Perguruan Malela - Training Tools

The Reflex Bag (Everlast)

Applications of Silat Techniques on the Reflex Bag

Rangkaian Enam Silat Cekak (Brunei): Bladed Weapon Applications

DISCLAIMER: I am not affiliated to any of the Perguruan Silat Cekak found in Malaysia. This blogpost attempts to show the commonality of techniques that can be found across different forms of Silat, and how - in this particular instance - the 'Lading' that is unique to Malaysian Silat can be used within the context of Rangkaian Enam in Silat Chakak/Cekak Perguruan Malela (Brunei).

Some time ago, whilst I was still in Brunei Darussalam, I came across a blog that was selling traditional Malaysian weapons. And was able to place an order with the gentleman in question, for my own very own Lading. 

What is a 'Lading'?... A detailed history and description/dimension of the weapon can be found here: http://silat-melayu.blogspot.com/2007/12/lading-cekak-introduction.html

I have come across the 'Lading' in my many explorations into the websites maintained by the various Silat perguruan's found in Malaysia. But one particular form of Silat has made it their signature weapon. A weapon that ties their art back to its founders and mythos. This art is Silat Cekak.

Note: In this blogpost I will refer to Silat Cekak (Malaysia) in very broad terms, and will not go into detail as to the different forms and organisations that claim ownership over this art.

The application of the Lading is confined to very closed quarter combat. It is held in a reversed grip; where the blade rests along the outside of the forearm.

It's utilisation from the attached videos show that it is used as an adjunct to Silat Cekak's (Malaysia) empty hand techniques. So blocking arm motions, translate directly into the Lading's own blocking application against other weapons. 

A peculiarity of the application of the Lading in Silat Cekak (Malaysia) is a 'flicking' motion employed by the practitioner, that sees the blade arcing out in short chopping motions into the intended target(s).

I have used the Lading for my own purposes, whilst practicing the Rangkaian Enam of Silat Cekak/Chakak Perguruan Malela. 

When you put aside the exotics of the weapon involved (whether Lading, Stick or .... yes, even Golok). The lines of application pretty much stay the same.

The shape of the weapon itself may lend itself better to a particular application (i.e. reverse or forward grip), but on the whole there will be commonality of application(s).

I have used the Lading to augment the following applications of Rangkaian Enam (RE),
- RE Elbow Flow,
- RE Forward Grip and
- RE Belantan (Reverse Grip).

Traditional Martial Arts Applied in MMA: Capoiera

Any traditional martial art/artist is effective when trained properly.

Real Deal Part 2

Lessons in Boxing from Mike Gibbons (Former & Late Middleweight Boxing Champion of 1909), Captain Allan Corstorphin Smith (3rd degree jujutsu (judo) master), and how to fight with and against the bayonet. 

(YouTube, http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ga4zLsMmkE0&feature=related)

The Real Deal

William Ewart Fairbairn (28 February, 1885–20 June, 1960) was a British soldier, police officer and exponent of hand-to-hand combat method, the close combat, for the Shanghai Police between the world wars, and allied special forces in World War II. He developed his own fighting system known as Defendu, as well as other weapons tactics. Notably, this included innovative pistol shooting techniques and the development of the Fairbairn-Sykes Fighting Knife. (Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Ewart_Fairbairn)

'...White coats and stethoscope does not always a doctor make...'

I have a pet gripe. It's one that I have nursed for some time.

I have seen Silat practitioners and teachers position themselves as informed individuals on tactical CQB (Close Quarter Battle) on the basis of 'pseudo military speak' and dressing up in black/camo combat fatigues and boots.

And yet you see it happen all the time in the martial arts world.

It is marketing pure and simple. The more cynical amongst us might even say that it is false representation. Deliberately misleading.

The art I was taught was developed in a specific context. It was borne in a time when fire arms were not widespread, and unarmed combat was still a viable means of self defence. It was applied in an environment where the most likely form of armed combat would involve either a knife, sword or stick/staff.

I would not for the life of me then pretend that I could take these same techniques and purport that it could be viably applied by a soldier or a police officer in the line of duty.

You could argue that certain principles might still apply even in the context of modern day combat/conflict.

But here's the clincher: would you bet your - or even some else's - life on it?

It is highly irresponsible of individuals to position themselves in the manner of  CQB trainers when they themselves have not been exposed to the environments faced by men and women who put themselves in harms way on a daily basis.

And yet you see it happen. And no one seems to question it.

Call it what it is. Not what it isn't.

Kettle bell: Swing Minimalism

Okay... okay... the post title is a rip-off from Tim Ferriss's book 'The Four Hour Body'.

I am a late comer to the kettle bell party. More is the pity. But... I am here now.

For those of you who haven't done so, I'd recommend reading the book. It has some interesting propositions about how to lose weight, gain muscle, stay healthy and ... yes, even how to become better sexually.

The book is more than that though... it is - ultimately - about taking control of your life. And what Tim Ferriss has done is to propose an approach that makes this as ... accessible as possible.

I was going to say 'easy'. But nothing is easy. 

Nothing is easy about propelling weights of 16-24kilos with  a snap of the hips. 

Nothing easy about waking up at 5am in the morning to get the exercises in.

Nothing easy about going on a 'slow carb', 'no carb' diet or intermittent fasting.

 Nope... nothing easy. But it is about making choices. Small choices. Every single day. That will help determine your state of health and the quality of your life.

I am - right now - following the training protocols that he has recommended in his book. There is slew of research backing some of the protocols.

I like how the book has been structured, because it enables the reader to pick and choose what he/she wants to focus on.

I have chosen to focus on,

- weight loss, and

- muscle gain.

I am enjoying the process. Enjoying the journey.

I am no longer in a rush to get to the destination. Taking one day at a time.

So.... the kettle bell.

The youtube video below is the key exercise that he recommends for both weight loss, toning and muscle building.

As simple as it looks, done properly it will strengthen your core, legs and posterior chain.

Posterior chain?... Wikipedia it!

'...The posterior chain is a group of muscles, tendons and ligaments on the posterior kinetic chain of the body. Examples of these muscles include the biceps femoris, gluteus maximus, erector spinae muscle group, trapezius, posterior deltoids, and so on....'

I've started using this exercise and I can vouch for it's effectiveness. 

I've gone a step further and also taken on two additional exercises,

• The Squat Press, and
• The Russian Twist.

I'll report back on my progress as I go along. Not religiously reporting back :-) But often enough for you to see my progress.