine who felt that they were, and still are, better than I in matters pertaining to Pukul Pelaga. They even claimed that my guru disowned me, and gave them permission to teach Pukul Pelaga in Negeri Sembilan or anywhere else they like. What they taught was not the way my guru taught me. Yet they had the courage to tell others that I was not recognised as a guru by my guru.
The event that led to this guy's delusion started after I brought him to see my guru. At that time his ego was already inflated. At Kuala Pahang there was something that my guru wanted to dscuss with me. He turned to this guy and said, "You should not be here becase rhis is a matter between guru and guru." This guy stayed about 6 metres away.
Back home he went to see the other guy and twisted the words by saying that my guru recognised him as a guru, and not me. After that they went all out to discredit me. They opened their own training centre, and claimed that theirs was the real thing. The fact is other silat practitioners do not agree with this.
Friday, February 26, 2010
Stolen books - An Indirect Admission?
In late January 2010, one of my students, referred to as Pin, met the founder of one of the latest silat school, who shall be identified her as SF He was on stand by duty, and had coffee with one of his friends when SF joined him. His friend is also a friend of SF.
Out of the blue SF told Pin that one of the books that I wrote had fallen into the hands of other silat practitioners. He said that I asked him to look for Mee (not his full name), and ask him to return the book.
Pin suspected that SF had a copy of the book, given by Mee to another silat organisation. His suspicion was based on the way SF talked. SF was on his way home from silat training, and his trousers were dirty around the knees. Years ago it was only Pelaga practitioners who had to do training with the knees on the ground. In addition to that Pin knew I never asked anyone to look for Mee. Mee bought a copy, and I gave it to him because he was my student, and with the promise of not showing it to other silat practitioners. So there was no question of asking for its return.
When Pin asked further SF changed the topic to football. It made him wonder, and so do I.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
1 Pelaga vs 40
The effectiveness of a fighting or self defence system should not be based on winning tournaments. The situation in real life is different, where there are no rules. There have been many cases of Pukul Pelaga members challenged or attacked in the real world. I decided to make the 1 vs 40 incidence as the first narration because it was recorded, and thus can be corroborated.
It happened one Saturday night in December 1999. The Pelaga involved requested anonymity to the general public, so I shall refer him as Tiger. At that time he was studying at one institution in Pekan, Pahang.
For some reason tudents from Kelantan had an ongoing dispute with students from Negeri Sembilan. Tiger did not want to be involved. Nevertheless the Kelantanese students thought he was the leader of the Negeri Sembilan group, because he was always seen with them, and his quietness gave an air of secrecy.
That night the Kelantanese group wanted to settle the score. They managed to get the Negeri students to go to their dormitory, under the pretext of wanting to discuss something. They were all beaten up.
Tiger was the last person to be summoned by them. He was told to sit on a chair in the middle of the dorm, surrounded by 10 Kelantanese students. Without warning the leader slapped him. He asked for the reason, and received another slap. He asked again. This time he blocked the hand strike, and retaliated. All 10 moved in, but somehow he survived, giving them some lesson which they should have taken to heart.
Unable to beat hin in the dorm, they dragged him to the field. More Kelantanese students joined in.the fight. Initially he was able to strike back, but when there were too many of them, he was only able to make defensive moves.
The fight when on for some time until the Kelantanese leader called it quits. In the morning Tiger reported the incidence to the warden, and the matter was then referred to the police. The police came, and took all of those involved to the station.
Tiger only suffered one bruise on his left arm. He did not want to press any charges, and the Kelantanese students were let off with a warning. The case increased Tiger's trust on Pukul Pelaga.
There are silat practitioners from other groups who refused to accept the story. They also refused to make further enquiries.
Can an incident which was investigated and recorded by the police be regarded as fabricated?
It happened one Saturday night in December 1999. The Pelaga involved requested anonymity to the general public, so I shall refer him as Tiger. At that time he was studying at one institution in Pekan, Pahang.
For some reason tudents from Kelantan had an ongoing dispute with students from Negeri Sembilan. Tiger did not want to be involved. Nevertheless the Kelantanese students thought he was the leader of the Negeri Sembilan group, because he was always seen with them, and his quietness gave an air of secrecy.
That night the Kelantanese group wanted to settle the score. They managed to get the Negeri students to go to their dormitory, under the pretext of wanting to discuss something. They were all beaten up.
