Saturday, December 3, 2011
I was sick
It has been a long time since the last time I updated this blog. My apologies to those who had been waiting for any update.
I was physically ill.
According to several people, including an imam of a mosque, a group of silat practitioners from various schools used sorcery or witchcraft to incapacitate me, so that I will not be able to be active in whatever way in silat.
It is by the grace of Allah that I am able to type this, albeit at a slow speed.
God willing, I will continue on writing.
Monday, January 17, 2011
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.
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.
Friday, July 2, 2010
The Compass Points
Using the compass points as a point of reference was totally alien to silat except to Pukul Pelaga. This does not stop many silat practitioners from various styles to claim that the Compass Points are an integral part of their respective system, because they have taken the concept as theirs. I have always said that there is nothing wrong in taking or copying from other people, but denying doing so is not the way of a warrior. It is even worse when they claim to be protecting the religion.
Mata Angin is a concept of direction. In 1976 several Cimande practitioners, including the instructor, lost to Pukul Pelaga because they had never met this concept. Before that they were quite proud, saying that they could beat Pukul Pelaga at any time of the day. They even said there were invicible defence positions. In a sparring match infront of the grandmaster who came all the way to Seremban from Banting, the instructor used one such defence position. Using Mata Angin I nullified his most likely move, and touched his sternum at the same time. It was after that night there were greater efforts by Cimande practitioners to prise away Pukul Pelaga's secrets.
Nowadays many silat practitioners use the same basic concept. Nevertheless from what I have seen so far they seem not to understand the full concept.
Mata Angin is a concept of direction. In 1976 several Cimande practitioners, including the instructor, lost to Pukul Pelaga because they had never met this concept. Before that they were quite proud, saying that they could beat Pukul Pelaga at any time of the day. They even said there were invicible defence positions. In a sparring match infront of the grandmaster who came all the way to Seremban from Banting, the instructor used one such defence position. Using Mata Angin I nullified his most likely move, and touched his sternum at the same time. It was after that night there were greater efforts by Cimande practitioners to prise away Pukul Pelaga's secrets.
Nowadays many silat practitioners use the same basic concept. Nevertheless from what I have seen so far they seem not to understand the full concept.
The Forward Roll
Pukul Pelaga's Forward Roll is radically different from traditional forward roll. The majority of silat practitioners use the Tiger Forward Roll, some use the slightly to the side version, while there are others who said that it was not necessary.
When Pukul Pelaga came out into the open, other silat practitioners laughed at us. They said that the technique which we used was dangerous. They said we could break our arm, or even worse our neck.
In reality none of my students ever received any injury. It is more practical. The proof?
Many silat practitioners are now using the same technique. As usual they claimed the technique has always been theirs. Even modern Kalaripayat also uses the same technique, introduced by its teacher in Penang.
One major difference with Pukul Pelaga's Forward Roll is that it is straight to the front, and uses the forearm instead of the hands.
When Pukul Pelaga came out into the open, other silat practitioners laughed at us. They said that the technique which we used was dangerous. They said we could break our arm, or even worse our neck.
In reality none of my students ever received any injury. It is more practical. The proof?
Many silat practitioners are now using the same technique. As usual they claimed the technique has always been theirs. Even modern Kalaripayat also uses the same technique, introduced by its teacher in Penang.
One major difference with Pukul Pelaga's Forward Roll is that it is straight to the front, and uses the forearm instead of the hands.
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 12, 2009
No wrong technique in Pukul Pelaga
In essence Pukul Pelaga recognises the fact that each technique has its value. The word 'wrong' is rarely used for any technique. The focus is on the practicality of a technique in certain situations.
When a correction is made on the moves made by a Pelaga, what would be pointed out are the weaknesses or practicality of the moves in the situation envisioned by the Pelaga.
Why is there no 'wrong' technique?
We have different capabilities, and some of us have physical disabilities. As a result one technique which works well for several people would most probably be impractical for another group of people.
Let us take an example. The Lion style is not suitable for everyone, because of the hard training involved. As long as a Lion Style practitioner knows the limitations, and concentrates on the positive aspects, then he or she can at least defend himself/herself in many situations.
When a correction is made on the moves made by a Pelaga, what would be pointed out are the weaknesses or practicality of the moves in the situation envisioned by the Pelaga.
Why is there no 'wrong' technique?
We have different capabilities, and some of us have physical disabilities. As a result one technique which works well for several people would most probably be impractical for another group of people.
Let us take an example. The Lion style is not suitable for everyone, because of the hard training involved. As long as a Lion Style practitioner knows the limitations, and concentrates on the positive aspects, then he or she can at least defend himself/herself in many situations.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
True freestyle
Pukul Pelaga is a true freestyle martial art system. Bear in mind that I am not claiming it is the only one. Nevertheless there is one major difference between Pukul Pelaga and other freestyle systems.
There are many martial art organisations claiming to be based on the freestyle concept. They share the same basic trait, where their members are encouraged to take whatever technique they think is suitable from other martial art systems. There is validity in this argument. There is one downside to this approach. Techniques suited to us may not be relevant to other martial artists. This could be the main reason why the number of freestyle schools is increasing, each taking a different approach to self defense techniques, each having different opinions.
Pukul Pelaga has a different approach. Every Pelaga has to learn the same basics and the theoretical aspects related to them. As a result each Pelaga has his or her own fighting methods, which depend on several variables. This is the main reason why many people failed to understand what Pukul Pelaga really is. Most tend to make a judgment after seeing one or two Pelaga in action. When they see other Pelaga behaving in a different way, they start accusing Pukul Pelaga as filled with inconsistencies.
In essence there is no stereotyping in Pukul Pelaga.
There are many martial art organisations claiming to be based on the freestyle concept. They share the same basic trait, where their members are encouraged to take whatever technique they think is suitable from other martial art systems. There is validity in this argument. There is one downside to this approach. Techniques suited to us may not be relevant to other martial artists. This could be the main reason why the number of freestyle schools is increasing, each taking a different approach to self defense techniques, each having different opinions.
Pukul Pelaga has a different approach. Every Pelaga has to learn the same basics and the theoretical aspects related to them. As a result each Pelaga has his or her own fighting methods, which depend on several variables. This is the main reason why many people failed to understand what Pukul Pelaga really is. Most tend to make a judgment after seeing one or two Pelaga in action. When they see other Pelaga behaving in a different way, they start accusing Pukul Pelaga as filled with inconsistencies.
In essence there is no stereotyping in Pukul Pelaga.
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.
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