How is kembangan actually used?

[Garuda]

In our style the kembangan are not useless. For us the kembangan comprises all the techniques, that you can use in a real fight. And we therefore do not see the kembangan as a dance, but more as a series of movements in which the techniques are hidden. Some techniques are very obvious, but others are much less obvious.

Garuda...

[fire cobra]

can anyone describe any experiences they may have had when practicing their kembangan?,how about the length of time you practise your kembangan for,breathing paterns etc,thank you in anticipation

[Narrue]

Does anyone know if there is a practice in silat which involves doing a type of movement/dance over a circular geometric pattern marked on the ground, a type of moving meditation involving breathing exercise and stepping in a peculiar manner? I dont think it would be classed as kembangan but it is a type of a dance I guess.

[Orang Jawa]

Selamat Wali,
The Kembagang is CRUCIAL for anyone learning silat. The problem is that many schools don't have a proper understanding of this aspect of the art.
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I respectfully disagree, Kembangan or bunga-bunga are artistics movements that some have offensive/defensive value, some just borrow the silat techniques to make it looks artisticts or gymnastic show. With gendang of course.. Wayan Orang or Ketoprak for example.

>At it's essence, the Kembagang is the place where you bring all your silat together. A good silat man will be able to determine what another really knows by observing their kembangan.
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Disagree on the first one and agree the later.

>The Kembangan also raises a persons awareness, and if properly trained, greatly enhances peripheral perception, inreasing the effectiveness of fighting multiple opponents. It also helps with the alignment of the body, ensuring that correct posture and movement are perfected.
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Kembangan or bunga-bunga is just it, bunches of flowery moves..
Think about an apple trees, they start with pulp (basic), flower (movements) and Apple (technique). Is not all flowers to became apple, right?

>On a more spiritual level, it enables us to develop a deeper connection with the Creator, fellow man and Mother Earth. It enhances our perception of everything around us, and allows us to discern things better.
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I don't know about spiritual level, but you can impress audiences with that moves, and you may have a date after

>There is a lot more to the Kembagang than just flowery, dancy movements, but you need to go to a teacher that really knows it.
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Finally Wally, we both agree on this one!

>I have given you an extremelly basic explanation, as there is a lot more to it, but it's something that you are better of experiencing rather than reading about.
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Again, I'm agree with you! Silat is about doing and NOT about talking!
And I can be wrong too,
Tristan