Customer Reviews (2)

Good book on Mande Munda History
I really enjoyed reading the book.
It gives a glimpse of background on Mande Muda and Pak Herman Suwanda.
The book shows the Silat styles that make up Mande Muda.
I wish the book had more in depth coverage of the Silat styles of Mande Muda.
As a matter of fact, that is one of the reasons I didn't give it a 5 star.
The other reason is that the book had about 2 chapters covering the Indonesian History. I would've prefered less coverage of the Indonesian History and more coverage on the Indonesian Silat.
The Indonesian history chapters are outlines. I fell asleep most of the time in history class during grade and elementary school in Indonesia. So I guess this was a good way for me to catch up *haha*
Nonetheless a good book on Mande Muda history. I wouldn't recommend this book if you're looking at technique or jurus illustrations. There are other Silat books that cover techniques and jurus better.

highly recommended
I really like the way this book is organized. Admitedly, I would like some of the chapters shorter (history of Indonesia, without relevance to silat) and some others longer (technical portion, eg. jurus and their buah), but than again, there is no such thing as a perfect book.
This time, though, I think than Mr. Somera did a great job as an editor (well, maybe some linguistic details could have been more correct...but than again, maybe that would not give us closer image of Herman Suwanda). The material is well presented and I especially like the order of chapters. In my view, the reflections of some more prominent students of the late Pak Herman included after the technical portion, are beautifullt done and really make those reders (myself included) who never had the chance to meet the man, start understanding the impact he had on people around him.
I would wholehartedly recommend this book to anyone interested in martial arts, and for those into silat, I'd say it's a must read.
By now you might be wondering why not 5 start then? Because I feel that this book does not meet the expectations, i.e. the potential it had. If it had mor in depth presentation ofthe technical material (like in book on Leo Giron for example) to make it a little bit better rounded, I would not hesitate giving it 5/5 rating.

Here again, my complain about the shipping conditions stand once more. I held Amazon in very high regard as a company, so they should not allow for mistakes like changing the shipping method without customer's consent. ... Read more

Book Description
THIS IS THE 2nd EDITION OF THE ORIGINAL BOOK. It has been retitled from: An Indo-Malay Martial Art: Pencak Silat Pertempuran Volume 1 to Pencak Silat Pertempuran: Vol. 1. There is also a new cover.About The Book: This is a Perfect bound soft cover book over 350 pp. It is specifically created for those who study the martial art of pencak silat known as Pencak Silat Pertempuran and contains many photos and detailed explanations of the material. An excellent resource about the ferocious art of pencak silat. Pencak Silat is probably best known worldwide for its use of weapons, specifically, bladed weapons of all types, sizes, and variations. That said it is also a martial art that is rich in culture and artistic elements. The first book of a series to address this particular style of Pencak Silat and detail some of its physical manifestations, theories, and principles. It is also one of a few books written in English to address pencak silat at all. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

****AWESOME****
Ive studied Silat for years, and have several books on the subject. I have not yet found anything remotely close to this in terms of content, detail or value.

***If you're at all interested in Pencak Silat this book is a must have.***

It is an invaluable reference guide for practitioners, and a wonderful introductory read for curious seekers...

Incredibly useful
I find this book integral to my training. It answers many questions on a variety of Silat topics, i.e. posture and movement, in Guru Stark's own words. It is a great help for independent or distance training.

-Bill

A Must Have Guide To Pencak Silat Methods
The author gives a great introduction to the art of Pencak Silat Pertempuran. Well written and reader friendly, this first volume will give the reader a better understanding of what Pencak Silat is about. This first volume covers everything from Silat strikes, to evasions, to entries all of which are fully illustrated. I anxiously await the second volume.

Want to learn some Pencak Silat?
Just wanted to post a quick review on this book. Pencak Silat Pertempuran Vol 1 is an awesome supplement for those training in PSP (Combat Silat), not to mention a great book on Silat. In general the book IMHO seems to be targeted to the PSP practioner, but by all means it also serves as a great study of Pencak Silat in general.

The book is well written, well thought out and contains a plethora of pictures demonstratng the movements the author is describing. A real must have for anyone interested in Pencak Silat.

