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

Product 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
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 (8)

Book on Tradition
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.

Excellent book!
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.

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. ... 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

Product 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 (5)

Excellent for those who need to be spoon fed
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.

****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

Product Description
SOFTCOVER - The third book in the series for the martial art of Pencak Silat Pertempuran. Covers philosophies, principles, breathing, and spiritual practices of this art. Also known as Combat Silat, a related art to Kali, Arnis, and Escrima. ... 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

Product Description
Recueil d'informations complet sur le Pencak Silat (art martial indonésien) Cimande Macan Guling. Le Cimande Macan Guling est un style originaire de la région de Banten (Ouest Java). Dans cet ouvrage vous trouverez l'historique, la structure technique, une présentation de tous les enseignants actuels du style ainsi que des ancêtres. Une source d'informations exceptionnelle sur cet art en plein développement. ... Read more

Product Description
Kapitel: Pencak Silat, Gelora-Bung-Karno-Stadion, Großer Preis Von Indonesien, Wta Bali, Kuntao, Indonesische Volleyballnationalmannschaft Der Damen, Sommer-Paralympics 2008/teilnehmer, Wta Surabaya. Aus Wikipedia. Nicht dargestellt. Auszug: Other reasons this message may be displayed: ...http://booksllc.net/?l=de ... Read more

Product Description
Kapitel: Eskrima, Filipino Martial Arts, Arnis, Pencak Silat, Pekiti-Tirsia Kali, Südostasienspiele 2005/arnis, Kali Sikaran, Yaw-Yan, Pangamut, Kuntao, Panantukan, Dumog. Aus Wikipedia. Nicht dargestellt. Auszug: Eskrima, Arnis and Kali refer to a class of Filipino martial arts that emphasize weapon-based fighting with sticks, blades and improvised weapons. Although training starts with weapons, empty hand techniques, trapping and limb destruction are also a core part of these arts as the weapon is merely an extension of the body. Eskrima and Arnis are the most common among the many names often used in the Philippines today to refer to these arts. The teaching of the basic skills in eskrima are traditionally simplified. With limited time to teach intricate moves, only techniques that were proven effective in battle and could easily be taught en masse were used. This allowed villagers, generally not professional soldiers, a measure of protection against other villages, as well as foreign invaders. This philosophy of simplicity is still used today and is the underlying base of eskrima. Because of this approach, eskrima and the Filipino martial arts in general are often mistakenly considered to be "simple". However, this refers only to its systematization, not effectiveness. To the contrary, beyond the basic skills lies a very complex structure and a refined skillset that takes years to master. For the purpose of simplification, Eskrima shall be used to refer to the interchangeable terms of Arnis and Kali for the rest of the article. For all intents and purposes, eskrima, arnis and kali all refer to the same family of Filipino weapon-based martial arts. In Luzon they may go by the name of arnis, arnis de mano, sinawali, pagkalikali, panandata (usage of weapons), didya, kabaroan (blade usage) and kaliradman. In the Visayas and Mindanao, these martial arts have also been referred to as kali, kalirongan. Kuntaw and silat are separat...http://booksllc.net/?l=de ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

you love it or not, but i do.
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.

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 ... Read more

Product Description
Chapters: Silat Melayu, Kateda, List of Silat Styles, Silat Medan, Weapons of Silat, Liu Seong Kuntao, Pencak Silat, Karambit, Tuan Haji Anuar Bin Haji Abd. Wahab, Silat Pattani, Perisai Diri, Seni Gayung Fatani, Pukulan Cimande Pusaka, Manyang, Pukulan Pentjak Silat Serak, Lian Padukan, Persatuan Gerak Badan, Tapak Suci, Pendekar, Bukti Negara, Lanka Silat, Silat Kalimah Panglima Tangkas, Bakti Negara, Silat Cekak, Golok, Pencak Silat Sharaf, the Serak Series, Paul de Thouars, Perguruan Pencak Silat Padjadjaran Nasional, Tongkat Silat, Sindo, Pencak Silat Qutooz. Source: Wikipedia. Pages: 146. Not illustrated. Free updates online. Purchase includes a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Excerpt: This page has been deleted.The deletion and move log for the page are provided below for reference. Wikipedia does not have an article with this exact name. Please search for Kateda in Wikipedia to check for alternative titles or spellings. ...More: http://booksllc.net/?id=4948739 ... Read more

