1 comments about Secrets Of Harimau : The Explosive Art Of Pencak Silat Harimau Minangkabau.

1. 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.

4 comments about An Indo-Malay Martial Art: Pencak Silat Pertempuran.

1. 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.



2. 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.



3. 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.



4. 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.

1 comments about Pencak Silat Indonesian Martial Arts Dictionary.

1. 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.

4 comments about Pencak Silat Pertempuran: Vol. 2.

1. 
   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.



2. 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 !!!



3. 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)!



4. 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!!

5 comments about The Malay Art of Self-Defense: Silat Seni Gayong.

1. 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.



2. 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!



3. 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.



4. 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!



5. 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.

4 comments about Pencak Silat Pertempuran: Vol. 1.

1. 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!



2. 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.



3. 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



4. 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...

2 comments about Pencak Silat: Through My Eyes.

1. 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.



2. 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.