Tiger was the last person to be summoned by them. He was told to sit on a chair in the middle of the dorm, surrounded by 10 Kelantanese students. Without warning the leader slapped him. He asked for the reason, and received another slap. He asked again. This time he blocked the hand strike, and retaliated. All 10 moved in, but somehow he survived, giving them some lesson which they should have taken to heart.
Unable to beat hin in the dorm, they dragged him to the field. More Kelantanese students joined in.the fight. Initially he was able to strike back, but when there were too many of them, he was only able to make defensive moves.
The fight when on for some time until the Kelantanese leader called it quits. In the morning Tiger reported the incidence to the warden, and the matter was then referred to the police. The police came, and took all of those involved to the station.
Tiger only suffered one bruise on his left arm. He did not want to press any charges, and the Kelantanese students were let off with a warning. The case increased Tiger's trust on Pukul Pelaga.
There are silat practitioners from other groups who refused to accept the story. They also refused to make further enquiries.
Can an incident which was investigated and recorded by the police be regarded as fabricated?
Wednesday, November 25, 2009
Devil worshipper?
In 1976 Pukul Pelaga was accused to be satan worshippers by members of one silat style. They claimed to have proof, but up to now have not furnished any.
In 2006 the claim was Pukul Pelaga worship Iblis or Lucifer. Again no proof was submitted.
The result was many young and mature people avoided Pukul Pelaga. This is one of the reasons why the membership in Negeri Sembilan, and maybe to a certain extent other states where the other style has many members, is still small.
Compared to other silat schools Pukul Pelaga has no initiation rituals, and other compulsory meditation with incantation activities. The stress is on performing one's duties to God, and respecting other people. Is that devil worshipping?
There were members who continued to practice or do things which they learnt somewhere else. This does not mean that their practices were an integral part of Pukul Pelaga.
In 2006 the claim was Pukul Pelaga worship Iblis or Lucifer. Again no proof was submitted.
The result was many young and mature people avoided Pukul Pelaga. This is one of the reasons why the membership in Negeri Sembilan, and maybe to a certain extent other states where the other style has many members, is still small.
Compared to other silat schools Pukul Pelaga has no initiation rituals, and other compulsory meditation with incantation activities. The stress is on performing one's duties to God, and respecting other people. Is that devil worshipping?
There were members who continued to practice or do things which they learnt somewhere else. This does not mean that their practices were an integral part of Pukul Pelaga.
Monday, November 23, 2009
Silencing Pukul Pelaga
Since the late 1970's there had been efforts made by certain silat groups to silence Pukul Pelaga. They have reasons for doing so, and I have identified one main reason.
They desire to hide the fact that they have changed in order to portray themselves as the greatest. Many silat systems have added new techniques taken or copied from other styles, but those responsible simply refuse to admit it.
Methods used include spreading lies or slandering, twisting sequence of events, abusing the authority given to them, and twisting words to achieve their goal.
In 1976 one master from Gayung Malaysia and living in Port Dickson told his students that Pukul Pelaga are Satan worshippers.
In 1993 I was threatened by several members of Gayung Fatani for voicing out about what I know, and giving out my opinion. Several silat exponents from several other styles had told me to shut up.
In 2006 Pukul Pelaga was accused of worshipping the Fallen Angel, resulting in me losing most of my students because they or their parents believe in the slander.
For the time being Pukul Pelaga is still alive and kicking. Whatever, I believe that the true story should be exposed, and all wrong activities should be pointed out.
They desire to hide the fact that they have changed in order to portray themselves as the greatest. Many silat systems have added new techniques taken or copied from other styles, but those responsible simply refuse to admit it.
Methods used include spreading lies or slandering, twisting sequence of events, abusing the authority given to them, and twisting words to achieve their goal.
In 1976 one master from Gayung Malaysia and living in Port Dickson told his students that Pukul Pelaga are Satan worshippers.
In 1993 I was threatened by several members of Gayung Fatani for voicing out about what I know, and giving out my opinion. Several silat exponents from several other styles had told me to shut up.
In 2006 Pukul Pelaga was accused of worshipping the Fallen Angel, resulting in me losing most of my students because they or their parents believe in the slander.
For the time being Pukul Pelaga is still alive and kicking. Whatever, I believe that the true story should be exposed, and all wrong activities should be pointed out.
Out in the open
Pukul Pelaga used to be taught not in the open. The fear was that the secrets will be stolen or given to other silat practitioners more interested in self-glorification. The main disadvantage was that without exposure, not many people knew about Pukul Pelaga.