I can not wait to own/read/study Volume 2.

Great job! ... Read more

Book Description
Silat Seni Gayong is an art of self-defense, a fighting art but one that also emphasizes the development of the self, becoming a better person, and serving humanity. Sometimes compared to a tiger ready to devour its prey, Gayong helps practitioners develop and increase physical fitness, flexibility, mental conditioning, and self-confidence. Author Sheikh Shamsuddin, who has studied Gayong for 25 years, introduces this little-known practice to Western readers in this first book on the subject in English. The most comprehensive study in any language on Gayong and its customs, The Malay Art of Self-Defense explores in depth the system, techniques, crucial elements, and philosophies involved. Also covered are the art’s history, profiles of the most notable practitioners, and an informative Q&A collected from various martial art practitioners to expand readers’ knowledge and appreciation. Included are photos of Gayong demonstrations, traditional training centers, customs, and events. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

Recommended reading
I really liked this book, aspecially since,to my knowledge, this is the only work of its kind on Malaysian silat, as opposed to Indonesian, which has been presented in the West trhoguh couple of books and several videos, though I'd like to see more written material on that as well. Book is done in a beautiful layout, and I also like the format. Author's presentation of techniques is good and the overview of the system is qute good, too. You may like the style itself or not, but there's no arguing that the books tiself is very well done.
My only concern, however, is that while pointing several times to the importance if inner practices in Sialt Gayong, Cikgu Sam has chosen to do just brief introduction on kebatinan practices. On the other hand he has a chapter on the Malasyan tourism several pages long, and would most certainly like to see the things reversed, since that would without doubt give a better picture of the subject of the book, i.e. Silat Gayong.

New look at an old art
reading this work it is immediately obvious that the writer is not only well versed in the martial art of Seni Gayong Silat- but that he has the capasity to produce a well written and concise book explaining the history, technical application, and philosophy of his art. I am impressed with the depth the author goes to in giving the reader a look into this Malaysian cultural art form, and system of combat. Though not as well known as some of the other more publicised martial arts, Seni Gayong Silat as shown by this book, is as rich and as profound as any of the more popular forms of Asian combat. Thank you for this great book!

thumbs up - The Malay Art of Self-Defense: Silat Seni Gayong
I highly recommend this book as an excellent reference work in the martial arts library of all people interested in Silat Seni Gayong. This book is well written with not only the technique aspect of the art; but it also provides good history, cultural background, and philosophy.

great addition to world of malay silat!
this book covers an incredible overview of Malay Silat with an emphasis on Silat Seni Gayong in particular. The techniques shown are a perfect start to anyone interested in this art that is rare in the western world. The author translates the real aspects of Malay Silat and the raw essence that makes it well known throughout southeast asia as one of the deadliest forms of combat and intricate forms of art and spiritual culture. a BIG congradulations to Cikgu Shamsuddin Salim for his contribution to the propogation of Silat Seni Gayong around the world as envisioned by the late Mahaguru Dato Meor Abdul Rahman.
This is REAL Silat with additional works on culture,and traditions that make for a well rounded knowledge rarely shared in the west.
thank you for this work!

The best!
It's about time someone wrote a comprehensive book on this subject. If you're interested in both the history and how-to of silat or even simply self defense, then you need to buy this book. Wonderfully written, with a unique look into the culture of Malaysia and the history of silat. Insightful imagery and explanations of many techniques further clarify this instructional work of art. ... Read more

Book Description
HARDCOVER WITH DUST JACKET. This the second volume of the Pencak Silat Pertempuran training manuals. Contains many forms, ground fighting, knife, machete, and gun training. Also, contains a short glossary of indonesian pencak silat terms. Jurus, Monyet, Harimau, Golok, pisau, and Clurit. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Great great book
Great book and very easy to understand. I have been practise martial art for about 20 years and this is one of the most well written books I have met on my journey. Buy IT!!

