No comments about Silat Melayu: Silat Melayu, Silat, Pencak Silat, Sanskrit, Indian Martial Arts, Buddhist, Silat Pattani, Hang Tuah.

No comments about Pencak Silat: Martial Arts, Indonesia, PERSILAT, Malaysia, Southeast Asia, Sumatra, Kuntao.

5 comments about Indonesian Pencak Silat, Pukulan Cimande Pusaka: The Principles of Destruction (vol. 1).

1. 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




2. 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.




3. * 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.



4. * 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.



5. To be frank, as it is obvious to see from the other reviews, you will either love this book or hate it. I believe that it is an excellent book, but the reason why the others here don't like it is because it is not a conventional martial arts book. It is "different,"so to speak. The author divided the pictures and the descriptions in the book, and if you start reading the book with a bookmark, this won't be that big a problem, as a matter of fact, I got used to it. However, if you're more into comfort, then I understand that you probably wouldn't like it, but I think it's not a big problem. The info here is invaluable, I fully commend the author. I have studied many martial arts, and I love martial arts, but most have still lost their intrigue the way they had it in the 80's, when I was growing up. The black"magic,"as the others here have called it, is why this art still holds intrigue for me, and I bought the book in 1999, and I am still not tired of reading it. Whether you believe in it or not, the practitioners of Pencak Silat can be seen doing their voodoo on youtube and it is obviously not a parlour trick. I am of the idea that any idea can have power if you give it power, but if not then it won't. If you laugh at it, then of course it won't be very big for you, but if you believe it, you can use it to do amazing things. This is for any religion or belief of any kind, and that's why this book is more than a Martial arts book. It's a good in-depth look at what these people believe, and what still gives them power today. I think that it's fascinating, which is why after 10 years (this year) of owning this book I still am not tired of it and will go back and turn it's pages once every couple of years, thoroughly, and still find it interesting.

No comments about Shadows of the Prophet: Martial Arts and Sufi Mysticism (Muslims in Global Societies Series).

No comments about Pencak Silat Cimande Macan Guling.

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.

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!!

No comments about Pencak Silat Pertempuran: Vol. 3.

5 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...



5. Poor photo quality.
   
   Claims to teach combative technique, then engages the reader with mythology, history and religion.
   
   If you are into the mystical, magical, "new age" Pentjak Silat, buy away.
   
   If you want to be functional, there's other material you need to check out.
   
   If you need to be spoon fed information and/or if you are one of those "technique-collectors", buy away.

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

1. 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.



2. 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!



3. 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. This book is very good at explaining what the pictures tend to lack in conveying due to it being a still frame photo, and not an animate instructor or video. The history of the art itself and its greatest practioners helps to build a better understanding, neglecting nothing essential. Too bad that more techniques and information couldn't fit in, although this is understandably due to it being only a single book.



5. Most of the book focuses on tradition and custom. Further, most of the illustrations on actual technique are rather small. The illustrations regarding the history of Silat are much larger than the ones regarding technique.