Product Description
Les achats comprennent une adhésion à l'essai gratuite au club de livres de l'éditeur, dans lequel vous pouvez choisir parmi plus d'un million d'ouvrages, sans frais. Le livre consiste d'articles Wikipedia sur : Pencak-Silat, Sepak Takraw, Pekan Olahraga Nasional, Grand Prix Moto D'indonésie, Komite Olahraga Nasional Indonesia, Plongée Sous-Marine En Indonésie. Non illustré. Mises à jour gratuites en ligne. Extrait : Le silat est un art martial d'origine indonésienne, vraisemblablement de l'île de Sumatra. Il est également pratiqué aux Philippines, au Brunei, en Malaisie, à Singapour, dans le sud de la Thaïlande et plus généralement dans ce qu'on appelle le monde malais. Dans les îles de Java, Madura et Bali, il s'appelle pencak. La combinaison de Pencak et de Silat a été faite la première fois en 1948 lors de la création de la première fédération nationale, la fédération indonésienne de Pencak Silat : l'Ikatan Pencak Silat Indonesia (IPSI). Pencak Silat est depuis le terme officiel pour désigner l'art de combat des peuples Malais. En pays minangkabau, dans la province de Sumatra Ouest, "silat" se dit silek. La richesse, en langue minangkabau, du vocabulaire lié au silek permet de penser que c'est dans cette région que l'art martial est apparu. La pratique du silat et du pencak se caractérise par un grand nombre d'école ou aliran (littéralement : "courants"). On constate que le silat n'existe pas dans la tradition balinaise, même si Bali possède une tradition d'arts martiaux. En revanche, d'autres régions d'Indonésie, notamment le sud de l'île de Célèbes ont une tradition de silat. Par ailleurs, on observe que jusqu'à très récemment, n'étaient admis dans de nombreuses écoles traditionnelles de pencak-silat que les personnes de religion musulmane. Enfin, on ne connaît pas à ce jour de sources solides relatives au silat et au pencak antérieures au XVIIIe siècle, époque à laquelle la diffusion de l'islam dans l'archipel est déjà...http://booksllc.net/?l=fr ... Read more

Product Description
Les achats comprennent une adhésion à l'essai gratuite au club de livres de l'éditeur, dans lequel vous pouvez choisir parmi plus d'un million d'ouvrages, sans frais. Le livre consiste d'articles Wikipedia sur : Chinois D'indonésie, Ternate, Pencak-Silat, Jemaah Islamiyah, Cirebon, Religion Traditionnelle Javanaise, Sultanat de Pasai, Réseau de L'islam Libéral, Darul Islam, Sultanat de Banten, Nahdatul Ulama, Wali Sanga, Muhammadiyah, Gresik, Kudus, Hizbullah, Masyumi, Sunyaragi. Non illustré. Mises à jour gratuites en ligne. Extrait : Sous le régime de Soeharto, l'islam faisait partie des cinq religions officiellement reconnues parmi lesquelles les Indonésiens devaient choisir pour remplir l'obligation de faire mentionner leur religion sur leur carte d'identité. Les chiffres officiels de 1998 indiquent que 80 % des Indonésiens sont musulmans, 5 % protestants, 3 % catholiques, 2 % hindous, 1% bouddhistes, le 9 % restant étant constitué d'autres religions, ce qui inclut le judaïsme et le christianisme orthodoxe. Une illustration de la volonté de l'Indonésie d'affirmer son identité à travers son héritage historique et culturel sont les armoiries de la République, Garuda, l'oiseau de la mythologie hindoue qui sert de vahana (véhicule) à Vishnu pour descendre sur terre, et le nom de la compagnie aérienne nationale, Garuda Indonesia. Une autre démonstration de cette volonté d'une identité pluraliste est le nom de l'organisme membre du Comité international de la Croix-Rouge (CICR) : la Palang Merah Indonesia ou Croix-Rouge indonésienne. Des marchands musulmans étrangers commerçaient avec l'Indonésie et la Chine depuis des siècles. On trouve, dans un mausolée islamique à Leran dans l'est de Java, une pierre tombale portant une date correspondant à 1082 après J.-C. Ce sont surtout les sources étrangères, notamment chinoises mais aussi européennes, qui donnent des éléments permettant d'établir les jalons d'une histoire de la diffusion ...http://booksllc.net/?l=fr ... Read more

Product Description
Kapitel: Muay Thai, Sepak Takraw, Pencak Silat, Sommer-Paralympics 2008/teilnehmer, Krabi Krabong, Thailändische Rugby-Union-Nationalmannschaft, Thailändische Eishockeynationalmannschaft, Thailändische Volleyballnationalmannschaft Der Damen, Thailändische Volleyballnationalmannschaft Der Herren, Tour of Siam, Muay Thai Boran. Aus Wikipedia. Nicht dargestellt. Auszug: Sepak takraw (Malay: sepak raga; Thai: , RTGS: takro; Lao: ກະຕໍ້ "ka-taw"; Filipino: "sipa"; Vietnamese: "cầu mây"), or kick volleyball, is a sport native to Southeast Asia, although it was first originated from the Peninsular Malaysia of Malaysia. Resembling volleyball, except that it uses a rattan ball and only allows players to use their feet, knee, chest and head to touch the ball. It is a popular sport in Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, Myanmar, Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos, Philippines and Indonesia. In Malaysia, the game is called sepak raga or "takraw". It is also thuck thay (Lao: "twine" and "kick") while in Thailand it is sometimes called takraw. In Myanmar it is known as "chin lone". In the Philippines it is known as sipa, meaning "kick". In Australia it is known as Sepak Takraw. Similar games include footbag net, footvolley, football tennis, Bossaball, jianzi and sipa. Earliest historical evidence shows that the game was played in the 15th Century's Malacca Sultanate, for it is mentioned in the famous Malay historical text, "The Sejarah Melayu" (Malay Annals). The Malay Annals described in details the incident of Raja Muhammad, a son of Sultan Mansur Shah who was accidentally hit with a rattan ball by Tun Besar , a son of Tun Perak, in a sepak raga game. The ball hit Raja Muhammad's headgear and knocked it down to the ground. In anger, Raja Muhammad immediately stabbed and killed Tun Besar, whereupon some of Tun Besar's kinsmen retaliated and wanted to kill Raja Muhammad. However, Tun Perak managed to restrain them from such an act of treason by saying that...http://booksllc.net/?l=de ... Read more

Product Description
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)

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