Go for it!
it is a great thing to see, every once in a while, when somebody manages to outdo themselves, even after a great first work. And in the Vol.2, Guro Stark certainly did, and then some!
Even my criticism about his first volume (photo quality) does not hold this time. Yes there are a couple of pics that are bit blurred, but in no way does that imede the understanding ofthe techniques presented. The main thing, however, is the fact that he does superb job of trying to pass the information intended, and some information it is. Never have I seen a book so detailed in description of the material presented, yet concise enouhg not to be smothering.
Especially worth commendation is the fact that for the firt time someone has presented (to my knowledge)in detail the weapon portion of Silat, instead of just giving a scarce information of the tools used within particular system. Guro Stark gives excellent instruction on the use of pisau and golok, as well as the applicability of karambit.Also, in this book the genius of Mr. Stark as the founder of the system shines through, because it becomes clear that everything he did in he first book falls in place really nicely, and makes one's attempts at grasping the new material much easier.
Bottom line - two thumbs up (but only because there is just two)!

A Must Have
Volume 2 of Guru Stark's book will take the reader even deeper into the art of Pencak Silat.I was unable to put the book down.The amount of detail, photos, and explanations in this book are phenominal.This book is a must have for anyone interested in Pencak Silat.I anxiously await for the release of Volume 3 !!!

A great resource for PSP

Guru Stark's 2nd book is a great followup and expands in detail on the Jurus-jurus, the weapons of PSP and the Harmau/Monyet of PSP. This book (like the 1st book) is a must have for anyone studying Pencak Silat Pertempuran and would be interesting to any martial arts practitioner, especially silat. Buy a copy. You won't be disappointed. ... Read more

Product Description
About The Book: This is a Perfect bound book, soft cover book, with over 340 pp of martial arts material on the art of Pencak Silat Pertempuran. It is specifically created for those who study this system of Pencak Silat and contains many photos and detailed explanations of the material. An excellant resource about the ferocious art of pencak silat. Pencak Silat is probably best known worldwide for its use of weapons, specifically, bladed weapons of all types, sizes, and variations. That said it is also a martial art that is rich in culture and artistic elements.An Indo-Malay Martial Art: Pencak Silat Pertempuranis the first book to address this particular style of Pencak Silat and detail some of its physical manifestations, theories, and principles. It is also one of a few books written in English to address pencak silat at all. Pencak Silat Pertempurans history is rich, containing elements of Malaysian, Sumatran, Javanese, Balinese, and Maduran silat. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Maybe I'm splitting hair...
I really liked the contents of the book, as well as Guro Stark's presentation of the art he obviously loves from the bottom of his heart. Also, if I may add, he seems to be really nice and friendly person, judging from my brief correspondence with him. Still ,the book received only four stars, because I find the quality of the photos truly unsatsfactory in comparison with the overall quality of the book.
Still, to my understanding, Gure Stark has finished the preparation of the material for the second book, in which I hope this shortcoming will be avoided. That said, I can hardly wait for it to be published.

An introduction to pencak silat.
Guru Stark presents the basis of his system concisely.I am notoriously a hands on person and would much rather train than read as a lot can be missed when not felt.That being said, Guru Stark touches the main points by building upon and with each other so as to convey the necessary information logically.
I highly recommend attending a seminar with Guru Stark or his annual gathering, Keluarga.See his website, [...] for locations for upcoming events.

A Must Have For Any Serious Silat Practitioner
The author gives a great introduction to the art of Pencak Silat Pertempuran.Well written and reader friendly, this first volume will give the reader a better understanding of what Pencak Silat is about.This first volume covers everything from Silat strikes, to evasions, to entries all of which are fully illustrated.I anxiously await the second volume.

An Excellent Introduction to Pencak Silat
This book is an excellent introduction to the art of Pencak Silat Pertempuran in particular and Pencak Silat in general.One of the great strengths of the book is the organized and sequential manner in which the author presents the material.I have a number of martial arts books and have found too many are just a collection of techniques.In this book Sean Stark introduces a series of core evasions and then proceeds to show how they lead into other actions, such as strikes, throws, and joint locks.He also demonstrates how the art employs positioning to outflank an opponent.In my opinion, this is one of the characteristics that makes Pencak Silat so effective.It is apparent that Pencak Silat Pertempuran is a very efficient and well-conceived martial art.

