4 Types of Students

From Pirke Avot (Lesson's of the Fathers) :

"There are four types among those who sit before the wise: the Sponge, the Funnel, the Strainer, and the Sieve. Some are like the sponge which absorbs everything; some are like the funnel which takes in at one end and lets out at the other; some are like the strainer which allows the wine to go out and retains the dregs; some are like the sieve which lets out the bran and retains the fine flour."

More Class Notes: Silat Melayu

This week we came to appreciate some aspects of the sarong/malong/panyo, and also learned that the old adage about swimming (i.e. don’t do it soon after eating) applies equally to martial arts.

Last week, we established the following:

When you understand and can apply the sequence of petua in forward and reverse order, you have the formulas to begin your own movement and also to shut-down your opponent’s movement. With this in mind the buah are simply examples of how to accomplish this from different entries, footwork, parries, etc.

If you don’t understand this then you’re simply copying movements instead of really using the techniques in the buah, and you’ll have a hard time applying the techniques in a free-fight.

If you do understand this, you can apply the appropriate technique successfully in real time against a resisting opponent, without much of a struggle.

The buah are not complicated and don’t take a long time to learn. You never need “more” buah…you just need to really understand the petua.

Senaman Tua - Another Satisfied Client!

My name is Christopher K., and I am a humble student of Guro Jeff Davidson in the Filipino and Malaysian martial arts. Lately I had been experiencing some knee and joint stability issues, and thus approached Guro for some advice. At this point, I was introduced to Senaman Tua – the so-called “Old Exercises.” Guro Davidson related the history and effectiveness of Senaman Tua and how much it has helped him.

After learning a basic routine, I have found Senaman Tua to be extremely challenging yet almost profound in what it targets and accomplishes. Through the lower, core, and upper-body exercises I feel my fascia and tendon strength improving. Stability and sensitivity are also increasing. All of this in a martial arts/fitness context.

I have a good amount of experience in running and weight-lifting, and I believe they are important for general fitness and muscle stamina. Yet I now believe that Senaman Tua is even more important for the joint fascia and stability needed for greater physical sensitivity and martial prowess. Senaman Tua is the exercise regimen needed to prevent injury and to excel in movement. Even when compared to Yoga, I find it way more useful and beneficial.

Thanks for Senaman Tua!

Christopher K.