Are you interested in Silat Systems?

I sure am!

As a student and teacher of a synthesized method that draws from various Silat Systems, I simply love the structured progression that my approach provides. While I wouldn’t trade my system for any other, there are many other approaches that do pique my interest.

Since I have been exposed to several other systems and I realize that there are other high-performance methods out there, I want to share them with you. This section of my site is for you …

… the interested onlooker,

… the beginning student, and

… the experienced Silat student or teacher.

The Silat Systems section of my site provides a wealth of information on a variety of systems. The systems detailed here were chosen for one or more of the following three reasons.

#1 – I have had direct exposure to them through personalized, one-on-one training.

#2 – I have had indirect exposure to them through very detailed and diligent individual study via video and books.

#3 – I have had indirect exposure to them through Internet-based research designed to reveal respected and popular systems.

Systems versus Styles

My motivation is simple …

… to give you valuable insight into the differences between a system and a style.

In today’s world where systems are plentiful, this insight will help you evaluate each system.

When I think of a system, I think of a highly structured approach to training that relies on a systematic arrangement of techniques, drills, principles, strategies, and more to deliver its curriculum.

On the other hand, to me, style is characterized by at least three things.

For starters, style refers to a particular, distinctive, or characteristic mode of action or manner of acting. For instance, Kari is a Silat style of fighting in which practitioners use a scissor-like motion that involves opening and closing the hands in a manner that they believe allows for quicker grabbing when an attacker tries to enter.

Next, style refers to the mode of expressing action in attacking or defending by selecting and arranging techniques, considered with respect to principles and strategies that are characteristic of the style. For example, Syahbandar is a Silat style that focuses on centerline engagements and wide stances.

Lastly, style refers to those features of a system’s composition that have to do with the form of expression rather than the content of the action expressed. For instance, Pamonyet is a Silat style that incorporates the stylistic movements of a monkey. Techniques are acrobatic and involve frequent transition from high and low positions. The style’s acrobatics and high-to-low (and vice versa) position transitions are merely expressions.

Others choose to view style as a way of doing each technique and of solving each problem. In this sense, style is largely personal as it is developed by each practitioner to suit their body, mind, and reflexes.

As a prospective student, your focus should be on finding an effective system that encourages the development of an individual style.

In closing, I understand that most people do not make the distinction between "system" and "style" this precisely.

However, as a Silat Systems fan you are not most people …

… You are smarter than most people. Therefore, I know you will not use the words interchangeably.

Noted Silat Systems

Buka Jalan Pentjak Silat

Harimau Berantai Silat

Mande Muda Pencak Silat

Maphilindo Silat

Pentjak Silat Bukti Negara

Silat Seni Gayong

Silat Serak

Walisongo silat

Return to Silat from Silat Systems

Return to Hebb Institute of Martial Arts from Silat Systems