Due to the overwhelming interest in this Malaysian system, we have already formed a separate "Beginning" and "Advanced" class for Silat Kuntau Tekpi. Pictured above is the Advanced class of 2005.
Welcome to THE BALISONG JOURNAL An online journal of Southeast Asian Martial Arts, Culture and Spirituality from Guro Jeff Davidson and Detroit Kali-Silat. We will focus on Filipino Kali, Batangas Knife, and Silat Melayu (especially Silat Kuntau Tekpi) - along with Yoruba (West African) fighting and healing arts- and other interesting diversions along the way.
11 comments:
Assalamu'alaikum
Truly your achievements in spreading SKT in US is something for us here in Malaysia to envy upon.
However, i hope that one day, Brother Omar will propagate the traditional SKT attire to his students. You are almost there Brother Jeff, what's left is a black 'tanjak' (head-cloth) and a colored belt/sash. If for special occasions, just add a 'baju layang' (Malay jacket) and a 'sampin' (waist-cloth) and also a 'bengkung' (sash).
Wassalaam
AHA
PSSKTM, KL Branch
Hey, to all of my students reading this Blog - Amirul (the Brother that is commenting above) and I are having a fantastic discussion via email regarding Silat Kuntau Tekpi. I am learning a great deal from him, and also from Saiful Azraq an SKT practitioner and Cikgu [teacher] of "sister-arts" Silat Cekak Hanafi and Silat Kalimah. I am editing some lengthy discussions between Saiful and myself dealing with history and traditions of Malay Silat that will be posted on this Blog soon.
Beginning with our incredible adventure to the Philippines at the beginning of the year, to the visit from our illustrious "Tito Jun", to the SKT camp with Guro Omar, the to the open lines of communication with our Brothers in Malaysia, not to mention all of the new and great people who have come aboard in Pekiti and SKT - this has been a truly banner year for us!
Next year looks even better...Are you ready?
Assalamu'alaikum and peace to all,
My name is Amirul Husni Affifudin. I'm a Malaysian (Kedah born and raised). I'm now living between Kedah, Perak and Kuala Lumpur due to work.
I've been practicing SKT from December of 2003. I'm now in the 3rd stage of SKT (Red Sash/Belt) under the guidance of Cikgu Azhar Hamzah (my Guru Gelanggang) and Cikgu Nor Azlan Wahid (a member of the Lembaga Waris Beradat and also Brother Omar's teacher).
This is my short personal introduction. I thank Brother Jeff for his friendship and brotherhood. Train well my SKT brothers and sisters.
Peace
Waleikum Asalaam Warhamatullah Wabrakatuhi and Ramadan Mubarak Brother Amirul,
Thank you as always for your words of encouragement. I assure you that we are training very hard, and looking forward to the day when Insha Allah, we may travel to Kedah, the home of SKT to meet Pak Guru, his family, yourself, and all of our extended SKT family.
Also, the dvd should be on the way soon!
Salaam,
Jeff Davidson
Salaam Mr. Amirul,
I am one of the students here studying Silat Kuntau Tekpi. We love it. I personally enjoy hearing about the history of this Style. Please let me ask you:
1) Are there many schools in Malaysia today that teach it?
2) Do you study with Pak Guru directly?
3) How do Malaysians feel about westerners practicing Malaysian Silat?
Thank you and I hope to see you in Malaysia one day with Guro Davidson.
Whoops...I see from your above post that you study with Cikgu Azhar Hamzah and Cikgu Nor Azlan Wahid, sorry. Could you tell us something about the 'Red Sash' level? Is it buah pukulan?
tim
Peace to all,
Dear Mr. Tim,
1) The only 'school' that teach Silat Kuntau Tekpi is Pertubuhan Seni Silat Kuntau Tekpi Malaysia, meaning there's an organization for SKT. However, there are other silat styles that teach Tekpi either as part of their curriculum or as their main weapon. For example, Kuntau Tekpi Perak (not related), Silat Sendeng Malaysia, Silat Lian Padukan etc
2) Maybe. I'm going to be travelling up and down between Kedah, Perak and KL, so there's a possibility that i might also study from Pak Guru one of these days, InshaAllah.
3) Mixed feelings. Some likes the idea, some hates it, some treat it as taboo, some are 50-50 etc
Let's just say that there's a whole lot to learn at this level :)
Selamat Belajar!
Dear Mr. Tim,
I forgot to ask, which is you in the picture above?
Peace
Dear Amirul,
Thanks for taking my questions, sir. I'm not in the above picture 'coz I'm not in the Advanced class yet. But if you pray for me, I might get there someday.
Salamat,
Tim
Asalaam Aleikum Amirul,
I am about to begin lessons in Silat Kuntau Tekpi with the group in Michigan. I have done some Indonesian Silat in the past, and there were many techniques patterned after the movements of animals (snake, crane etc.) Is it the same in the Malaysian Silat systems?
Thank you,
Josh
A'laikum salaam
Dear Brother Josh,
'Indonesian Silat' is a very general term.
In Malaysia, there are hundreds of styles/syetems/schools that originate from almost every parts of the Malay Archipelago (Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei, Singapore, Philippines and parts of Indochina).
There are some styles that have animal traits/characteristics, but varies in level. For example, Silat Kegayungan Aceh Helang Putih is an extreme case whereby they try to follow exactly like an eagle, even the cries of the bird. Others like Silat Kuntau Tekpi has movements that were named after the names of animals or the way they move/act. For example, in SKT we have the 'Tangkisan' or block/parry called 'Cengkaman Harimau'. I'm not sure of the translation but something like 'Tiger Grasping/Grabbing'. I think you get the idea.
Hope that helps.
Peace
PS-i'm travelling yet again, so i won't be able to have access to the internet from this monday to wednesday.
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