Silat Melayu Class Notes: Selisih

"Greeting by Fur"

Some notes from last class:

You’re either going to whack him (pukulan), hurl him (buangan), or lock him (kuncian). Right now, we’re focused on the third alternative.

The first step is to waylay the oncoming attack. Next priority is to target a joint on the attacking extremity – but don’t get too attached to it, because it’s only a means to an end. You already know where the kuncian is headed. If the wrist is closest, it’ll do. Same goes for the elbow, or whatever.

Now is when you either begin to shut him down for good OR he makes you sorry you got up this morning. So pay attention, please.

If the opponent is alive, he’ll start to resist. He may explode towards you, or he may try to pull away. He may try to root down. He may throw the other hand, or he may kick – so many possibilities! If you’re a typical grappler, you will most likely attempt to out-muscle the opponent at this point. If you are bigger and stronger than him, that ‘may’ work but you ain’t doing Silat Melayu – and if your opponent is than you’ve just opened yourself to more counters than IKEA at X-mas.

At this point, we should understand the petua of Jantan Betina (Comparative Energy). In locking, the physical application of this petua is Selisih (Passing). Think of two cats passing each other going in opposite directions: they don’t bump heads or shake hands – they greet by their fur. There is a simultaneous, complimentary movement (or adjustment) by both parties.

This is essentially the example you have to follow in response to your opponent’s attempted counter.

There are two other complimentary petua you have to be aware of at this stage: Lam Alif (soft redirection) and Mata Angin (sharp redirection). Fight smart and let him decide exactly how he will fall into whichever kuncian he ends up in – as you remove the final remnants of his leverage.

NOTE: If you are just practicing a buah on its own, you won’t encounter this situation because you are directing the whole show. This issue only presents itself when the guy is resisting. Start with an easy entry – like Cenkaman Harimau and then have your partner actively resist.

Have fun and be careful.