This is a book I have read several times.Since this is to be the first volume of a series, my only regret is that the second volume is not yet published and I have to wait to see the next book. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Fine video on legendary style
The ground tiger art of Harimau Silat from the island of Sumatra is legendary among Silat practitioners, in which it contrasts with the more upright tiger style of Pamacan, which comes from Java (if I remember right, but I'm not an expert on Silat). Almost all Silat styles have some aspects of Harimau in it because it has been so famous and influential an art. Here it is shown for the first time in this video from Paladin Press.

First the basic postures and positions are shown, and then how they can be linked together in a sequence, much like the linking forms of bau gua, hsing-i, or tai chi. Many applications are demonstrated, including empty hand, weapons, and takedowns/groundwork. Harimau is shown to very much ground oriented in almost always taking the opponent to the ground, where he is finished off. Dozens of combinations are shown from start to finish, from initial entries to final takedowns so there is a lot of good information here.

The techniques are usually demonstrated by Guru de Bordes's students, but Guru de Bordes also shows some langkhas and also a very nice weapons defense against multiple attackers in which he uses the machete or short sword against four opponents. Also, the music sound track is quite attractive and adds an exotic air to the presentation. Overall an excellent video on this legendary but still obscure art. ... Read more

Book Description
With this Dictionary, the Indonesian martial art terminology is easy to access for the English speaker.

Martial artists will learn special expressions for the spirit, technical movements and breathing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A bit hard to use
Unfortunately - for me, this book is sectioned by language, and then within each laguage sectioned by topic. It is more of a vocabulary list than a dictionary.

So, if I saw something related to silat that I wanted to look up, and didn't know what languge it was, or where to look - I would be out of luck.

This is a fairly good resource if you want to look at long lists of vocabulary, and is the only dictionary of it's kind I know if. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

The foundation text on the meanings of Silat
Cordes' text is an academic analysis of the meanings of Silat in the Minangkabau context, based on extensive ethnographic field-work in the region.It would be mistaken to assume the work is a manual for learning silat, and the reviewers who critique the work thereon are simply missing the purpose of her research and monograph.
What you can expect to find, and very much do, is an excellent portrayal of the cultural world of Silat, some quite interesting anecdotes from several gurus, and a heightened understanding of the essence of Silat.

There's simply no way around this work for the scholar of Silat.

Review for Hiltrud's book about Sumatran Silat
This book by Hiltrud Cordes is super if you're into West-Sumatran Silat (Silek), it tels you a lot about the backgrounds of the Minangkabau people and the Pencak Silat backgrounds from the Padang Region.
This book is writen in German Language, if you're able to read this, it is a must-have !! ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A brief comment
First, I should say a little about myself, so you'll know where I'm coming from. I am a professional martial arts instructor with black belts or instructor rank in Filipino, Chinese, Japanese, and Korean arts, and have been studying martial arts for over 40 years since I was 12, but I've never had the opportunity to study the beautiful but deadly art of Silat. However, the style of Kali I hold instructor rank in is said to be about 25% Silat, so I have some background in it, but it's one of the few remaining arts I have yet to study in pure form. Some day I hope to rectify that deficiency, but for the time being I want to say that I think Silat ranks among the world's great contributions to martial arts and deserves to be better known.

As a result, I've researched the art of Silat through the many videos now on the market, and I have just about every important video done on the subject at this point, including William Sanders 10-volume set on Tjimande silat, so I thought I'd make a brief comment and say that I found all the videos I have to be excellent instuctional tapes on the still relatively unknown art of silat. Guru Sanders demonstrates all 18 jurus, or upper body forms, along with many practical applications and self defense techniques in the course of this set. There are also videos devoted specifically to the ground techniques, self- defense, free style sparring, and many other topics in Silat, covering the whole range of topics.

