How Many Blades?

Found this video on Youtube while I was taking a short break from work in the office. I was not sure how I found it because I was sure I was not looking for it, but, I did get into trouble as soon as I shared this on my Facebook. Don't worry, it was not silat related, I did not offend any silat or any other martial art guys. However, I do regret that accidentally hurt someone's feelings that afternoon.

Actually, I wanted to say that this video kept me glued on it for a while for several reasons. First, was for the number of blades the guy was carrying on his body. Second, was for the speed of his counter attacks without causing hurt to the other guy. And third was for the moves that were demonstrated. I was very sure that the moves shown was performed on me before by Guru Ed. Well, at least the first four counters, the breaking of the knuckles, wrist, elbow and up to the neck.

However, before watching this video, I thought the hit on the elbow was only to shock the biceps muscles thus to render them useless for a while and the damage on the neck was not up to the point of breaking, only to stun and inflict pain to stop the opponent's attacks. About the similarity, I guess, Visayan knife fighting is Silat. Well, that is my conclusion.

I remember asking my Guru, how many weapons did a Harimau Berantai soldier carry on their body, when they launch a sabotage mission against the Dutch during the colonial days? I don't remember exactly, but, during a mission, a Harimau Berantai soldier wears his Javanese batik that acts as a camouflage that blends with the tropical surrounding. He carries a few blades, a few kerambits, maybe two pairs of Sauh (Tekpi), one Ekor Pari (Stingray's tail). It's highly possible that the Sundang is part of his arsenal of weapons too. He also carries a little pouch containing a powder substance, the War Dust that was used to temporarily blind the enemy soldier.

How many of them in a group? Hmm, I don't know, I guess, it's a very small army unit that I would imagine a five person group infiltrating the enemy camp and take out the number one guy, then quickly vanish into the dark.

Okay, now back to the question again. How many blades can you see on the guy's body? Yeah, the guy in the video. I don't know, I have to watch the video again.

Salam.

Back Into The Gelanggang

Image via Wikipedia

Hmm.. World cup 2010 has finally ended, and I'm now back at training. Well, actually there was no relevance at all between the two, but I did take a two weeks break. The first week was because I just wanted to take a break, but the second week, I was down with flu. Bad.

Last Monday night, I came back to the gelanggang for training. I was late, but at least I made it. No, I should not have justified my tardiness. Pendekar Scott was there earlier. Flipping the Tekpi (Sai) or what we at the Harimau Berantai call, the Sauh, which is a Malay word for anchor. I too have to train with my Sauh, as instructed by Guru Jak, but I usually leave them in my car. It was time for me to take them out and train with them again. Awesome!

Throughout the night, I was deflecting and 'breaking' a horizontal rattan pole that sticks out towards me and acts as a hand thrusting a weapon, stabbing and hitting tires that act as the body and legs of an opponent. There's also a wooden pole sticking out of the body of tires that act as the head that I have to remember stab and hit too. I got really into it. Felt really good training that night. I used to not like them as weapon as they are not easily concealed, and who brings around these things into battle these days? Except Rafael of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles and Elektra of course.

However, when you deflect an attack with your Sauh, then counter with attacks that render your opponent useless through blunt force trauma, and stabbings, I find them very fascinating. All night, I focused on practising with speed and power. I do try to get my footwork done properly too.

Great training session that night. Salam.