Things started changing in the early 1970's. At that time the seconf Grandmaster, Ismail Ahmad, was also teaching Silat Sunting, of which he was instrumental in introducing changes to make it a more potent self defence system. The introduced techniques were taken from Pukul Pelaga. This intrigued several of his students. They pestered him to teach them Pukul Pelaga. Initially he was reluctant, but finally he relented.
Once out, there was nothing to stop it. My guru expanded the move by opening two training centres. As for me, I can be considered as the one where many secrets of Pukul Pelaga passed through. My intention was to show to the others the differences between Pukul Pelaga and many silat styles. Unfortunately many silat practitioners from other styles copied or stole the techniques, integrated them into their system, claimed that the techniques were their original moves, and many claimed that Pukul Pelaga copied from them.
What was feared, happened as expected. Since Pukul Pelaga is not a household name, many people believe the accusers. I believe that God will eventually expose the truth.
Things started changing in the early 1970's. At that time the seconf Grandmaster, Ismail Ahmad, was also teaching Silat Sunting, of which he was instrumental in introducing changes to make it a more potent self defence system. The introduced techniques were taken from Pukul Pelaga. This intrigued several of his students. They pestered him to teach them Pukul Pelaga. Initially he was reluctant, but finally he relented.
Once out, there was nothing to stop it. My guru expanded the move by opening two training centres. As for me, I can be considered as the one where many secrets of Pukul Pelaga passed through. My intention was to show to the others the differences between Pukul Pelaga and many silat styles. Unfortunately many silat practitioners from other styles copied or stole the techniques, integrated them into their system, claimed that the techniques were their original moves, and many claimed that Pukul Pelaga copied from them.
What was feared, happened as expected. Since Pukul Pelaga is not a household name, many people believe the accusers. I believe that God will eventually expose the truth.
Sample: Front Kick
Years ago when Pukul Pelaga was still relatively unknown all silat styles knew or realised only one or two aspects of the Front Kick. It was fine because almost every silat practitioner were using the Snap Front Kick version. Then came the exposure of Pukul Pelaga.
As stated before Pukul Pelaga stresses on the basics, or more accurately on the building blocks in building a martial art system. As a result for the Front Kick alone Pukul Pelaga has identfied more than 500 aspects related to it. This means that it will take more than a few days to understand, familiarise, and becoming proficient in all the aspects.
It is true that silat exponents do not use all techniques. The more a Pelaga understands, the better he or she is in adapting to different circumstances. It helps the Pelaga to understand what works and what does not in a particular situation.
By the way Mawi and many members and ex-members of Pukul Pelaga have not reached this level of understanding.
As stated before Pukul Pelaga stresses on the basics, or more accurately on the building blocks in building a martial art system. As a result for the Front Kick alone Pukul Pelaga has identfied more than 500 aspects related to it. This means that it will take more than a few days to understand, familiarise, and becoming proficient in all the aspects.
It is true that silat exponents do not use all techniques. The more a Pelaga understands, the better he or she is in adapting to different circumstances. It helps the Pelaga to understand what works and what does not in a particular situation.
By the way Mawi and many members and ex-members of Pukul Pelaga have not reached this level of understanding.
Sunday, November 22, 2009
The Unbeliever changed his opinion
There was one Malay who did not believe that silat can be a potent fighting or self defense system. He made this conclusion after observing many silat practitioners not applying their silat moves when fighting in the outside world. This was true even for members of well known silat styles.
When his friends invited him to join Pukul Pelaga, he was reluctant. He had also heard that Pukul Pelaga was an inferior self defense system. Nevertheless he decided to join for his friends' sake. Even though sceptical, he was prepared to see how far Pukul Pelaga can go.
Initially he felt that Pukul Pelaga was the same as the others. His opinion on Pukul Pelaga started changing when he realised that a true Pelaga does not change his or her fighting methods when fighting in the outside world.
A few years later, in December 1999, an incident occurred, convincing him on the effectiveness of Pukul Pelaga. The day that he had to defend himself against about 40 attackers shall be related in the future.
When his friends invited him to join Pukul Pelaga, he was reluctant. He had also heard that Pukul Pelaga was an inferior self defense system. Nevertheless he decided to join for his friends' sake. Even though sceptical, he was prepared to see how far Pukul Pelaga can go.
Initially he felt that Pukul Pelaga was the same as the others. His opinion on Pukul Pelaga started changing when he realised that a true Pelaga does not change his or her fighting methods when fighting in the outside world.
