Silat in West Mids, uk?

[BakbakanFighter]

Hi Guys,

I study many different martial arts at the moment and I specialise in FMA. I wondered if anyone could suggest which style of silat would be good be for me to study? I know that some forms of silat use weapons but I am more interested in learning the interesting empty hand movements and striking. Also is there anyone teaching in my neck of the woods, ie the west mids. Thanks in advance.

Graham

[Gajah Silat]

Are you going to the Black eagle gathering?

If so I know someone who you should have a chat with.

I'll PM you.

[crosstrainer]

Hi,

I tagged the same request (Silat instructors in West Midlands) onto earlier post on 'Effectiveness of Silat'. I can't pm as I don't have sufficient posts but can receive emails. If anybody does know of any instructors I'd be grateful.

Thanks in advance.

[glendy]

Hi Guys

Just to let you know I run 2 Lessons a week in Traditional Harimau Pencak Silat. I have a pre class running at the moment before going into the main class.
I am an apprentice instructor under Guru Paul Deans & Guru Mark Bloomfield In Yorkshire these are my core teachers. I have also worked with the Maha Guru Richard de-bordes & Besar Guru Randoph.

I offer traditional Harimau Mingnangkabau Pencak silat On Mondays & Thursdays. I am 2minutes away from Junction 4 M6 Or 1minute from junction 9 m42. I have a small but dedicated family of players

Regards
Glen

[Gajah Silat]

Glen,
I'm not sure the forum mods will not allow the last post as it will be construed as advertising You might get a virtual slap on the wrist

(I'm sure you didn't realise this!!!)

Cheers

[glendy]

oh sorry i forgot about that got used to using the other forum. Just trying to help some one out

[Gajah Silat]

Just didn't want you getting banned after one post that's all!

[Gajah Silat]

BTW Graham,

If Glen has trained under those guys he has very good credentials. I've only ever heard good things about the deBordes school, and I know 2 people that have trained with them. I think Pat O'Malley has also trained with them.

Suppose, it depends on what you are after. Sumatran and Javanese silat are similar in many ways but also have distinct flavour of their own....of course as with FMA there are many variations depending on region and lineage(usualy family).

Generally speaking, Sumatran/Minangkabau stuff is very low with highly developed legwork, whilst most Javanese stuff tends to be relatively more upright with more fisticuffs, elbows and locking. However, all silat has a lot of subtle leg techniques.

Anyway, it seems that a number of FMA people have some secret silat too!

[glendy]

Hi
Thanks for the kind words Gajah, but please don't forget when Maha Guru first came over to the UK he was also teaching 3 other styles Setia Hati (Java)& Jawa Barat (Java) & Sterlak (sumatra). The main core was the Lumphat Harimau style. After a time it was realised that it was better just to focus on one main style & introduce aspects of others styles later on.

I think its also important to mention as well that in the late 80's the Maha guru was comended by his teacher Maha Guru Adityo Hanafi for adapting the system to the urban enviroment i.e concrete floors, stand up, closed in enviroment etc. We do have the conditioning for the legs & its plays a vitial role in the development of the Harimau player, but we play at all levels & ranges upright semi recumbant & ground.

The silat we have is predominatley Harimau from sumatra, But maha Guru Hanafi's mother Ibu Hanafi was a very skilled setia hati player so the blend we have is both really.

Regards
Glen

[Gajah Silat]

Hi Glen,

I wasn't attempting to critique any system, just giving a very general overview of the main differences for Graham's benefit. I was referring to Minangkabau styles in general and not specifically Guru DeBordes schools. Apologies if I gave the wrong impression.

Salam Hormat

Martin

[glendy]

Hi Gajah

No offence taken my friend. Some times you hear the age old myths about Harimau players is that we all sit on the floor waiting for the attack because we are a ground art,or that Harimau is bad for your knee's, well yes if you dont do the pre exercises before learning a new type of kick, or that we have no stand up or hand techniques.

I just like people to get the full picture of what we do & in the words of Maha Guru Richard De-bordes "We not just sitting ducks you know"

Regards
Glen

[pammi]

silat in the birmingham area is also offered by nigel tropman at the mirfield centre which is a kali/silat class..
excellent intructor needs to be checked out.
thanx pammi..x

[saphai]

Glendy i am interested in coming to your classes. Do you have any contact details, and times that you teach.

Thank you

[BakbakanFighter]

Thanks for the help guys!

Gajah / Glendy,

A quick question for you, I broke my leg very badly some time ago and ever since certain things have been difficult. I can kick with it but weirdly cant skip! Figure that one out. I can cope with Muay Thai, but being up on my toes in boxing is agony. Yet I can train weights on my legs well.

Do you think there are certain types of Silat I should stay away from? (I am just a little worried about the leg work involved)...

Thanks for your help!

[bela diri]

Hi Graham
I wouldn't really know as I only do Harimau silat which is heavy on the legs. Some of the postures may cause your legs stress some won't. we tend to keep a flat foot on floor mostly if your bare footed, but I prefer a raised heel when using the upper art of our system. I know from experience that each injury is specific to the indivual person. So I would say try it if it hurts find a way to work around it.
regards
Glen