Convince Me That Silat Doesn't Suck Completely

**goodlun** · Posted On: 10/02/2012 8:14pm

or if he was interested in learning to use knives and sticks he could go with something that works. I don't know such as RealContact Stickfighting

**TheMightyMcClaw** · Posted On: 10/02/2012 9:44pm

Originally Posted by Sinister-6000

Most people that study Silat are more interested in the self defense aspects of it and how it relates to knife use and street application. There is also a still kept tradition where though some schools allow taping, most do not, especially at seminars. Why not go participate in a class yourself, just for fun, without expectation or judgement? I think there are one or two schools around Seattle. Google and go have fun. If you think it sucks that belief may be verified for you or you may find some fun material to play around with or incorporate with what you already have. Im pretty sure Mr. Dethouars is very skilled, even if some people think he is a little out there. He's been doing martial arts for over 60 years or so, been exposed to multiple styles and teachers and had students that came from different backgrounds that stuck with him a few decades. I think you can find some gems here and there.

http://youtu.be/hX6uQ-i7zrI

If you'll recall, it was training in Silat that led me to this extremely negative opinion. I was hoping the vast powers of the internet could sway me from it, but alas, they have failed me in this.

**ashkelon** · Posted On: 10/03/2012 2:13am

Silat aka the Jungle Booj

That said though, isn't there a relationship between silat and FMA?
Filipino silat must be close to kali etc. I know empty hand kali is many things, but is some of it good? I did a panantukan seminar with a guy that does silat and it was pretty cool, dirty boxing... The FMA idea that "naturally" you'll apply weapon techniques and principles empty handed is debatable though.

**bakuma** · Posted On: 10/03/2012 5:44am

**ashkelon** · Posted On: 10/03/2012 6:17am

anti-grapplz!

headbutting knees, tried and tested BJJ strategy.
so much fail...

**Chili Pepper** · Posted On: 10/03/2012 9:23am

Originally Posted by ashkelon

That said though, isn't there a relationship between silat and FMA?

Yes. Indonesia and the Philippines have been fighting and trading with each other for millennia, and the southern end of the P.I. is predominantly Muslim. I think the big division is that the Indonesians seem to like their stances and their forms, while the Filipinos eschew them. Some FMAs have forms (anyos/sayaws) but they don't seem to be a common thing, and it seems to me they only get trotted out for demonstrations.

**TheMightyMcClaw** · Posted On: 10/03/2012 10:07am

Originally Posted by ashkelon

Silat aka the Jungle Booj

That said though, isn't there a relationship between silat and FMA?
Filipino silat must be close to kali etc. I know empty hand kali is many things, but is some of it good? I did a panantukan seminar with a guy that does silat and it was pretty cool, dirty boxing... The FMA idea that "naturally" you'll apply weapon techniques and principles empty handed is debatable though.

From what I can gather - the relationship between Silat and FMA is akin to the relationship between Judo and Aikido. Similar principles and area of focus, except one is bogged down in mystical garbage and the other kicks ass.

**Permalost** · Posted On: 10/03/2012 10:57am

One of the things that FMA and silat have in common is the Majapahit empire. They also have influences from kuntao, from Chinese living abroad in both places.

**Fuzzy** · Posted On: 10/03/2012 11:05am

Isn't there a little bit of Silat on the Kali Tudo dvds?

**BJMills** · Posted On: 10/03/2012 11:31am

Originally Posted by ashkelon

Silat aka the Jungle Booj

That said though, isn't there a relationship between silat and FMA?
Filipino silat must be close to kali etc. I know empty hand kali is many things, but is some of it good? I did a panantukan seminar with a guy that does silat and it was pretty cool, dirty boxing... The FMA idea that "naturally" you'll apply weapon techniques and principles empty handed is debatable though.

Ha! Jungle Booj! It does kind of rival the booj with its, 'lunge punch and hold it out while I do all kinds of d3adly moves to you."