For Clarification!

For the past week I have been having a very exciting and informative exchange via email with a Malaysian Silat Kuntau Tekpi Cikgu (teacher) who read my description of SKT in the previous post, and was kind/concerned enough to bring the following points for clarification.

So...everybody take note:

- While Panglima Taib is indeed considered the Pengasas (Founder) of the Art known today as Silat Kuntau Tekpi, it is certain that he did not learn it from Panglima Ismail.

- While it is accepted that three of the main systems comprising ‘Silat Kedah’ - ie Silat Kuntau Tekpi, Silat Kalimah, and Silat Cekak Hanafi - have a common origin, the story varies slightly from school to school. The legend according to Silat Kuntau Tekpi has not been shared with the general public.

- The Senaman Tua that we perform before each class is not part of the traditional Silat Kuntau Tekpi syllabus. It is actually from the Silat Seni Lok Sembilan of Cikgu Azlan Ghanie. Cikgu Azlan taught it to my teacher, Cikgu Omar Hakim, who passed it on to us. We consider it part of our broader Silat Melyu practice.

- Senaman Tekpi refers to striking/parrying/twirling techniques and exercises with single and double tekpi.

- Silat Pulut is a artform unto itself with deep cultural significance. We here in Michigan have “adapted” a method of Silat Pulut that we (like to) think is true to function, if not strictly adhering to the classical form of the traditional method. Plus we have a lot of fun doing it!

I thank my friend for taking the time and energy to share these and other aspects of his noble cultural heritage with us. We are grateful.