A few years later, in December 1999, an incident occurred, convincing him on the effectiveness of Pukul Pelaga. The day that he had to defend himself against about 40 attackers shall be related in the future.
Mawi did not complete his basic training
That is the plain truth. As such he is not in a strong position to say that Pukul Pelaga has many weaknesses.
As has been explained before this, there are many facets to Pukul Pelaga. Mawi's training session was once a week. Imagine how hard it is to complete even half of the necessary basics in Pukul Pelaga.
It is not my intention to potray him as a bad person. I feel that it is necessary to have the views of someone who have met him and his school mates, and pointed to them the finer aspects of Pukul Pelaga. Otherwise there will be people taking his words as accurate, partly because he is a well known celebrity in the country. In fact I will not be surprised if there are silat practitioners who use his words to bury Pukul Pelaga.
A Pelaga who has completed and understood the basics would not utter similar words. In fact he or she will be able to adapt to different styles without any or much difficulty. I believe he said those words after becoming an actor in a martial art production.
He is not to be completely blamed. His master was at that time busy with additional responsibilities. As a result Mawi and his training friends were left on their own, without proper guidance.
His case is not unique. There are many martial art practitioners who think they know everything. Several even go against their masters because they feel they have reached a higher status.
<>
As has been explained before this, there are many facets to Pukul Pelaga. Mawi's training session was once a week. Imagine how hard it is to complete even half of the necessary basics in Pukul Pelaga.
It is not my intention to potray him as a bad person. I feel that it is necessary to have the views of someone who have met him and his school mates, and pointed to them the finer aspects of Pukul Pelaga. Otherwise there will be people taking his words as accurate, partly because he is a well known celebrity in the country. In fact I will not be surprised if there are silat practitioners who use his words to bury Pukul Pelaga.
A Pelaga who has completed and understood the basics would not utter similar words. In fact he or she will be able to adapt to different styles without any or much difficulty. I believe he said those words after becoming an actor in a martial art production.
He is not to be completely blamed. His master was at that time busy with additional responsibilities. As a result Mawi and his training friends were left on their own, without proper guidance.
His case is not unique. There are many martial art practitioners who think they know everything. Several even go against their masters because they feel they have reached a higher status.
<>
Pukul Pelaga Tahap 1
This is a manual on the basics of Pukul Pelaga. 'Tahap 1' can be translated as Proficiency 1.
The manual has three levels. The First Level can be completed in 8 weeks, but it also depends on the individual. The Second and Third Levels go deeper into Pukul Pelaga, and require a longer time to complete. Most Pelaga know only the training in the First Level, and bits and pieces of the others.
The main difference with other manuals is the focus on the underlying aspects of Pukul Pelaga. Anyone repeatedly reading it will gain some understanding, and will be able to form his or her own system. Add this to the understanding of 400 Corak Tempur (of Pukul Pelaga), and the person can easily brag about his.her prowess in silat. That is why the manual is not to be distributed to the public. Those who understand the contents will be able to understand most martial art systems.
What happened was several Pelaga lost their copies to unknown persons. One traitor gave it to another silat organisation. Several members of this organisation formed another silat school, with similar basic moves as Pukul Pelaga. It may be a coincidence, but there are also pointers indicating otherwise.
Several silat practitioners who were allowed to browse through the manual commented that it is complete. Well, it is not. There are more. Currently I am not prepared to expose them even to members. What the traitors did, and what were stolen, have made me wary, and a little bit paranoid.
The manual has three levels. The First Level can be completed in 8 weeks, but it also depends on the individual. The Second and Third Levels go deeper into Pukul Pelaga, and require a longer time to complete. Most Pelaga know only the training in the First Level, and bits and pieces of the others.
The main difference with other manuals is the focus on the underlying aspects of Pukul Pelaga. Anyone repeatedly reading it will gain some understanding, and will be able to form his or her own system. Add this to the understanding of 400 Corak Tempur (of Pukul Pelaga), and the person can easily brag about his.her prowess in silat. That is why the manual is not to be distributed to the public. Those who understand the contents will be able to understand most martial art systems.
What happened was several Pelaga lost their copies to unknown persons. One traitor gave it to another silat organisation. Several members of this organisation formed another silat school, with similar basic moves as Pukul Pelaga. It may be a coincidence, but there are also pointers indicating otherwise.