I understand there is some controversy surrounding Guru Sander's credentials and how much training he actually received in Indonesia, but as a martial arts instructor with over 40 years experience, and I think I can tell if someone moves well enough or is knowledgeable enough to be doing a video tape. I found Guru Sanders an articulate, skilled, and knowledgeable exponent of the still unknown but deadly art of Silat and I can recommend his videos if you want further information. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

The Reason Self-Publishing Should Never Be Allowed!!!
* I don't care how much a man knows, if he cannot write, he should not publish a book!
*It is obvious that Pendekar Sanders has a great deal of knowledge, but writing is not among his skills... NOR IS ORGANIZATION! His chapters are an exercise in patience for even a monk. He never separates his thoughts into different paragraphs, which makes each chapter and topic an ordeal to read and understand. His words are vague, and often do not even depict what he is supposed to be showing. In addition, the forms he details in the early chapters do not have accompanying photos (the photos are in another chapter closer to the end of the book), so you have torn the binding of the book by the time you have begun to understand what he is talking about.
* Then, of course, there is the fact that the man devotes more energy to writing about mysticism and the occult than he does the martial arts. If I wanted a book on the Qabbala, I'd have bought one, not a martial arts book.
* I have had this book for about 6 years now, and have re-read it numerous times in an effort to understand the art. Even in re-drawing the pictures of the forms he illustrates, there is no way to come away from this book with any comprehension of the traditional forms within it. No other book has ever frustrated me as much, and I am anxoius to see someone with actual professional pride put together a better book... any 8th-grader could do better, I'm sure.
* This is, by far, the worst martial arts book I have ever seen.

The Reason Self-Publishing Should Never Be Used!!!
* I don't care how much a man knows, if he cannot write, he should not publish a book!
*It is obvious that Pendekar Sanders has a great deal of knowledge, but writing is not among his skills... NOR IS ORGANIZATION! His chapters are an exercise in patience for even a monk. He never separates his thoughts into different paragraphs, which makes each chapter and topic an ordeal to read and undestand. His words are vague, and often do not even depict what he is supposed to be showing. In addition, the forms he details in the early chapters do not have accompanying photos (the photos are in another chapter closer to the end of the book), so you have torn the binding of the book by the time you have begun to understand what he is talking about.
* I have had this book for about 6 years now, and have re-read it numerous times in an effort to understand the art. Even in re-drawing the pictures of the forms he illustrates, there is no way to come away from this book with any comprehension of the traditional forms within it. No other books has ever frustrated me as much, and I am anxoius to see someone with actual professional pride put together a better book... any 8th-grader could do better, I'm sure.
* This is, by far, the worst martial arts book I have ever seen.

A bad drug trip put into print
This book is just some bad opium trip. The picture quality is terrible, the instructions difficult to follow ...

Most disturbing is the great amount of space given to "woo- woo" stuff like black magic and such. It reminds me of the quote by Robert Heinlein, "One man's religion is another man's belly laugh."

If you are interested in the martial arts aspects of Penjak Silat, you will be gravely disapointed with this book. Though rare, there are other books on the subject. All of the ones I have do a much better job of explaining the basics and principles than this rather strange work.

indepth info
I saw a video of Sanders and found some of his movements a bit careless and maybe a little stiff but this book is very informative and I think of great value even if you're not a Cimande practioner or not even a silat practitioner.
VolumeII is maybe even more interesting.

Erik

fascinating teachings on unusual martial art
Great book with fasinating teachings. Discover this traditional martial art from Indonesia. physicla teachings, magickal teachings, jurus, mudras, mantras... It's a must read ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

one of the best but not yet revised
this book perhaps one of the best, mr oong describes the long history of Pencak Silat, shows the careful research of mr oong, from his experience as pencak silat athlete and his long study. Tells more about pencak that you may never thought (there's always competition on every sport)including the spiritual sides of this traditional martial arts. also including the interview with the pioneers. But this book needs to be revised immediately, there's a lot of change on Pencak silat today. Some of the text does not match with the reality again, except the history of Pencak silat.

Reviewing the great work by O'ong Maryono
This is maybe one of the best books I've read about Pencak Silat.
The items and backgrouds are great resources for people who want to learn about Pencak Silat and his history and filosofy.
It's only availble in native Indonesian language (Bahasa Indonesia) but O'ong told me that there wil be an english version also to be published. ... Read more