Several silat practitioners who were allowed to browse through the manual commented that it is complete. Well, it is not. There are more. Currently I am not prepared to expose them even to members. What the traitors did, and what were stolen, have made me wary, and a little bit paranoid.
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Pecahan Buah
'Pecahan Buah' can roughly be translated as 'The Sub-division.Sub-variation of Counter Attack Techniques.
Due to the differences in human size, capabilities including speed, and mental attitude, Pukul Pelaga recognises the fact that most, if not all, counter attack techniques need to have an open ending. Not many, if any, techniques are suitable for everybody. What is inside the training area is usually different from what can be found in real life.
The concept of variations in a counter attack has been part of Pukul Pelaga since its inception, more than 70 years ago. As such each counter attack has more than 7 variation to its ending.
The book that I illustrated in relation to this may be sufficient for serious martial art practitioners to understand the concept. Many silat master/guru/instructor talk about variations, but they are incapable of explaining how this can be carried out. Possibly not wanting to be seen out dated, they claim to have the same concept, but ask their students to think about it.
Pukul Pelaga gives guidance on how to go about it. That was one of the reasons why I was able to do the illustrations. Imagine illustrations on how one basic counter attack move can be divided into more than 50 variations. Imagine the same principle being applied to all other basic moves. This is the reality of Pukul Pelaga.
Due to the differences in human size, capabilities including speed, and mental attitude, Pukul Pelaga recognises the fact that most, if not all, counter attack techniques need to have an open ending. Not many, if any, techniques are suitable for everybody. What is inside the training area is usually different from what can be found in real life.
The concept of variations in a counter attack has been part of Pukul Pelaga since its inception, more than 70 years ago. As such each counter attack has more than 7 variation to its ending.
The book that I illustrated in relation to this may be sufficient for serious martial art practitioners to understand the concept. Many silat master/guru/instructor talk about variations, but they are incapable of explaining how this can be carried out. Possibly not wanting to be seen out dated, they claim to have the same concept, but ask their students to think about it.
Pukul Pelaga gives guidance on how to go about it. That was one of the reasons why I was able to do the illustrations. Imagine illustrations on how one basic counter attack move can be divided into more than 50 variations. Imagine the same principle being applied to all other basic moves. This is the reality of Pukul Pelaga.
30 Buah Gelek
'30 Buah Gelek' can be translated as 30 Twist Counter Attacks.
I am not sure about the translation of 'gelek' into 'twist'. Basically 'gelek' is an action where a person turns or twists the body from side to side.
There was an agreement with a publisher to have this book publshed. The owner of the company is a well known person, and many silat practitioners try to get close to him. One of them claimed that I stole the techniques from his school or style. As a result the book was not published, and the manuscript 'disappeared' from the company's office. I knew about it after nearly two years of silence from the day the manuscript was personally sent to the office.
There are two main things to be considered:
1) I have never joined any martial art system except for one training session with Silat Harimau in 1972.
2) Gelek techniques were rare in silat until Pukul Pelaga came out into the open. The reason being was the fighting philosophy of most silat styles, including the use of a low stance. Most silat styles favour the low stance. A silat exponent using a low stance simply cannot execute gelek properly, the way it is taught in Pukul Pelaga.
When silat practitioners saw Pelaga training in the basics of gelek, they laughed at us, claiming that the technique was inferior. That was in 1976. Things started changing when many were hit through a gelek move.
Verily, the truth will eventually prevails.
I am not sure about the translation of 'gelek' into 'twist'. Basically 'gelek' is an action where a person turns or twists the body from side to side.
There was an agreement with a publisher to have this book publshed. The owner of the company is a well known person, and many silat practitioners try to get close to him. One of them claimed that I stole the techniques from his school or style. As a result the book was not published, and the manuscript 'disappeared' from the company's office. I knew about it after nearly two years of silence from the day the manuscript was personally sent to the office.
There are two main things to be considered:
1) I have never joined any martial art system except for one training session with Silat Harimau in 1972.
2) Gelek techniques were rare in silat until Pukul Pelaga came out into the open. The reason being was the fighting philosophy of most silat styles, including the use of a low stance. Most silat styles favour the low stance. A silat exponent using a low stance simply cannot execute gelek properly, the way it is taught in Pukul Pelaga.
When silat practitioners saw Pelaga training in the basics of gelek, they laughed at us, claiming that the technique was inferior. That was in 1976. Things started changing when many were hit through a gelek move.
Verily, the truth will eventually prevails.
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